Chapter 40

Evelyn Sinclair froze when she heard her name announced. The last person she wanted to interact with was Nathan Blackwood, yet here she was, trapped in this impossible situation with every eye in the room fixed upon her.

The tension between them since their divorce made this unexpected collaboration even more electrifying.

Nathan hadn't anticipated this either. Without question, Dominic Kingsley had orchestrated this moment.

As Evelyn hesitated, Nathan strode toward her with effortless grace. His cool demeanor never faltered as he extended his hand in invitation, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

The entire ballroom held its breath.

Refusal wasn't an option - not when this three-way partnership hung in the balance. Alexander Sterling gave his sister an encouraging nod. With practiced poise, Evelyn placed her hand in Nathan's.

Guests parted like the Red Sea before them. Evelyn gathered her gown with her free hand, avoiding Nathan's eyes. His palm felt surprisingly cool against hers. In that moment, Nathan realized with startling clarity - during their entire three-year marriage, they'd never held hands like this. Not once.

Evelyn's fingers were delicate yet strong, like porcelain wrapped in silk. The warmth of her touch seared itself into his memory.

The orchestra struck up a lively waltz at precisely the right moment, filling the grand hall with sweeping melodies.

When Evelyn's hand came to rest on Nathan's shoulder, their eyes met briefly. His dark, intense stare seemed to peel back her carefully constructed layers. As his hand settled at the small of her back, Evelyn stiffened imperceptibly at the unfamiliar contact.

They'd never been this physically close during their marriage. The irony wasn't lost on her.

It took Evelyn mere seconds to regain her composure. Her practiced social mask slipped into place - the picture of polite indifference.

Their flawless footwork and regal bearing captivated the room as the music drowned out their private exchange.

"Didn't know you could dance," Nathan murmured, his deep voice laced with amusement.

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "There's much you don't know about me." Her tone carried just enough bite.

Nathan's grip tightened fractionally as the tempo increased. The music swelled, pulling them closer together.

"Was this partnership your idea or Sterling Corporation's?" he pressed.

Evelyn executed a flawless spin before returning to his arms. "Some mysteries are better left unsolved," she countered with a mocking smile.

For three years, he'd never bothered to truly see her. Why start now?

To Nathan, Evelyn had been merely a background character in his life's story. For Evelyn, their marriage had been a masterclass in disappointment.

Spotlights illuminated the striking pair. Nathan cut his usual dashing figure - tall, commanding, effortlessly elegant. Evelyn's gown shimmered with each graceful movement, her beauty breathtaking. If one could pause time, they'd see dozens of guests subtly catching their breath.

Every eye followed their perfectly synchronized movements. To outsiders, they appeared the picture of harmony. Only they knew the truth.

Evelyn counted the measures, willing the song to end. Nathan's proximity set her nerves alight. His scrutinizing gaze burned hotter than the chandeliers above.

As the final notes approached, Nathan leaned in while Evelyn arched back in the dance's natural conclusion. Her slender neck curved gracefully, the picture of refinement.

Then Nathan broke protocol.

Instead of stepping away, he held his position. Their lips hovered mere centimeters apart - her soft pink against his firm line.

The music's last note hung suspended in the air, mirroring the electric tension between them. Time itself seemed to hold its breath.