Chapter 493

Evelyn Sinclair knew William Sterling was just teasing her.

She didn't take offense and cheerfully tugged at Isabella Montgomery's arm.

"I'm creating opportunities for you," William murmured under his breath.

"If she socializes more, she won't be so easily manipulated!" The thought amused him. Evelyn shot Isabella an exasperated look. "I have a business dinner tonight. You go ahead with your celebration."

Just thinking about Isabella's parties gave Evelyn a migraine. Endless trays of gourmet food and expensive champagne—things she'd long grown indifferent to. Closing another deal sounded far more appealing.

Isabella plopped down beside Evelyn, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "This time is different. I've prepared a special surprise!" Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "International male supermodels—your exact type. You have to come see!"

Evelyn gave her a deadpan stare.

Supermodels? Isabella, who couldn't be bothered to learn the basics of their family business, somehow had encyclopedic knowledge of the modeling world. Evelyn didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Nearby, William pretended intense fascination with the koi pond, though his shoulders shook with silent laughter. "Evie, why waste time with stuffy businessmen? Send Alexander instead. Go have fun with Bella—and don't come home early!"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, suspecting he'd overheard Isabella's whisper. Before she could protest, Isabella dragged her toward the door. "Don't worry, Uncle William! We'll be back before midnight!"

William waved them off. "Take your time!" The household staff exchanged knowing glances.

Velvet Lounge, Private Room

Evelyn entered behind Isabella to find Natalie Beaumont and Sebastian Hart lounging on plush sofas, scrolling through their phones.

The room's centerpiece was impossible to miss—a curated selection of male models, some globally recognized faces among them.

Their collective gaze snapped to Evelyn the moment she stepped in. Instant regret flooded her.

Isabella blocked her escape route, nudging her forward.

Evelyn's fitted black dress accentuated every curve. The smoky eye makeup softened her usual icy demeanor, transforming her into someone entirely different tonight.

Natalie waved drunkenly, cheeks flushed. "You're finally here!" She patted the seat beside her.

Evelyn sat, arching a brow. "How many have you had?"

Natalie leaned in, breath warm against Evelyn's ear. "I found your perfect gift." With a dramatic flourish, she gestured toward the shadowed corner.

A lone figure sat there, his silhouette strikingly familiar.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Nathan Blackwood?

But when the man turned, the differences became apparent. Softer brows. Warmer eyes lacking Nathan's calculating sharpness. He carried the fresh-faced innocence of a recent graduate, though his bone structure bore an uncanny resemblance—far more than Adrian Blackwood, Nathan's own nephew.

"Meet Xavier Delmont," Isabella announced proudly. "International runway model. I discovered him during Paris Fashion Week."

Natalie beamed. "Isn't he perfect?"

The young man approached hesitantly. Up close, his clean-cut handsomeness was undeniable—though he lacked Nathan's commanding presence. "Ms. Sinclair," he greeted politely.

Evelyn forced a smile before whirling on Natalie. "You know how I feel about that man! Why would you bring me his carbon copy?"