Chapter 464

Old Master Blackwood's voice crackled through the phone. "Stop wasting your time on Evelyn Sinclair."

His words carried the weight of finality. "She's constantly embroiled in scandals with male celebrities, and now this affair with Preston Sinclair."

"What respectable family would accept a woman with more scandals than you? If she marries into our family, how could we ever command respect?" Nathan Blackwood's piercing gaze shifted to Victoria Ashford, who stood meekly nearby.

The icy glare he gave her felt like a dagger to the heart. Victoria fidgeted nervously, unsure what she'd done wrong.

She tried to meet his eyes, but he'd already looked away. Was that disappointment or anger she'd glimpsed? Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression darkening. "If you want a marriage alliance, marry her yourself."

"Evelyn is my only choice." With that, Nathan ended the call, radiating an aura so cold it could freeze hell itself.

The crowd of well-wishers who'd been waiting to greet him suddenly found other places to be. Seeing the call had ended, Victoria Ashford timidly approached again.

She studied his face carefully before speaking in a soft, trembling voice. "Mr. Blackwood, would you like a drink?"

Nathan turned his head slightly, his voice dripping with frost. "Go tell Reginald Ashford not to pin his hopes on me."

Victoria blinked rapidly, confusion written across her delicate features. "I-I don't understand what you mean."

Nathan lifted his chin, locking eyes with her. The glacial contempt in his gaze made Victoria physically recoil. "Inordinate ambition." That was all he said before turning away, having seen straight through Victoria Ashford's transparent scheming.

The verbal slap stung worse than any physical blow. Her cheeks burned with humiliation, yet there was nowhere to hide. To Victoria, Nathan represented everything she coveted. Tears welled up instantly as she turned and fled the scene.

Onlookers whispered among themselves. Initially, they'd pitied Evelyn, but now their sympathy shifted to the "poor innocent girl."

Evelyn remained blissfully unaware of Nathan's movements. She'd been chatting with Preston Sinclair before circulating among other guests. The event was filled with familiar faces, making socializing effortless.

After several glasses of wine, Evelyn felt pleasantly warm and excused herself for some air. She smiled at Preston. "I'll be right back - just need to freshen up." Preston nodded gallantly and pointed down the grand hallway.

"Restrooms are at the far end."

"Thanks." Evelyn's heels clicked rhythmically against the marble floors. As she rounded a corner, the sound of muffled sobs reached her ears.

"What are you crying about?" A shrill female voice cut through the air, laced with cruel amusement. "Nathan Blackwood wouldn't look at you twice even if you were the last woman on earth. You're utterly pathetic!"

The speaker was none other than Victoria's half-sister, Penelope Ashford. If Penelope hadn't already married into the Montgomery family, this illegitimate sister wouldn't have stood a chance with Nathan.

Though Penelope berated Victoria mercilessly, her tone betrayed secret delight that Nathan showed Victoria no interest. Evelyn paused, frowning at the unpleasant scene.

Seeing no alternative route, Evelyn continued walking openly - she had nothing to hide. She found two strikingly similar women engaged in what appeared to be a regular occurrence.

Evelyn waited politely for them to notice her and leave, but they remained oblivious. Victoria bit her quivering lip, tears streaming down her face.

Penelope crossed her arms before suddenly pinching Victoria's waist viciously. Victoria didn't even flinch, accustomed to such treatment. She made no move to defend herself.

Still unaware of Evelyn's presence, the sisters continued their twisted dynamic. Evelyn watched helplessly - she hadn't meant to intrude.

"I'll try harder," Victoria whimpered.

Penelope sneered. "A gutter rat like you could wear the crown jewels and still look common. No wonder Nathan Blackwood can't stand the sight of you."

Her voice dripped with venom. "A homewrecker's bastard like you doesn't deserve daylight, let alone the Ashford name."