Chapter 293

The fallout was immediate.

Serena's name trended for all the wrong reasons. News outlets dissected Leonard's post, dissecting every word like vultures picking at a carcass.

But Evelyn wasn't celebrating—not yet.

Because while Serena had been dealt a blow, Dylan Reeves was still standing. And men like him didn't surrender quietly.

Her phone buzzed. An unknown number.

"You think you've won?"

Evelyn's pulse spiked. She knew that venomous tone anywhere.

Dylan wasn't done.

And neither was she.

Evelyn quietly savored the moment, thinking how utterly satisfying this was. Nathan truly knew how to handle things perfectly.

With no pressing work obligations that evening, Evelyn went straight home after leaving the office. When she arrived, she found Leonard in the living room, absorbed in a documentary playing on the television.

"Nathan!" Evelyn greeted him with a warm smile, moving behind him to knead his shoulders gently.

Her voice softened with sincerity as she spoke. "I saw your post. Thank you."

Leonard exhaled slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Evelyn, I know this situation hasn’t been easy for you."

Evelyn lowered her gaze, her silence speaking volumes.

A moment later, Leonard seemed to recall something and said, "About Nathan’s behavior… There’s no defending his actions, and I won’t make excuses for him. But… I have to admit that his obsession with Serena might be partly my fault."

At this, Evelyn’s lashes fluttered, her fingers pausing briefly before resuming their motion. "Is this about you keeping Serena locked away for three years?"

Leonard turned slightly to face her, surprise flickering in his eyes. "You know about that?"

"I’ve heard," Evelyn confirmed.

Leonard let out a quiet chuckle, nodding. "Yes." He hesitated, his gaze sharpening before he continued in a measured tone, "I’m not entirely sure Nathan understands whether his feelings for Serena are driven by love… or guilt."

Evelyn’s breath hitched as she absorbed his words.

Guilt? Was that possible?

Seizing the opportunity, Evelyn pressed further. "What’s the real reason you oppose Nathan and Serena’s relationship?"

At the mention of Serena’s name, Leonard’s expression darkened with disdain. "That woman is trouble." His voice turned icy. "Her delusions of joining the Black family are laughable."

In that instant, Leonard remembered the bet he had made with Nathan. He had already decided—even if Evelyn and Nathan separated after his birthday, Serena would never become part of the Black family. He had only agreed to the wager to placate Nathan.

And if Nathan still insisted on marrying Serena? Well… Leonard was prepared to take extreme measures.

A steely glint flashed in his eyes at the thought.

Evelyn studied Leonard’s reaction, silently speculating what Serena could have possibly done to earn such deep-seated hatred from him.

Noticing her curious expression, Leonard pressed his lips together briefly before saying, "Evelyn, you should know—you’re the daughter-in-law I want."

Evelyn’s face brightened with a grateful smile. "Thank you for saying that."

With that, the subject was dropped.

After finishing the massage and exchanging a few more words with Leonard, Evelyn retreated upstairs to her room.

Fresh from her shower, she stepped out of the bathroom—only to find Nathan standing in the doorway, his presence unexpected.