Chapter 83

The social elite all moved in the same privileged circles. Sebastian Hart had always been the darling of high society, his status as the second heir of the Hart family making him even more desirable.

So when these two socialites saw Sebastian treating Evelyn Sinclair with such deference, their faces drained of color.

"What's happening?" one whispered. "Didn't Evelyn have affairs with Alexander Sterling and Lucas Sterling? Why is Sebastian still defending such a scandalous woman?"

Evelyn pulled her hand away with visible irritation and turned to face the women. "You can either apologize now," she said coolly, "or I can make you apologize. Your choice."

The women exchanged nervous glances, their bodies tensing under Evelyn's piercing gaze.

Sebastian stepped forward, his smile chilling. "Are you both deaf? Choose!"

Confusion clouded their faces. It was clear Sebastian would physically remove them if Evelyn gave the word, regardless of social decorum.

Click!

Evelyn snapped a photo with her phone, her lips curving in satisfaction.

"What are you doing?" one woman demanded, bewildered by the sudden photograph.

"We're civilized people," Evelyn said smoothly. "I won't resort to violence. Since you refuse to apologize, I'll simply have your fathers do it for you. Though when that happens..." Her smile turned dangerous. "A simple 'sorry' won't suffice."

With Sterling Corporation's influence, ruining a few minor businesses would be child's play. Making entire companies disappear from New York could happen with a single phone call.

The women exchanged panicked whispers before forcing out reluctant apologies. Though they despised Evelyn, they feared the Hart family's power. With Sebastian openly supporting her, they couldn't risk retaliation. And if Evelyn reconciled with Nathan Blackwood... the consequences would be catastrophic.

These trust fund princesses contributed nothing to their family businesses. If they caused financial ruin over petty gossip, they'd be disowned immediately.

Evelyn tilted her head, tapping her ear. "I didn't quite catch that."

The women clenched their teeth, hatred burning in their eyes as they raised their voices. "Ms. Sinclair, we apologize."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Consider this your only warning. Next time, I won't be so civilized." She had countless ways to humble spoiled heiresses.

Checking her phone, Evelyn noted the time. The sounds of scandal still echoed through the banquet hall. Having no interest in further drama, she headed for the exit.

With everything exposed, Sterling Corporation would issue Olivia Kensington's termination notice by evening, effectively ending her career. Victor Kensington would suffer the same fate.

Just before reaching the door, another group approached - led by none other than Nathan Blackwood.

Sebastian snorted. "What a small world." He draped an arm around Evelyn's shoulders, whispering, "No need to thank me. We can't lose this battle."

Evelyn noticed Nathan's intense stare. She averted her gaze indifferently, walking past without acknowledgment, treating him like a stranger.

"Evelyn," Tristan Whitmore sneered, blocking her path. "You're more famous than actual celebrities these days. Planning a career change into show business?"

He'd been following the online drama all day. Seeing Evelyn humiliated was rare, and Tristan couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. Unfortunately, the trolls he'd hired had mysteriously gone silent earlier.

Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "Mr. Whitmore, is that any of your concern?"

"How can you still defend her when she's entangled with three men simultaneously?" Tristan scoffed. "Don't you find her... excessive popularity with men rather questionable?"

Evelyn gave him a sidelong glance. "If I were you, I'd learn when to keep quiet."

Tristan's face twisted in outrage. This woman dared lecture him?

Her lips curled in a mocking smile. "Because if I get angry, I could make you far more famous than I am." One leaked nude photo would decide who truly went viral.

With that parting shot, Evelyn walked away without sparing Nathan another glance.

Tristan stood fuming, teeth grinding. "Is she threatening me for life?!"

Nathan's cold gaze followed Evelyn before shifting to Tristan. "You brought this on yourself."