Chapter 41

The chandeliers flickered overhead.

Evelyn Sinclair swirled her crystal glass of champagne absently.

She leaned against the second-floor balcony railing, observing the sea of socialites exchanging hollow pleasantries below.

Nathan Blackwood happened to glance up at that exact moment.

Their gazes collided - his dark and unreadable, hers cool and detached.

Evelyn quickly averted her eyes, ignoring the sudden flutter in her chest.

That unexpected kiss during their dance had sent shockwaves through the ballroom. Nobody cared who had actually misstepped - the crowd only craved drama between these ex-lovers.

Any reaction would fuel endless gossip.

So when their lips accidentally brushed, Evelyn had immediately turned away. The music ended mercifully quickly, allowing her to retreat with icy composure.

She'd walked off without a backward glance.

Across the room, Tristan Whitmore joked with Nathan's circle. After dispersing the group, he studied his friend's aristocratic profile.

"You messed up that turn on purpose, didn't you?" Tristan blurted out. Others might not notice, but he knew Evelyn's timing had been perfect. The mistake was Nathan's.

Nathan Blackwood, raised in elite circles and trained in every social grace since childhood, couldn't possibly misstep during a simple waltz. Unless...

Nathan's obsidian eyes flicked to Tristan. "No."

"Good. Don't even think about that woman." Tristan shook his head. "I must be going crazy to imagine such a thing. Clearly she planned the whole scene! That scheming-"

Nathan's sharp look silenced him. Tristan immediately swallowed his words, loyalty overriding suspicion.

Meanwhile on the balcony...

Alexander Sterling had been pulled into business discussions, leaving Evelyn to survey the glittering crowd alone.

A familiar figure waved from the grand entrance. Her lips curved into a genuine smile as she waved back.

Sebastian Hart strolled over with effortless charm, leaning against the railing with rakish confidence. "Dragged myself to this circus just for you."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Your father forced you, and we both know it."

Sebastian grinned, unrepentant. "You're always my true purpose."

Before Evelyn could respond, an unwelcome presence approached. Her smile vanished.

"Evelyn Sinclair, have you no shame?" Sophia Blackwood sneered, flanked by her sycophants. "Divorced from my brother yet still throwing yourself at him? Our family would never accept trash like you!"

Evelyn suppressed a sigh. Just my luck tonight - every unpleasant person deciding to make an appearance.

Sophia had clearly come to assert dominance after Evelyn stole the spotlight - first with her stunning gown, then with that accidental kiss that had everyone whispering about reconciliation.

As if. Evelyn thought dryly.

Sophia trembled with barely contained rage. If not for her Blackwood pedigree, she might have lunged at Evelyn right then. That dress should have been mine! That moment should have been mine! She stole everything!

Evelyn's gaze swept over Sophia's entourage - mostly reluctant followers dragged into this petty confrontation. How juvenile.

"Well, well," Sebastian drawled, eyeing Sophia with cold amusement. "Who let the rabid Pomeranian in?"

Sophia flushed crimson. "This doesn't concern you! Are you her latest plaything?"

Sebastian's grin widened. "I like the sound of that."

Evelyn shot him a warning look before turning to Sophia with icy calm. "What do you want, Ms. Blackwood?"

Sophia jutted her chin. "Don't play innocent! You kissed my brother on purpose! Thinking you can worm your way back into his life? Dream on!"