Chapter 52

The model stood ready, removing his shirt with practiced ease. His expression remained impassive as he bared his sculpted torso, positioning himself according to the scanning protocol.

Evelyn Sinclair was the sole female observer in the room. Her breath hitched at the unexpected display, cheeks flushing crimson. She immediately averted her gaze toward Dominic Kingsley.

"What exactly is happening here?" she demanded through clenched teeth.

Dominic adjusted his glasses with a professional smile. "We're compiling anatomical references for our next generation of AI companions. Different body types for different preferences."

Understanding dawned on Evelyn. She bit her lower lip, thinking, This job just keeps getting more interesting.

A harried assistant rushed in, whispering urgently in Dominic's ear. His expression turned grave as he addressed Evelyn.

"Vice President Sinclair, would you mind overseeing the remaining sessions? I need to take these gentlemen for additional testing."

Before she could protest, the entire team filed out, leaving Evelyn alone with the AI tiger Leo cradled in her arms.

She stroked Leo's synthetic fur absently. "Guess we're running the show now."

The next participant entered before she could reconsider. Keeping her eyes fixed on the biometric display screen, Evelyn adopted the detached tone she'd heard the technicians use earlier.

"Please disrobe for scanning. Standard procedure."

When no movement followed, she frowned. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. This will only take a moment."

Still no response.

Exasperated, Evelyn finally looked up—and froze.

Nathan Blackwood's obsidian eyes bored into hers, his glacial stare sending shivers down her spine.

Her professional mask slipped for only a heartbeat before she recovered. "Blackwood Industries wasn't scheduled until Thursday. To what do we owe this... unexpected visit?"

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Dominic chose that moment to return, his cheerful demeanor faltering at the charged atmosphere. "Ah! Vice President Sinclair, I neglected to mention Mr. Blackwood's early arrival for the—" He glanced between them. "Oh. You've... met."

Nathan's voice dripped with icy amusement. "Care to explain why your vice president was instructing me to undress?"

Dominic chuckled nervously. "Standard biometric scanning! With your exceptional physique, Mr. Blackwood, you'd make an excellent reference model." He turned to Evelyn with a conspiratorial wink. "Wouldn't you agree, Vice President?"

Evelyn rose abruptly. "Not interested."

As she turned to leave, Leo suddenly squirmed free and bounded toward Nathan. The mechanical tiger rubbed against Nathan's polished Oxfords, tiny paws batting at his trousers while emitting plaintive whimpers.

"Papa! Carry me!"

Evelyn whirled around in shock. Nathan's expression darkened as he grabbed Leo by the scruff, holding the struggling feline at arm's length.

"Release me this instant! This is undignified!" Leo protested, limbs flailing.

Nathan sighed with the weary familiarity of someone who'd endured this routine before, tucking the squirming tiger under one arm. His gaze lifted to meet Evelyn's, but she'd already schooled her features into icy disdain.

With a contemptuous sniff at the traitorous AI, Evelyn strode out without a backward glance.

Dominic observed Nathan's thunderous expression and couldn't resist a quiet chuckle. "She was doting on that creature all morning. The moment you touched it? Couldn't get away fast enough."

Nathan's glare silenced further commentary.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had barely exited the building when her phone buzzed with a message from Isabella Montgomery, summoning her to lunch at a nearby bistro.

Still rattled from the encounter, Evelyn welcomed the distraction. After informing Bennett of her plans, she headed to meet her best friend.

Isabella had secured reservations at an exclusive new fusion restaurant. Over an extravagant spread, their conversation flowed easily—until Isabella suddenly burst into laughter.

"You have to see this!" she gasped, thrusting her phone at Evelyn.

The screen displayed Tristan Whitmore's latest social media post—a doctored photo of Evelyn and Nathan dancing, with Tristan's face crudely superimposed over Nathan's. The caption read: Now this is more like it!

Evelyn rolled her eyes—until she noticed Nathan's unexpected comment beneath the post.

Evelyn had blocked Nathan completely months ago, severing all ties with her ex-husband. Seeing his name pop up in the comments section was the last thing she expected.

The fashion world truly was a small circle.

Nathan's comment read: [Counterfeit.]

Though the remark itself caused no real damage, its intention was clearly to provoke.

Sebastian Hart immediately fired back with a dozen furious replies, cursing Nathan Blackwood to hell and back. But Nathan remained silent after that single jab - the battle was over before it truly began.

Evelyn rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Doesn't he have anything better to do with his time?"

Isabella Montgomery smirked knowingly. "He's obviously still obsessed with you. The whole world can see it. Why not give him a chance? Wouldn't it be delicious to use this opportunity to drive Nathan absolutely insane?"

"I don't date my closest friends," Evelyn said firmly, her brow furrowing. "If I had any romantic interest in Sebastian, I would have made a move years ago. Stop putting nonsense ideas in my head."

Her mind wandered to how she should handle this awkward situation with Sebastian.

"Forget about men," Isabella said brightly, changing the subject. "I've had my eye on a new necklace. Want to come check it out with me?"

Girl talk always lifted Evelyn's spirits. She nodded, craving some retail therapy after the online drama. The two women left the restaurant and headed straight for an exclusive jewelry boutique.

Isabella had reserved this particular piece weeks in advance. When the sales associate brought it out, Evelyn gasped - it was breathtaking.

"This necklace is the final masterpiece from renowned designer Laurent Dubois," the associate gushed, recognizing the two impeccably dressed women as high-value clients. "You ladies have exquisite taste. Would you like to try it on?"

Isabella nodded and handed it to Evelyn. "Go ahead."

The two were like sisters who shared everything. Though Evelyn owned enough jewelry to fill a vault - thanks to her brothers' extravagant gifts for every occasion - there was still joy in trying on beautiful pieces.

