Chapter 376

The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers as the elite of high society gathered for Leonard Grant's birthday celebration. Every invited guest arrived punctually, many accompanied by their families in elegant ensembles.

Whispers floated through the air like delicate champagne bubbles as clusters of guests exchanged hushed conversations.

"Isn't tonight when we finally meet Nathan Black's mysterious wife?" a socialite murmured behind her fan.

"Undoubtedly! At an event this important, Mr. Black's wife simply must appear!"

"How peculiar," another guest remarked. "Mr. Black has been married for months, yet his wife remains an enigma."

"I heard she's not only plain-looking but quite...substantial in figure!"

"That can't be true! Why would someone like Nathan Black marry beneath him? What possible advantage could there be?"

Evelyn Hartley caught snippets of these conversations as she glided through the crowd, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

They were eager to see Nathan's wife? How amusingly predictable.

"Natalie Brooks approached with raised eyebrows. "Evelyn, you're attending with Ethan Caldwell?"

Evelyn shrugged one bare shoulder, the movement causing the sapphire silk of her gown to shimmer. "Is that so surprising?"

Natalie hesitated, glancing around before lowering her voice. "It's just...given the circumstances..."

Evelyn's laugh tinkled like crystal. "Darling, I always choose my companions carefully."

And indeed, Evelyn was a vision in her sapphire blue off-the-shoulder gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her makeup was flawless - smoky eyes that smoldered, lips painted the exact shade of ripe cherries.

"You look..." Natalie began.

"Radiant? Breathtaking? I know," Evelyn finished with a playful wink.

Natalie rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. Leaning closer, she whispered, "Serena Cole and Lila Sinclair actually showed up. The audacity!"

Evelyn's long lashes fluttered. "It's Leonard's birthday. They wouldn't dare miss such an important event."

As Evelyn scanned the room, her gaze unexpectedly locked with Nathan's across the crowded ballroom. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

She was the first to look away.

Theodore Whitmore, observing the exchange, murmured to Nathan, "Evelyn attending with Ethan at an event like this? What message is she sending? This is your father's birthday - a family occasion. By not appearing as your wife, is she publicly rejecting her position?"

Nathan's jaw tightened, his darkening expression the only response.