Chapter 58

At these words, Olivia Sinclair's expression turned to ice, her sharp gaze narrowing as she fixed Beatrice Waltham with a chilling stare. "Mrs. Waltham," she said, her voice dripping with frost, "I suggest you choose your accusations very carefully."

Beatrice feigned distress, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oh, my dear Mrs. Caldwell! Please don’t misunderstand—I’m only repeating what I’ve heard. And just before coming here, Dylan mentioned that your goddaughter has been involved with a married man!"

A woman seated beside Beatrice gasped dramatically. "Impossible! She’s entangled with a married man? You must be joking!"

Olivia’s interest sharpened at the mention of a "married man." She had a strong suspicion who they were referring to. A slow, knowing smile curved her lips. "Very well, Mrs. Waltham. Since you seem so certain, perhaps you’d care to enlighten us—who exactly is Evelyn supposedly involved with?"

Beatrice leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "The man in question is none other than Nathan Black, of the illustrious Black family! Everyone knows Mr. Black is married, don’t they?"

At this revelation, both Olivia and Ethan Caldwell’s frowns vanished. Their expressions smoothed into calm indifference. Sensing the skeptical glances around her, Beatrice hastily added, "I swear it’s the truth! If you don’t believe me, just step outside and see for yourselves. Mrs. Caldwell’s goddaughter is right there in the hallway with Dylan."

The women exchanged uncertain glances, torn between curiosity and the risk of offending Olivia. Noticing their hesitation, Olivia smirked inwardly. "Well then," she said, rising gracefully from her seat, "let’s go and settle this ourselves."

Encouraged by her lead, the group followed her out of the room. As they turned the corner into the hallway, they found Evelyn Hartley, Dylan Reeves, and Serena Cole standing together.

At that moment, Dylan was speaking in a condescending tone, "Ms. Hartley, you must realize Nathan is already taken. I’d advise you to keep your distance. Being labeled a homewrecker—or worse, a mistress—wouldn’t just tarnish your reputation. It would humiliate the entire Caldwell family."

He paused for effect before adding, "Surely you wouldn’t want whispers spreading that Mr. Caldwell’s goddaughter is chasing after another woman’s husband?"

Evelyn burst into laughter, the sound bright and unbothered. It had been a while since she’d encountered someone so shameless. Turning to Serena, she arched a brow playfully. "Perhaps those warnings would be better directed at your cousin."

Dylan’s face darkened instantly. Just as he opened his mouth to retort, a sharp click echoed through the hallway. The door to the adjacent private room swung open. From his angle, all Nathan could see was Evelyn standing near the doorway.

Nathan’s brow furrowed slightly. "Why are you still out here?" he asked, his voice calm but firm. "Come inside."

At his words, Dylan and Serena’s expressions shifted visibly. Dylan stepped forward, only to freeze when he spotted Nathan standing inside the room. "Nathan?" he blurted out, stunned. "Is that really you? You’re having dinner with Ms. Hartley?"