Chapter 347

Evelyn Sinclair straightened her shoulders and announced, "Prepare the car. I'm going home."

Gabrielle blinked in surprise before nodding swiftly. "Right away. The driver is already waiting outside."

Nathan Blackwood rose from his seat, his piercing gaze lingering on Evelyn for a long moment. "Are you feeling better?"

Evelyn hesitated briefly. "Yes."

The softness in her voice caught him off guard. His stern expression melted into something warmer, almost tender. He had been so worried she might break—but he had forgotten. Evelyn Sinclair wasn't made of glass.

Only she could throw a tantrum like that and still walk away unscathed.

Nathan wanted to escort her back personally, but before he could step out, his phone buzzed urgently. Harrison’s voice crackled through the line, tense and rushed. With a reluctant sigh, Nathan bid Evelyn a quick goodbye and left.

The ride home was quiet. Evelyn stared out the window, her phone lighting up incessantly with notifications.

Adrian Blackwood had been the most persistent.

Ninety-nine unread messages from him alone. She didn’t bother opening them.

Instead, she lifted her phone and snapped a careless shot of the city skyline—blurred streetlights, smeared neon, the hazy glow of traffic.

She posted it with a simple caption: Beautiful night. I’m doing well.

Within seconds, her notifications exploded.

Adrian Blackwood: You post a pic but ignore my texts???

Ethan Caldwell: Photography skills: -10/10.

Julian Moreau: Get well soon!

Sebastian Hart: Send me your location.

She skimmed through the replies, responding to a few before a new comment caught her eye.

Harrison: Relaying a message: Beautiful shot. Professionals truly operate on another level.

Evelyn gritted her teeth. Of course. Harrison was just the messenger.

Was that supposed to be a compliment? Or was Nathan Blackwood mocking her?

Stupid man.

Back at Sterling Manor, Evelyn took a few days to rest.

Isabella Montgomery dragged her out—shopping, dining, arcade games—anything to bring back her usual spark.

Then, the variety show episode aired.

Evelyn never cared for live broadcasts, but she loved watching the edited versions. There was something thrilling about seeing the polished final product.

She watched the fifteen-minute clip with keen interest.

The editors had done an impressive job. They’d focused on Nathan’s guest appearance, carefully omitting Sophia Laurent’s drama, making the entire cast seem harmonious.

The comment section, however, was another story.

The internet had collectively decided that Nathan Blackwood had only appeared on the show for one reason: Evelyn.

Why else would a man who turned down every financial talk show suddenly show up on an adventure program?

Mr. Blackwood is in love with our queen, isn’t he?

This feels like an episode of "How to Win Your Ex-Wife Back (And Fail Spectacularly)."

Adrian doesn’t stand a chance now.

Evelyn, don’t waver! Julian is still the best choice!

The comments ranged from supportive to absurd. Some urged her to stay strong, warning her not to fall for Nathan’s charms again. Others begged her to forgive him, insisting he’d changed.

Do they think I’m an idiot?

She tossed her phone aside in frustration.

Days later, Adrian pitched the idea of a third episode.

Evelyn refused immediately. She had no interest in returning—especially now that she knew Nathan was the show’s primary sponsor.

Adrian reluctantly accepted her decision.

News of her withdrawal spread like wildfire.

The internet erupted.

This show is nothing without Evelyn! I only watched for her and Sophia’s hilarious cluelessness!

Evelyn, please reconsider and debut properly! You’re more entertaining than half the actresses out there!

Are you quitting because of Nathan Blackwood?

Speculation ran rampant. Her social media was flooded daily with questions about her relationship with Nathan.

Sterling Corporation finally stepped in with an official announcement:

Effective immediately, Evelyn Sinclair has resumed her position at Sterling Corporation.

Evelyn reposted it with her own message:

Time to get back to work.