Chapter 96

The Blood Transfusion?

Lucas's body tensed momentarily.

Though he instantly regretted his impulsive words, there was no taking them back now.

Natalie waved her hands quickly. "No, thank you."

"It's too extravagant. I wouldn't even use it."

Evelyn was firm. "Absolutely not! We don’t have to use it, but we need one. You have to accept this!" She grinned at Lucas. "Our superstar here isn’t exactly short on cash, right?"

Since Lucas was footing the bill for the yacht, Evelyn was more than pleased.

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head in amused resignation.

"Yeah, what’s a yacht? If Nikki insists, consider it a small gift. Buying one is nothing for me." He smirked. "Can’t let my baby sister’s bragging go to waste, can I?"

Natalie, knowing the Sterling family’s wealth and closeness with Evelyn, didn’t refuse again.

"Thanks, Lucas," she said softly.

Lucas lifted a brow and reached out to ruffle her hair. "Don’t mention it."

Natalie blinked, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

But Lucas’s attention was already back on Evelyn, his voice dripping with affection. "Happy now? Can we finally go home?"

Evelyn nodded, looping her arm through his and waving at Natalie. "Bye, Nat!"

In their three years of marriage, Evelyn had never been so bold as to demand gifts from Nathan. All he’d ever given her was money—cold, impersonal transactions.

Now, watching her effortlessly ask another man for something so extravagant, Nathan’s chest tightened with discomfort. His expression darkened.

Evelyn and Lucas turned—only to freeze at the sight of Nathan Blackwood and Tristan Whitmore standing at the entrance.

The smile vanished from Evelyn’s face, replaced by icy indifference.

Nathan’s heart twisted painfully at the change.

She didn’t even glance at me. She must truly despise me now.

Tristan, for once, had the sense not to mock Evelyn. Not when she held his compromising photos. Provoking her would make him the world’s biggest joke.

Still, they couldn’t ignore the couple.

"Mr. Sterling," Tristan said smoothly, forcing a smile. "What a coincidence."

Lucas arched a brow. "Mr. Whitmore. Indeed, quite the coincidence."

He didn’t so much as glance at Nathan.

This bastard kept my sister trapped for three years. He’s lucky I haven’t stormed his doorstep to settle the score.

The air grew thick with tension.

Nathan’s eyes narrowed. His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

"Evelyn. What a surprise. When did you become partners with Lumière?"

She had too many secrets he didn’t know. This brilliant, untouchable version of her was nothing like the woman he’d been married to.

It infuriated him—this loss of control.

Evelyn’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Do I owe my ex-husband reports on my life, Mr. Blackwood?" Her tone dripped with disdain. "Curiosity killed the cat. Let’s keep our distance, shall we?"

Nathan opened his mouth to retort—

A scream shattered the moment.

"Vanessa! What happened? There’s—there’s so much blood!"

Everyone inside stiffened.

Nathan’s face drained of color. He bolted outside without another word.

The others followed.

Tristan’s eyes widened at the sight of Vanessa collapsed in Sophia’s arms, her forehead drenched in blood, unconscious.

Sophia sobbed hysterically. "Vanessa, please—don’t scare me like this!"

Nathan snatched Vanessa into his arms, his voice rough with panic. "Why are you two here? What the hell happened?"

Sophia trembled. "I—I don’t know! I turned away for one second and she just—she fell—"

Tristan frowned. "Stop shaking her. You’ll make it worse. Is there a doctor here?"

Natalie, though reluctant, stepped forward. "Yes, he just left. I’ll call him back."

She couldn’t let someone die at her venue.

Evelyn watched silently, her expression unreadable. The raw fear in Nathan’s eyes was almost laughable.

So he’s not completely heartless after all. How touching—he cares about Vanessa Holloway.

A wave of exhaustion hit her.

She tugged Lucas’s sleeve. "Let’s go home."

Lucas stroked her hair, pulling her close. "Alright. I’ll buy you that yacht."

Evelyn managed a small laugh.

They’d barely taken two steps when Tristan suddenly shouted—

"Wait! She can’t leave!"

Everyone froze.

Tristan’s voice was urgent. "Vanessa lost too much blood. She might need a transfusion. If Evelyn leaves—who’s going to donate?"

The room plunged into deafening silence.