Chapter 356

Evelyn's revelation hit the crowd like a thunderbolt.

Sterling Worldwide's global dominance made Thornton Enterprises look like small potatoes in comparison.

Celeste's face drained of color, her eyes widening in horrified realization.

She'd thrown away a diamond while chasing after cheap rhinestones.

The others exchanged stunned glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

Who would've guessed such an influential heir would hide his status so completely?

Evelyn didn't bother with their reactions. She simply followed Ethan out of the VIP lounge.

The moment the door closed behind them, a deafening crash echoed from inside - the sound of glass shattering against the wall, followed by Celeste's hysterical sobs.

When they reached the corridor's end, both exhaled sharply and simultaneously dropped each other's hands. Their eyes met with knowing smiles.

"How did you know about my family background?" Ethan couldn't hide his surprise at her earlier revelation.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Natalie told me."

Ethan muttered a curse under his breath. "That little-"

"Hey, it served its purpose," Evelyn countered. "No point hiding it now."

Ethan shrugged, unconcerned.

Before they could reach their private booth, measured footsteps approached from behind. A voice like chilled steel stopped them in their tracks.

"Leaving so soon?"

Nathan Blackwood.

They turned to face him. Evelyn crossed her arms. "Shouldn't you be comforting your friend, Mr. Blackwood? What brings you chasing after us?"

Gregory Thornton had finally gotten his comeuppance, but Nathan's stormy expression suggested he wasn't here about that. His gaze flicked to Ethan with predatory intensity. "You came here to make a scene deliberately."

It wasn't a question.

Ethan remained impassive, neither confirming nor denying.

Nathan's glacial stare returned to Evelyn. "I don't care about petty dramas. I'm here about you." His voice dropped dangerously low. "And him."

Nathan hadn't come to defend Gregory - Tristan had dragged him to this bachelor party against his will.

But seeing Evelyn enter that room hand-in-hand with Ethan, their effortless chemistry and unspoken understanding - it ignited something primal in Nathan. A possessiveness he couldn't control.

Evelyn sighed. "Nathan, don't you think you're overstepping?"

"Not at all." His response came without hesitation.

Nathan had always assumed no man could rival his place in Evelyn's life. Yet seeing Ethan standing there, receiving her public acknowledgment - it sent jealousy clawing through his chest with razor-sharp talons.

For the first time in his life, Nathan Blackwood felt genuine panic.

His attention snapped back to Ethan. The air between them crackled with barely restrained violence. "Is this real?"

The unspoken threat hung heavy - if Ethan answered wrong, Nathan would destroy him without hesitation.

Ethan glanced at Evelyn. "That's for her to say."

Before Evelyn could respond, Nathan's voice cut through like a blade. "Mr. Caldwell, give us a moment alone."

Ethan stiffened. The sudden shift in Nathan's demeanor was terrifying - like staring into the eyes of a predator moments before it struck. Yet outwardly, Nathan remained the picture of aristocratic composure.

Evelyn gave Ethan a reassuring nod. "I'll catch up with you later."

With a final assessing look at Nathan, Ethan walked away. He wasn't worried - the way Nathan looked at Evelyn left no doubt about his feelings.

An oppressive silence settled between them, broken only by muffled sobs from Gregory's party. The corridor's alcove shielded them from view.

"So this is how you replace me?" Nathan's voice was raw, the words scraping from his throat like broken glass.

Evelyn's breath caught. The pain hit like an electric current - sharp, sudden, and utterly paralyzing.