Chapter 61

At that precise moment, Evelyn Hartley glided forward with effortless grace, stopping mere inches away from Serena Cole. Their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. Serena couldn't tear her eyes away from the woman who had undergone such a breathtaking transformation. She had always harbored a secret envy of Evelyn’s beauty, but now, seeing her standing there—radiant, confident, and draped in elegance—that envy burned hotter than ever.

How had this happened? The same Evelyn whom Dylan Reeves had once mocked as plain and unremarkable now stood before her, poised and untouchable. Worse yet, she was the goddaughter of Marcus Donovan, a man whose influence could topple empires.

Serena had never considered Evelyn a true rival for Nathan Black’s affections. Even after learning of their marriage, she had dismissed it as a temporary arrangement. But now… Now, Evelyn was a force to be reckoned with.

Evelyn tilted her chin slightly, her voice smooth as silk yet laced with steel. "Miss Cole, whatever history you shared with Nathan—whatever affection he may have once held for you—those days are over. I am his wife now. And until our marriage is dissolved, I expect you to respect those boundaries. Understood?"

Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and strode toward Olivia Sinclair, leaving Serena seething in her wake.

Evelyn hadn’t planned on engaging in petty confrontations, especially with divorce looming. But after Dylan and Serena’s blatant attempts to humiliate her, she refused to hold back any longer.

Nathan watched her walk away, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Evelyn joined Olivia in the secluded circle of elite women, where the atmosphere had shifted dramatically.

"Mrs. Sinclair, you’ve been keeping secrets!" one woman teased. "Who knew your goddaughter was the illustrious Mrs. Black? Such discretion!"

"Indeed, Mrs. Waltham," another chimed in, casting a pointed glance at Beatrice. "Perhaps next time, you should verify your accusations before spreading them. We nearly believed your slander."

Beatrice’s face flushed with humiliation. She forced a brittle smile. "My mistake. I’ll be more careful in the future."

Evelyn turned to the ladies with a gracious smile. "Ladies, I’d appreciate it if we kept this matter private." With her marriage nearing its end, she saw no reason to invite further scrutiny.

"Of course, Evelyn. Your secret is safe with us."

"You have our word."

Evelyn inclined her head. "Thank you. I truly appreciate it."

Meanwhile, in another private suite, tension crackled in the air.