Just as Evelyn lifted the necklace, a familiar venomous voice cut through the air.

"Let her try it on? Can she even afford it?" The sneer came from Sophia Blackwood, who had entered with her usual entourage. "You shouldn't let just anyone handle your merchandise. Who knows what cheap perfume she's wearing that might tarnish the piece?"

The lingering scent of their earlier barbecue lunch clung to their clothes, giving Sophia ammunition. Still seething from her last humiliating encounter with Evelyn, she couldn't resist attacking.

Isabella's face darkened. "Mind your own business."

Sophia strutted forward arrogantly. "I want this necklace! Don't let her touch it - I don't want it contaminated." She glared at Isabella before smirking at Evelyn. "How much allowance did your sugar daddy give you today? Probably not enough for this. Save your pennies, darling. I'll take it."

Evelyn calmly addressed the associate, "Please wrap this up for me," as she set the necklace down. Her icy gaze locked onto Sophia, carrying a silent warning that made the other woman flinch momentarily.

But surrounded by her friends and the store's security, Sophia quickly regained her bravado. "I said that necklace is mine," she insisted petulantly, determined to deny Evelyn this small pleasure.

The associate hesitated. "I'm sorry, but these ladies were here first—"

"What did you just say?" Sophia shrieked. "I'm a VIP client! I get priority on whatever I want!" She shot Evelyn a triumphant look. Store policy did give preferential treatment to top-tier customers.

The associate gave Evelyn and Isabella an apologetic look and reached for the necklace—until Evelyn's hand gently stopped her.

A slow, dangerous smile curved Evelyn's lips as she withdrew a gleaming black titanium card from her wallet. The associate's eyes widened in recognition - this was the ultra-exclusive Centurion card, rumored to have no spending limit.

The atmosphere in the boutique shifted instantly. Sophia's smug expression faltered as Evelyn's quiet power filled the space. This wasn't just about a necklace anymore - it was about dominance, pride, and settling old scores.

Evelyn's fingers tapped the counter once, decisively. "Ring it up."

The security presence was obvious. Evelyn Sinclair wouldn't dare cause a scene with so many guards watching.

"I'll be taking this one," Sophia Blackwood declared sharply. She wouldn't back down, not when it came to standing her ground against Evelyn.

The boutique assistant hesitated, wringing her hands. "I'm sorry, but these ladies were here first..."

"What did you just say?" Sophia's voice turned icy. "As a VIP client, I'm entitled to first choice on any item in this store!"

She shot Evelyn and Isabella Montgomery a triumphant look. The store policy clearly stated priority access for top-tier customers.

The flustered assistant cast apologetic glances at the other women as she reached for the dress. Just as her fingers brushed the fabric, Evelyn's hand came down gently but firmly on the garment.

A knowing smile played at Evelyn's lips as she withdrew something from her purse - a gleaming platinum card with distinctive black engraving.

The assistant's eyes widened in recognition. This wasn't just any VIP card - it was the exclusive Blackwood family insignia, granting unlimited purchasing privileges.

Sophia's smug expression faltered as Evelyn placed the card on the counter with deliberate calm. The air between them crackled with unspoken challenge.

"Now," Evelyn said smoothly, her voice carrying quiet authority, "shall we discuss who truly has priority here?"

Isabella bit back a grin as she watched the color drain from Sophia's face. The game had just taken an unexpected turn.

The boutique's security detail stood nearby, making Sophia Blackwood hesitate to cause a scene.

"I'll be taking this dress," Evelyn Sinclair declared firmly. She wouldn't let Sophia have her way this time.

The sales associate hesitated. "I'm sorry, but these ladies were here first—"

"What did you just say?" Sophia's voice turned shrill. "As a VIP client, I deserve priority service! Anything I want should be mine!"

A smug smile played on Evelyn's lips as she watched Sophia's tantrum.

The boutique's policy clearly stated VIP customers received first pick privileges.

The flustered associate glanced apologetically between Isabella Montgomery and Evelyn before reaching for the dress.

Evelyn's manicured hand stopped her.

With deliberate grace, Evelyn produced a matte black card from her Chanel clutch. The edges gleamed with platinum trim, bearing an embossed constellation pattern.

This was the legendary Celestial Card - rumored to be held by fewer than a dozen individuals worldwide. Even European royalty had been denied this exclusive membership.

The associate's eyes widened. "M-Madam Sinclair! Let me package this immediately for you!"

All thoughts of Sophia vanished as the staff sprang into action.

Sophia's jaw dropped. "That...that has to be counterfeit!" she sputtered. "Don't be fooled by her tricks!"

Though Sophia had never held one, she recognized it instantly from society tabloids. The leaked photos of this mythical card were seared into every socialite's memory.

Yet here it was - in Evelyn Sinclair's perfectly manicured hand.

How? Why? The questions burned through Sophia's mind. What gave this woman the right to possess such status?

The store manager materialized, ushering other customers toward the exit. "We must ask you to leave immediately. The boutique will be closing for a private shopping experience."

Evelyn's laughter rang like crystal.

Isabella smirked. "Yes, do remove that eyesore quickly." She gestured dismissively at the fuming Sophia.

The boutique staff moved with military precision, transforming the space into Evelyn's personal showroom within minutes. Sophia stood frozen, her face flushing crimson with humiliation.

Evelyn casually examined her reflection, adjusting the diamond bracelet on her wrist. "Darling," she addressed the manager without looking up, "have my usual selections brought out. And do ensure certain...unwanted elements don't disrupt my shopping again."

The unspoken command hung in the air as Sophia found herself escorted firmly toward the exit by two security guards. The heavy doors clicked shut behind her with finality.