Chapter 472

The night air carried a crisp chill, wrapping the mansion in silence.

Theodore "Teddy" Winslow observed Nathan Blackwood standing motionless on the balcony. "Ms. Sinclair won't be returning tonight, sir. She just arrived back in town and is likely resting at Sterling Manor."

Nathan's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "I'm aware."

"Then why..." Teddy hesitated before voicing his confusion. "Perhaps it's for the best that Ms. Ashford stays. A little jealousy might bring Ms. Sinclair running back."

"Jealousy?" Nathan's expression darkened instantly. The suggestion felt like salt being rubbed into an open wound. His piercing glare made Teddy shrink back.

"Do you enjoy watching me suffer?"

Evelyn would probably celebrate Victoria Ashford's extended stay - she'd practically orchestrated their encounters back in...

Jealousy?

Nathan didn't dare entertain the thought.

Should he gamble his future on Evelyn's fleeting compassion?

No. He didn't deserve even that much.

Teddy retreated further into the shadows. What he'd assumed would be a simple business trip had spiraled out of control thanks to Preston Sinclair and Victoria Ashford's interference.

These weren't opponents to be taken lightly.

At this rate, Teddy feared he'd find himself tossed into the River Aurora before long!

Days passed without Evelyn setting foot in Highland Estates.

Her excuse? An overwhelming backlog at Sterling Corporation.

Truthfully, Evelyn found the distance from Nathan strangely liberating.

Between office hours, she reconnected with Isabella Montgomery and Natalie Beaumont. Sebastian Hart joined them whenever boredom struck.

It felt like returning to her carefree life before Nathan - warm, familiar, and satisfying.

Scrolling through her social feed, Evelyn chuckled at William Sterling's generation sharing health tips while society ladies like Isabella and Natalie posted shopping hauls, complaining about their "exhausting" privileged lives between expanding their empires.

But Sebastian's posts raised eyebrows. The usually flamboyant playboy had suddenly developed refined tastes!

Their circle flooded his latest with comments:

[Jade carvings? Since when did Sebastian Hart develop such sophisticated tastes?]

[If the Hart heir is investing in luxury decor, should we buy stocks now?]

[Sebastian, did you purchase land? Rumor says thousands of acres in the south just changed hands! Congratulations!]

Old Reginald Hart himself commented: [I don't recall you promoting our family's diamond mines with this much enthusiasm!]

The thread fell silent after that.

Amused, Evelyn shared the post with her own caption.

Isabella messaged immediately: [Why encourage Sebastian's madness?]

[Evelyn Sinclair: Just helping spread the word.]

A notification popped up - someone had replied to her share.

[Teddy Winslow: Our generous Mr. Blackwood has ordered two thousand pounds. Payment ready whenever.]

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up, calculating whether two thousand pounds would suffice. Simultaneously, Preston Sinclair replied:

[Preston Sinclair: I'll take whatever remains.]

Now that was impressive!

When Sebastian discovered this, he nearly danced with joy. Four thousand pounds perfectly divided between two buyers.

His call came through instantly. "You must attend tonight's celebration! Bring those two benefactors to sign contracts. I'll be waiting!"

Evelyn didn't even get to refuse. For a moment, she regretted getting involved. Yet both Nathan and Preston - two notoriously busy men - agreed without hesitation.

Nathan arrived leaning on his cane rather than using his wheelchair, projecting steady composure.

Preston maintained his usual aristocratic warmth.

The event's exclusivity surprised Evelyn - political heavyweights and industry titans mingled effortlessly. This was no ordinary gathering.

Inside, Sebastian Hart worked the room with practiced charm. Spotting Evelyn, he rushed over with outstretched arms. "My Goddess of Fortune!"