Chapter 454

Isabella Montgomery slammed the phone down without a word. What a terrible friend! Evelyn Sinclair immediately deleted the controversial post, watching as all those vicious comments vanished into digital oblivion. At last, she could breathe again.

She didn't need to explain herself to anyone. Isabella, with her notorious big mouth, would undoubtedly spread the "truth" far and wide. Yet despite this, rumors about Evelyn and Preston Sinclair's alleged romance spread uncontrollably, blazing through social media like wildfire. By dusk, tabloids screamed with headlines like "Evelyn's Secret Lover Revealed" and "The Billionaire's New Flame."

Evelyn's celebrity status was the envy of every socialite in Montecito. Anything bearing her name guaranteed viral attention. Currently abroad, she remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing back home. By the time she learned of the scandal, it had already spiraled beyond containment.

While the entire nation speculated about her love life, Evelyn happily attended her high school reunion. Returning from the event, Isabella's call came through.

"You're trending again!" Isabella sent a screenshot. Every trending topic revolved around Evelyn's supposed new relationship. Evelyn's brow furrowed.

"I'll have Dominic Young remove those topics immediately."

"Too late, darling," Isabella replied, clearly enjoying the drama. "They're already gone."

"Who handled it?"

"Who else? Nathan Blackwood, of course! He issued orders to crush anyone daring to publish such nonsense."

Evelyn stepped inside and scrolled through the day's trending topics. Not a single trace remained of the scandal. She calmly pocketed her phone just as Theodore "Teddy" Winslow approached, looking utterly miserable.

"What's wrong with you?" Evelyn asked. Teddy appeared completely drained.

"Mr. Blackwood's condition has worsened. He can't even keep food down now. I'm terrified he might not recover."

Evelyn's expression darkened. "Worsened? How?"

Teddy sighed heavily before meeting her gaze.

"Ms. Sinclair, have you seen what's happening in Montecito? Someone posted that photo of you and Mr. Sinclair online, twisting your professional relationship into something sordid. It's downright character assassination!"

"Clearly someone wants to sabotage our business partnership," Evelyn remarked.

Teddy huffed indignantly, his round face flushing. "When I saw it, I was furious—and it's not even my concern!"

Evelyn studied him curiously as Teddy continued fuming like an overgrown bullfrog.

"I already know about the rumors."

Teddy sighed again. "Then you must be furious. Those vultures speculated about your private life without restraint. Mr. Blackwood feared you'd be upset—that Sterling Corporation's stocks might plummet—so he immediately used his influence to suppress the stories."

"Mr. Blackwood is so thoughtful! A true gentleman," Teddy gushed before adding, "Would you check on him? Maybe bring some chicken soup?"

"Fine."

Teddy's eyes lit up, and he scurried away before she could change her mind.

If Teddy failed this mission, Nathan would undoubtedly toss him into the River Aurora without hesitation. Evelyn approached Nathan's suite and knocked calmly. No answer. She turned to leave when the door suddenly swung open.

Nathan stood there, his face alarmingly pale as he leaned heavily on his cane. His lips were bloodless. In his other hand, he held an IV bag, the tube snaking into his arm. Every movement seemed to cost him tremendous effort. Evelyn froze, momentarily stunned by his deteriorated state.