Chapter 46

Sophia Blackwood's face froze in shock.

A sharp scream escaped her lips as icy water cascaded down her face and designer gown. The sudden chill made her entire body tremble violently.

Evelyn Sinclair casually placed the crystal decanter back on the marble countertop, brushing her hands together with deliberate slowness. Her piercing gaze never wavered as she delivered her warning. "You brought this upon yourself."

"How dare you, Evelyn!"

Sophia's face flushed crimson with rage. Her trembling fingers clutched at the ruined fabric of her Dior gown - not couture like Evelyn's custom ensemble, but still worth a staggering eight figures. A dress most celebrities could only dream of wearing, now completely destroyed.

Evelyn's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Do you honestly believe I'll tolerate your nonsense like before?" Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Test me again, and I'll settle all our accounts - past and present."

A visible shudder ran through Sophia as she caught the glacial glint in Evelyn's eyes. For the first time, genuine fear prickled down her spine.

But pride quickly overrode fear. As the privileged Blackwood heiress accustomed to universal deference, being humiliated at this gala was unacceptable. Her spare dress couldn't compare to this ruined masterpiece.

Gritting her teeth, Sophia lunged forward with a raised hand. "You'll pay for this, Evelyn!"

The slap never landed. Evelyn moved with panther-like grace, effortlessly dodging while seizing Sophia's wrist. In one fluid motion, she tangled her free hand in Sophia's carefully styled waves and shoved her toward the overflowing golden sink.

Sophia's face plunged into the icy water as her entourage gasped in horror. One sharp glance from Evelyn silenced them instantly.

Though Sophia thrashed violently, Evelyn maintained perfect control. When the lesson had been sufficiently delivered, she released her grip and stepped back without a single drop marring her own impeccable appearance.

The contrast couldn't have been starker - Evelyn, radiant and composed; Sophia, dripping and disheveled like a drowned rat.

Gasping against the wall, Sophia stared at Evelyn with dawning realization. This wasn't the woman she thought she knew.

"Ms. Blackwood," Evelyn said coolly as Sophia's friend rushed to her side, "I warned you I wouldn't tolerate disrespect anymore." She tucked a stray lock behind her ear with deliberate elegance. "Consider this your final warning."

With one last contemptuous glance at the shivering Sophia, Evelyn turned on her designer heels and strode away, leaving only the echo of her confidence behind.

The moment Evelyn disappeared, Sophia's screams of frustration finally erupted.

Evelyn should have been savoring her victory. Instead, she froze mid-step when she saw Nathan Blackwood leaning against the corridor wall, watching her with an unreadable expression.

How long had he been standing there?

She considered pretending not to notice, but his deep voice stopped her. "Evelyn."

Nathan remained motionless, visibly uncomfortable yet resigned. He'd heard the altercation but hadn't intervened - not when his family owed her far greater reparations.

Evelyn turned slowly, arching one perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"

Without waiting for his response, she added with mocking sweetness, "Oh, but you've come too early. Your sister isn't... presentable enough for company just yet."