Chapter 478

Nathan's perspective showed Evelyn sitting gracefully while Preston knelt before her in a posture that could easily be mistaken for a marriage proposal.

The tenderness in Preston's movements as he removed Evelyn's shoes sent waves of discomfort through Nathan.

They resembled a couple deeply in love! Nathan's expression darkened, his icy glare fixed dangerously on Preston.

Though Preston heard Nathan's voice, he calmly finished putting Evelyn's shoes back on before rising with perfect composure.

"Ms. Sterling, you should have someone bring you a change of clothes and wait in the upstairs lounge." Evelyn thanked him naturally before texting Lucas to prepare a new dress and shoes.

Lucas remained her most reliable sibling. She wouldn't trust her bodyguard Marcus with fashion choices - the man had no sense of style whatsoever.

Nathan approached with thunderous steps, his stormy gaze locked on Preston. Seeing another man touch what he considered his property ignited possessive fury within him.

He was losing control! Despite his limp and cane, Nathan's presence remained commanding and intimidating.

Preston met Nathan's gaze without flinching, his gentlemanly demeanor matching Nathan's intensity blow for blow.

Sparks flew between the two men as their silent battle raged. "What exactly were you doing just now?" Nathan repeated, his voice dripping with venom.

His eyes burned when they landed on Preston's suit jacket wrapped around Evelyn's shoulders. The sight felt like a knife twisting in his gut.

Nathan's gaze flickered with barely restrained fury.

Evelyn walked past him, pausing briefly to murmur, "We don't owe you explanations for our actions, do we?" Her tone made clear she resented Nathan overstepping boundaries.

He needed to remember his place. Besides, if Victoria Ashford was behind this incident, Nathan bore responsibility. Without his past entanglements, Evelyn wouldn't have nearly suffered public humiliation.

Without waiting for Nathan's response, Evelyn ascended to the lounge. Nathan's expression darkened further, his eyes becoming storm clouds.

Preston approached with a polite smile, his face carefully neutral. "Mr. Blackwood, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Some things simply can't be forced."

Nathan's sharp eyes narrowed dangerously. "Regardless, it remains my horse. No one else is worthy to touch it." The temperature in the room seemed to plummet instantly.

Outside, reporters and fans remained oblivious to this explosive confrontation - had they known, it would have sparked another media frenzy.

Upstairs in the private lounge...

Lucas arrived with replacement attire, exasperated yet efficient as always when dealing with his troublesome sister. "Fortunately the sponsors carry your preferred brand, though these are off-the-rack pieces."

"Don't you usually wear custom designs for these events?" Evelyn sighed in relief as she removed Preston's jacket and turned her back to Lucas.

"Look at this!" The zipper had broken, exposing a scandalous amount of skin. While Evelyn had an enviable back, this dress wasn't designed to be backless, making the malfunction particularly inappropriate.

Having collaborated with her favorite designer for years, Evelyn knew this wasn't a production error. Lucas's eyes widened in shock. "What the hell? Who did this? Bennett can't even do his job properly?" His anger flared at the deliberate sabotage.

Evelyn gathered the new clothes and headed for the changing room. "It wasn't Bennett. Someone else is responsible."

"Who? I'll make them pay!" Lucas's protective instincts roared to life - nobody messed with his baby sister.

Evelyn chuckled softly as she closed the door. "I'll handle it. You can go now." Lucas stormed out, his fury barely contained.