Chapter 75

The moment Lucas Sterling slid into the car, he ripped off his sunglasses with an impatient flick of his wrist. His piercing blue eyes burned with undisguised contempt.

He'd spotted that bastard Nathan Blackwood at the airport.

Evelyn Sinclair merely nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes," she said calmly. "His mistress has returned."

Nathan's presence was impossible to miss, and someone as observant as Lucas would have noticed immediately.

"That woman clinging to his arm?" Lucas scoffed. "Is the man blind?"

A wry smile touched Evelyn's lips. "He has... peculiar tastes." She glanced at her brother. "The paparazzi definitely caught us at the airport. Should we have your PR team handle it?"

Lucas waved a dismissive hand. "Let them run the photos. I want the world to see how desirable my sister is!"

Had Nathan not appeared so unexpectedly, Lucas might have been more discreet about their public display. But seeing that arrogant bastard had ignited something primal in him - a need to show Nathan exactly what he'd lost.

Evelyn Sinclair could have any man she wanted.

"Do you realize how many scandals I've been dragged into because of you?" Evelyn laughed, shaking her head. "At this rate, I might as well join the entertainment industry."

"Come work with me then!" Lucas grinned. "With my connections, you could rule any circle you choose!"

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the black sedan parked near the airport exit was thick with tension.

Harrison cleared his throat nervously. "Sir, where should we go now? Shall I take Ms. Holloway to her hotel?"

Vanessa Holloway turned pleading eyes toward Nathan. "I'd like to visit your parents first. I brought gifts from Paris. It's been so long since I've seen them."

Nathan's jaw tightened. His dark eyes were stormy as he replied, "You should visit the Harts first. Theodore's death anniversary is approaching. Isn't that why you returned?" There was an unmistakable edge to his voice.

Had he indulged Vanessa too much? Allowed her to grow too close? The thought made him sick. Was this why Evelyn had misunderstood their relationship?

An image flashed through Nathan's mind - Lucas Sterling holding Evelyn close, her body molded against his without resistance. The way they'd walked through the airport together, wrapped in each other's arms, completely oblivious to the world. The memory made his blood boil.

Vanessa flinched at Nathan's cold tone. She could feel his revulsion like a physical blow. "Of course," she said quickly. "But won't the Harts be even more depressed if I visit now? That's why I thought—"

Nathan cut her off with a sharp gesture. He wasn't interested in her excuses.

From the front seat, Harrison caught a glimpse of the pair in the rearview mirror and immediately looked away. The tension in the car was suffocating.

Vanessa's nails dug into her palms as she bit down on her lower lip. A sudden realization flashed in her eyes.

I'm certain I spotted Evelyn earlier. Isn't she involved with Alexander Sterling? How did she end up with Lucas Sterling, the Hollywood heartthrob? Ever since your divorce, she's been living quite the carefree romantic life, constantly surrounded by different men. Harrison, don't you agree?

Seeing Nathan's expression darken, Vanessa quickly redirected the conversation to Harrison, hoping he'd intervene and diffuse the tension.

But Harrison, when addressed, didn't even glance up from his tablet. He pretended to be engrossed in work arrangements, deliberately ignoring her question.

The silence stretched for an uncomfortable ten seconds.

Her attempt at manipulation had failed spectacularly.

Vanessa's grip tightened on her dress as the car pulled up to The Grandeur's entrance. Shock flickered across her face.

"Nathan, I—"

Staying at a hotel was the last thing Vanessa wanted. Now that Evelyn was out of the Blackwood family, this was her chance to rightfully reside at Highland Estates!

Nathan checked his watch but made no move to exit the vehicle. His cold gaze swept over her. "You should spend more time with Theodore's parents. I'll arrange for your return to Paris after his memorial service."

Vanessa's face froze. He's sending me away again? Is there truly no hope for us?

"Drive," Nathan commanded.

"Wait!" Vanessa leaned forward desperately, her eyes welling up. "Are you still angry with me? Is this about when I used Evelyn's identity? That's all in the past now! You never even loved her, so why does it matter? If you're still upset, I'll apologize to her—"