Chapter 170

After a moment of contemplation, she voiced her thoughts. "I believe Celeste's attachment to Mr. Caldwell is more about ownership than actual affection. She simply can't bear the idea of him being with anyone else."

Lila Sinclair responded with a sharp edge to her voice. "Whether it's possessiveness or love, if she won't stand by me, then she's my enemy!" She paused, her gaze piercing as she studied Evelyn. "You're with me, aren't you?"

Evelyn offered a faint, diplomatic smile. "You and Celeste are both family to me. I care for you equally."

Celeste's laugh was cold, dripping with disdain. "You're too naive, Evelyn. Too gentle. Has Celeste ever treated you like a sister? Why waste your kindness on someone who wouldn't spare you a second thought?"

Without waiting for a reply, Celeste spun on her heel and marched toward their waiting car.

As Celeste turned away, Evelyn's expression darkened with suppressed fury, her fingers curling into fists. But just as quickly, she smoothed her features into calm composure and hurried after her.

At the Black family estate.

Evelyn had just reached the second-floor landing when she nearly collided with Nathan stepping out of his study.

Nathan arched a brow at her presence. After a brief pause, his gaze sharpened, his voice low and rough. "You've been drinking."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by his sudden attention. She kept her tone even. "Yes."

Nathan's jaw tightened. "You know exactly how you behave when you're drunk. Yet you chose to drink today."

Evelyn stiffened, her pride flaring. "I can hold my liquor perfectly fine. A few drinks are nothing to me."

Nathan let out a derisive scoff.

The sound brought back memories of past humiliations—stumbling, laughing too loudly, leaning into him with flushed cheeks. Her eyes flashed with defiance. "That was a one-time exception!"

Nathan gave her a brief, dismissive glance before turning away.

As he retreated, Evelyn gritted her teeth, silently vowing never to let herself lose control in front of him again.

Just as she moved toward her room, Nathan's voice stopped her. "Evelyn."

She turned, meeting his gaze.

Nathan studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, coolly, he cut to the chase. "What exactly is your relationship with Alexander?"

The question caught her off guard. Memories surfaced—Alexander helping her that night, Nathan's cold fury when he'd taken her from his arms.

She kept her voice steady. "We're just friends."

"Friends," Nathan repeated, his tone flat. His gaze didn't waver. "Everyone knows Alexander and I are close. If you're seen getting too cozy with him, think about what that says about me—about the Black family."

Evelyn's brows drew together. "What are you implying?"

Nathan didn't mince words. "Stay away from him."