Chapter 20

A realization struck Evelyn—Serena didn’t recognize her. It made perfect sense. Even Dylan had failed to place her at the gala, and Serena knew her far less than he did.

"Can we talk?" Serena asked, her voice smooth but laced with something unreadable.

Evelyn offered a faint, practiced smile. "Of course."

Curiosity flickered in Evelyn’s chest. What could Serena possibly want to discuss with her, unaware of who she truly was?

They stepped onto the balcony, the evening breeze carrying the faint scent of roses.

Evelyn wasted no time. "What did you want to talk about?"

Serena’s gaze lingered on Evelyn’s striking features—high cheekbones, full lips, eyes that seemed to hold secrets. A face that could make any woman seethe with envy.

With a tight, artificial smile, Serena said, "Miss Hartley, as someone so closely tied to the head of the Hartley family, surely you wouldn’t stoop to stealing another woman’s man, would you?"

Evelyn blinked, momentarily stunned. Was she being accused of seduction? And whose man, exactly?

She arched a brow, feigning innocence. "And who, pray tell, is this man you’re referring to?"

"Nathan," Serena replied without hesitation.

Evelyn let out a sharp, mocking laugh, meeting Serena’s gaze head-on. "And who do you think you are to say that to me?"

Serena’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I’m saying it as the woman who will marry Nathan one day."

Evelyn’s expression turned icy with disdain. "One day? Come back and warn me when you’re actually wearing his ring."

Serena’s eyes flashed with irritation. "Miss Hartley, you wouldn’t want to be labeled a homewrecker, would you?"

Evelyn’s laughter rang out again, sharp and derisive. "Why should I care, Miss Cole? You’re the one tangled up with a married man."

The words hit Serena like a slap.

Her face paled, then flushed with anger.

Evelyn tilted her head, her gaze dripping with contempt. "You’re in no position to lecture me, darling."

Without another glance, Evelyn turned and walked away, the click of her heels echoing her finality.

The calmness she felt was liberating. This was proof—she was finally letting go of the past.

Behind her, Serena clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms.

She hated to admit it, but Evelyn was right.

Until she became Nathan’s wife, her threats meant nothing. Her priority now? Ensuring Nathan’s marriage ended—permanently.