Chapter 309

Moreover, since Daphne managed to plant the necklace in my purse, it meant she'd already tampered with the security recordings beforehand.

If anyone reviewed the footage, her guilt would be immediately apparent.

Nathan gave a slow nod of agreement.

"Watching Giselle and Daphne face the music for their schemes is deeply satisfying," Natalie remarked with a satisfied smile.

Evelyn and Ethan exchanged knowing smiles.

Returning home, Evelyn slipped out of her evening gown, removed her makeup, and stepped into a steaming shower.

Emerging from the bathroom, she settled at her vanity for her nightly skincare ritual when the bedroom door creaked open.

Through the mirror's reflection, Evelyn saw Nathan entering.

His gaze swept the room until it locked with hers in the glass.

A heavy silence stretched between them.

After several heartbeats, Nathan closed the distance between them.

His voice was icy when he finally spoke. "Why did you introduce us as mere acquaintances at the gala, Evelyn?"

Evelyn's brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "What should I have said? That I'm your wife?" she countered.

A humorless chuckle escaped Nathan's lips. "Does the idea of being my wife embarrass you?"

Rising to face him directly, Evelyn crossed her arms. "I don't follow your logic, Mr. Black. You made it abundantly clear I should keep my distance and never reveal our marriage. I simply obeyed your instructions. Why does this suddenly bother you?"

Nathan's jaw tightened, momentarily speechless.

Evelyn tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Having regrets, Mr. Black? Ready to make our relationship public after all?"

His expression darkened instantly. "Don't be absurd. That would be disastrous."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the walk-in closet, effectively ending the conversation.

Evelyn watched his retreating form, her amused smile lingering as she returned to her skincare routine with deliberate calm.

Her mind wandered to tonight's unexpected development - Nathan had actually defended her. This was unprecedented.

Three years ago, no matter what scandals she faced or which socialite she argued with at events, Nathan would never have intervened. At parties, whenever she found herself in trouble, he'd remain aloof, not even granting her a passing glance as if she were invisible.

But now... Nathan's behavior toward her had undeniably shifted. She'd noticed the gradual changes, but...