Chapter 272

"Evelyn, what's this nonsense I'm seeing all over social media?" Eleanor's voice was sharp with disapproval through the phone.

Evelyn froze. "Grandmother, how did you—"

"Isabelle showed me," Eleanor cut in. There was a brief pause before she continued, her tone accusatory. "You were acting strange at breakfast. Had you already seen those posts?"

Evelyn exhaled slowly, gripping her phone tighter. "Grandmother, please, not now. I'll explain everything later."

On the other end, Eleanor's frustration was palpable. "No, Evelyn. I'm done being kept in the dark! But mark my words—I stand by you filing for divorce. Do it immediately and put an end to this circus!"

Before Evelyn could respond, the line went dead.

She pressed her lips together, emotions churning inside her. After a moment, she shoved her phone into her pocket and kept walking, her steps quickening as if she could outpace the storm brewing around her.

Meanwhile, Dylan's phone buzzed—his father's name flashing on the screen.

He answered warily. "Father, I—"

"Dylan!" Gregory Thornton's voice was a whip crack of fury. "What in God's name is going on between you and Serena? Did I not make myself clear? Keep her away from Nathan! And now this? Have you lost your mind?"

Dylan stiffened, thrown by the outburst. "Father, what are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb!" Gregory snapped. "Check social media. It's a disgrace!" The call ended abruptly.

Frowning, Dylan pulled up the trending feed—and his blood ran cold.

There, at the top, were two damning photos.

His jaw clenched.

How?

He had only sent these to Evelyn.

Had she leaked them herself? The thought sent a dark ripple of suspicion through him.

Scrolling down, he skimmed the comments—most praising Serena's beauty, until one stood out, gaining traction fast:

"I work at Blackstone Holdings. Let me clarify—Serena is NOT the CEO's wife. His actual wife is someone else entirely. From what I know, Serena used to be Mr. Black's ex, but they split years ago."