Chapter 462

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Reginald Ashford flashed a practiced smile. "Nathan, allow me to introduce my youngest daughter Victoria. She's been raised in Europe, so she's rather reserved—this being her first society event. Do be gentle with her." Nathan Blackwood responded with a polite but distant nod.

Evelyn Sinclair studied Victoria Ashford carefully. The girl's mannerisms betrayed none of the sophistication expected from European upbringing. Noticing Evelyn's scrutiny, Victoria offered a nervous smile before lowering her gaze.

Recognizing the father-daughter duo's intentions, Evelyn saw no reason to linger. She gave Nathan's shoulder an affectionate pat. "Mr. Blackwood, I'll leave you to your conversation. I should find some refreshments." Before Nathan could protest, Reginald boomed with laughter. "Enjoy yourself, Ms. Sinclair."

With a serene smile, Evelyn turned away.

The exchange hadn't gone unnoticed. To onlookers, Evelyn's retreating figure appeared heartbreakingly solitary, stirring whispers of sympathy. Selecting a slice of cake, she settled into a quiet corner—only for Preston Sinclair to join her moments later.

Loosening his tie with a weary sigh, Preston appeared genuinely contrite. "My apologies for abandoning you after bringing you here."

Evelyn waved off his concern gracefully. "Mr. Sinclair, you've just returned to Montecito. Naturally, everyone wants a piece of your time. It's completely understandable."

Having consumed considerable wine earlier, Preston now sipped sparkling water. "Nathan's here?" His gaze drifted toward the other man and froze. "Ashford Group?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, impressed. "You recognize Reginald Ashford after just returning?"

Preston chuckled darkly. "I studied Western Montecito's investment landscape. Chairman Ashford hoards his mining assets like a dragon guarding treasure—hardly progressive." Evelyn nodded in agreement.

"I heard he has a daughter named Penelope?" Evelyn shook her head. "The one with him is Victoria. Claims she was raised abroad." Preston crossed his legs with a derisive snort.

His commanding presence seemed to shrink the space around them. "Who's he fooling? That's clearly his bastard child. Only dared acknowledge her after his wife's passing."

Evelyn's admiration grew. Who knew Wall Street's golden boy kept such scandalous tabs? Rivaling even Lucas's gossip prowess. This explained Victoria's awkwardness among society's elite.

Preston cleared his throat. "Business intelligence requires knowing players'... vulnerabilities." Their eyes met—his gleaming with shared amusement, hers sparkling with newfound respect. The moment stretched, their proximity appearing intimate to observers.

Was the online rumor mill correct about Preston being Evelyn's new romantic interest? The scene burned in Nathan's vision from across the room. Reginald had strategically left Victoria to charm Nathan alone. The girl trembled with nervous excitement—twenty years as an unacknowledged heir finally over.

The day Reginald's wife died became Victoria's rebirth. No longer would she endure servants' sneers or live in Penelope's shadow at Aspen Lodge. Marrying Nathan Blackwood would erase the stain of illegitimacy forever.

Reginald had been brutally clear: Victoria only gained recognition because the Blackwoods sought marriage alliances among elite families. With Penelope already wed, Victoria became suddenly useful. Though resentful, Victoria recognized this as her sole opportunity.

Stealing a glance at Nathan, she marveled at the man who seemed carved from marble—the untouchable tycoon from magazine spreads now within reach. Biting her lip, Victoria gathered her courage and stepped forward.