Chapter 60

Evelyn Sinclair finished speaking her mind and retreated to the private room to collect her belongings before leaving.

Just as she was about to enter her car, she realized with a start that her designer clutch had been left behind in the private room.

She turned to retrieve it herself, but Sebastian Hart stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. "Let me get it for you. Wait in the car."

Without waiting for her response, Sebastian strode back inside. Evelyn hesitated, then decided to follow after him discreetly. That's when she spotted Nathan Blackwood and Tristan Whitmore exiting through another door.

Not wanting unnecessary complications, Evelyn ducked behind the ornate fountain at the entrance, its cascading water providing cover.

"I heard Vanessa Holloway is returning soon?" Tristan's voice carried clearly in the crisp afternoon air.

Nathan responded with a noncommittal grunt.

Tristan chuckled. "It's been ages since I've seen her. I've actually missed her presence. Sure, she made mistakes, but your punishment was rather harsh, don't you think? She's always been one of us - surely you can find it in your heart to forgive her?"

The two men continued their conversation as they walked to Nathan's waiting car, their figures disappearing behind tinted windows.

The sky had darkened ominously, matching Evelyn's suddenly somber mood. A chilly wind whipped through her hair as she stared at the departing vehicle, an inexplicable tightness gripping her chest.

Vanessa Holloway will always be part of their inner circle, while no matter how hard I try, I'll forever remain an outsider to Nathan Blackwood.

That name - Vanessa Holloway - still had the power to send shivers down Evelyn's spine even after three years. She had believed herself free from its haunting grip, yet hearing it spoken aloud again brought back that same suffocating sensation.

"Pathetic," Evelyn muttered to herself, disgusted by her own reaction.

She knew Vanessa had fled abroad after that disastrous party. Out of sight had meant out of mind - Evelyn hadn't pursued the matter further.

But sending Vanessa abroad was considered punishment? And her return merely required Nathan's forgiveness? The absurdity of it made Evelyn's blood boil.

What about those three years when Vanessa drained me dry? I might find it in my heart to forgive others, but never her. So she's returning? Well, I'll be sure to prepare a proper welcome.

Sebastian reappeared, holding up Evelyn's forgotten clutch. His smile faded when he saw her ashen complexion. "Evelyn? Are you feeling unwell?"

She blinked, forcing a bright smile. "No, I'm fine. My driver's here - I should be going."

"Let me take you home." Sebastian guided her firmly into his car before she could protest, sliding in beside her.

Evelyn nodded absently, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Sebastian studied her profile, his mouth opening as if to say something, then closing again. The ride passed in heavy silence.

When they arrived at Evelyn's penthouse, she automatically instructed the driver to wait. Then she paused, meeting Sebastian's unusually solemn gaze.

"Aren't you going to invite me up, now that we're here?" His tone was light, but his eyes held uncharacteristic gravity.

Trusting his integrity completely, Evelyn stepped aside to let him enter. Somehow, his presence made the tightness in her chest ease slightly.

Sebastian suddenly laughed, the sound startling in the quiet apartment. In one fluid motion, he stood and pulled Evelyn into an embrace. Just as she began to struggle, he released her.

His eyes burned with unusual intensity as he leaned down, bringing his face level with hers. "He lost the right to affect you like this long ago, Evelyn. Remember - you'll always be my queen."

The sudden proximity left Evelyn breathless. His distinctive sandalwood scent enveloped her, making her pulse race unexpectedly.