Chapter 48

The soft strains of a violin concerto filled the luxurious car interior. Evelyn Sinclair absently traced the embroidery on her dress hem as the familiar melody of "Nocturne" washed over her.

Alexander Sterling glanced sideways at his sister. "Lil E, is Sebastian Hart pursuing you?" His sharp eyes had noticed the unusual attention from their family friend.

Evelyn's fingers stilled momentarily before she laughed it off. "Don't be ridiculous. He's just being playful. It'll pass soon enough."

Alexander turned his gaze forward, chuckling. "Good."

"You don't approve?" This surprised Evelyn. The Sterlings and Harts had maintained close ties for generations.

"He's had more girlfriends than I can count, and his personal life is... complicated." Alexander hesitated before adding, "Not that it matters if he makes you happy."

Evelyn shook her head in amusement. "What are you implying? He's practically family! Besides, romance isn't on my agenda right now. I'm focused on building my career."

Alexander visibly relaxed. "Exactly. Men are temporary. You can have your pick whenever you're ready."

Meanwhile at the Velvet Lounge...

Nathan Blackwood had already emptied three whiskey bottles by the time his friends arrived. Tristan Whitmore hovered nearby, torn between concern and resignation.

Gregory Thornton and the others exchanged shocked looks as they entered the private room. Nathan hadn't drowned himself in alcohol like this since Theodore Hart's funeral years ago.

"What's going on?" Gregory asked as they settled around the table. Nathan poured another glass without blinking, the amber liquid disappearing down his throat effortlessly.

"Sit," Nathan commanded, gesturing vaguely. When everyone had drinks, Gregory turned to Tristan. "What happened?"

Tristan pressed his lips together. What could it possibly be? That damned ex-wife of course - though he wisely kept this thought to himself.

Nathan tugged at his loosened collar, exposing his collarbone. "Three years of marriage," he slurred, "and I never properly introduced her to you all. Evelyn Sinclair. Do you even know her?"

The name had been circulating in their circles recently. Who hadn't heard of the Sterling heiress?

Gregory scoffed. "Blackwood, you're from different worlds. Divorce was inevitable. We should be celebrating!" Tristan's frantic eye signals went ignored.

"Exactly! She was never really one of us," another friend chimed in. "We never acknowledged her as our sister-in-law. Didn't she marry you for your money anyway? Classic gold digger - don't let it get to you."

Nathan's expression darkened. "A gold digger?" He laughed bitterly. "Then why did she return every cent I gave her? Why walk away empty-handed? My family treated her like dirt, yet she never complained. My friends ignored her, and she just... accepted it. What was her game?"

The alcohol burned his throat as Tristan recounted the evening's events. The others remained unmoved, refilling their glasses.

"You're too soft-hearted," Gregory declared. "Not your fault if she couldn't handle your family."

"Women create their own drama," another added. "If she had issues, she should've spoken up. Every family has conflicts."

"Enough," Nathan suddenly growled, slamming his glass down. "Tristan, you're usually full of ideas. Why so quiet tonight?" His drunken gaze sharpened. "Unless... you're worried she still has those photos of you?"

The room erupted in laughter as the alcohol flowed freely. In his haze, Nathan kept seeing Evelyn's disgusted expression when she'd last looked at him. If she wanted them to be strangers... should he grant that wish?