Chapter 36

The newly opened Valentine's Bistro sat directly above Tristan Whitmore's restaurant. It had become the talk of the town, so Tristan insisted on checking it out personally—dragging Nathan Blackwood along with him.

The waiter repeatedly emphasized that this was a couples-only establishment.

Tristan smirked at Nathan and playfully tugged at his sleeve. "Don't we make a convincing pair?"

"Blackwood, Whitmore—what a coincidence."

A man and woman approached their table. Gregory Thornton looked every inch the polished aristocrat, while the woman clinging to his arm was a rising social media star with delicate, doll-like features.

Tristan scoffed under his breath. "What are you doing here?"

"Lily insisted this place was charming," Gregory said with a knowing grin. "Though I didn’t realize it was exclusively for couples." He barely suppressed a laugh.

They had all grown up together, so formalities were unnecessary. Nathan shot Tristan a glare, his jaw tightening.

Gregory found the situation amusing—Nathan was rarely caught off guard. Without waiting for an invitation, he pulled out a chair, seating his date across from Nathan. Lily’s eyes lingered on Nathan’s striking features, her pulse quickening, though she dared not speak a word with Gregory watching.

"Hey, Blackwood," Gregory drawled, tilting his chin toward the dance floor. "Isn’t that your scheming ex?"

The music shifted to something slow and dreamy. Sebastian Hart guided Evelyn Sinclair onto the floor, murmuring, "Just one dance. Since we’re here, why not enjoy the atmosphere?"

Before Evelyn could protest, the melody swelled, making a refusal impossible. Fine. It’s just a dance. The rhythm picked up, and after a brief misstep, they fell into perfect sync, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. The surrounding couples paused to watch—the man devastatingly handsome, the woman radiant, her dress swirling like liquid silver.

As the song ended, Sebastian caught sight of a familiar figure in the shadows. In one swift motion, he spun Evelyn into his arms, shielding her from view, and dipped her low—creating the illusion of a passionate kiss.

The restaurant erupted in applause.

Before Evelyn could react, Sebastian chuckled and whisked her outside.

In the corner, Nathan’s expression darkened.

Tristan watched the departing pair with a derisive snort. "Overrated. Sure, they danced well, but it’s not like they’re professionals." He’d never admit Evelyn had talent. "That gold-digger moved on fast, didn’t she?"

Nathan’s gaze snapped to Gregory. "Scheming ex? Is that what you call her?"

Gregory shrugged. "What else? She trapped you for your money. We were all relieved when you divorced her."

Nathan’s knuckles whitened around his glass.

Unaware, Gregory continued, "Remember that night we got wasted after your wedding? She called at 2 AM, demanding to know where you were. I told her to back off—marrying you was privilege enough for someone like her."

A glass slammed onto the table. The laughter died instantly.

Tristan blinked. Nathan was furious—over her?

Gregory faltered. Everyone knew Nathan had despised that marriage.

Lily trembled, realizing she’d misjudged the dynamics entirely.

"Blackwood—" Gregory looked to Tristan for help.

Before Tristan could speak, Nathan leaned forward, his voice lethally calm. "Gregory, since you’re so invested in my affairs, why don’t you run the Blackwood family?"