Chapter 193

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn Sinclair's penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floors. She sipped her lavender-infused tea, savoring the quiet before the storm of the day. But the peace was short-lived.

A familiar voice echoed in her mind—sharp, calculating, and laced with venom.

"If only Evelyn knew what Nathan truly thinks of her," Victoria Hayes mused, her thoughts dripping with smug satisfaction. "That naïve little writer has no idea he’s only keeping her around for the publicity."

Evelyn nearly choked on her tea.

Her rare ability—unwanted and unpredictable—had struck again. She could hear the innermost thoughts of those around her, and right now, Victoria’s mental monologue was a symphony of malice.

"Once the Blackwood deal is finalized, he’ll drop her like yesterday’s news," Victoria continued, flipping through files in her office downtown. "Honestly, how does she not see it? He’s never even introduced her to his mother."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around her cup.

Nathan Blackwood had been nothing but attentive, hadn’t he? The late-night calls, the whispered promises, the way his gaze lingered a second too long—had it all been an act?

Her phone buzzed. A text from Nathan:

"Dinner tonight? I have something important to tell you."

Her stomach twisted.

Was this it? The moment he’d finally reveal the truth? Or worse—end things?

Across town, Serena Whitmore, Evelyn’s ever-loyal agent, paced her office, her thoughts a frantic whirlwind.

"If Victoria’s scheming reaches Nathan’s ears before Evelyn can defend herself…" Serena’s mental voice was tense. "That woman’s been waiting for this chance since day one."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. She needed answers. Now.

But before she could move, another voice slithered into her mind—smooth, arrogant, and unmistakably Nathan’s brother, Julian Blackwood.

"Let’s see how long it takes for Evelyn to realize she’s just another pawn," Julian mused, swirling whiskey in his glass. "The Blackwoods play for keeps, little writer. And you? You’re disposable."

Evelyn’s blood ran cold.

Was this the real Nathan? The man behind the charming smiles and tender touches?

Her phone buzzed again—Victoria, this time.

"Emergency meeting at Blackwood Tower. Be there by noon. Don’t be late."

The trap was closing in.

And Evelyn? She was done playing the fool.

"Cassandra had no ulterior motives. She simply wanted to clear the air with you and ease your inner turmoil," Lillian declared, her voice trembling with agitation.

All eyes shifted to the cell phone screen displaying Evelyn's email inbox.

A reply from Nathan's personal email address glared back at them:

This is Evelyn Sinclair, Mrs. Blackwood. My husband has asked me to handle this correspondence. Ms. Smith, I'd prefer if you refrain from contacting him again.

Gasps rippled through the room—not because anyone disapproved of Evelyn responding as Nathan's wife. As his spouse, being wary of his ex was perfectly justified.

But this was Nathan Blackwood's private email. A man notorious for his ironclad boundaries and obsessive privacy. No one believed he'd ever permit anyone else to access it.

After all, Nathan and Evelyn weren't exactly the epitome of marital trust. At least, that's what everyone assumed.

The inevitable conclusion? Evelyn must have stumbled upon the email and secretly replied—eliminating a romantic rival.

All eyes locked onto Evelyn, who had risen from her seat, her gaze fixed on Lillian's phone.

Secondhand embarrassment flooded the room. They imagined Evelyn never expected her subterfuge would be exposed so publicly—especially in front of Nathan.

When they glanced at Nathan, his expression had turned to stone.

Confirmation, they thought. Nathan had no idea Cassandra contacted him.

Seizing the moment, Lillian turned to Nathan. "Is your coldness toward Cassandra because Evelyn spun lies to poison you against her? Just like this hidden email? If you resent Cassandra, say it to her face!"

Lillian refused to believe Nathan would treat Cassandra so harshly unless someone manipulated him. She couldn't fathom another explanation.

Truthfully, Cassandra agreed. Evelyn had once clawed her way into Nathan's life by any means necessary. Given Nathan's current attitude, Cassandra was certain Evelyn had been scheming again.

The revelation stunned everyone.

Moments ago, they'd found Nathan's behavior toward Cassandra inexplicable. Though some secretly hoped the former flames might rekindle, they knew Nathan's character—no matter his feelings, he'd always maintain civility upon reuniting with an ex.

Yet here he stood, icily dismissive.

The only logical explanation?

Evelyn's interference.

A tense silence descended as all awaited Nathan's response.

Evelyn's fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms. She hadn't anticipated this ambush.

Nathan's glacial gaze swept over Lillian before settling on Evelyn.

The air thickened with unspoken accusations.

Then—

"Enough."

Nathan's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Everyone held their breath.

What followed would determine everything.

The air was thick with tension, yet Nathan remained utterly indifferent toward Cassandra. Even after the truth about their past had been laid bare, his expression didn’t flicker. The lack of reaction made everyone assume there must have been some cliché misunderstanding between them.

And who else could be blamed for such a misunderstanding but Evelyn?

All eyes turned toward Evelyn, who stood frozen in place, while Nathan remained silent.

Their reaction only fueled Cassandra and Lily’s confidence—their plan had worked. They had exposed Evelyn, revealing her supposed manipulations to Nathan. We should’ve done this sooner, Lily thought smugly.

With a triumphant smirk, Lily turned to Evelyn and sneered, "Don’t think that marriage certificate makes you special. Everyone knows how you became Mrs. Blackwood. In love, the one who isn’t cherished is the real outsider. All your schemes are worthless!"

Roland cleared his throat, cutting in sharply. "Lily, you’ve had too much to drink. Stop spouting nonsense."

"What’s wrong with protecting your own marriage?" Vivian Grant chimed in, not necessarily defending Evelyn but challenging Lily’s logic.

Marcus Prescott nodded in agreement. "She’s right, darling."

Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Brooks watched silently from the sidelines, her heart aching for her idol. The woman who had stood as a beacon of justice for so many vulnerable women was now being publicly humiliated. These so-called elites have no morals, she thought bitterly. "A mistress is still a mistress," she muttered under her breath.

"What did you just say?" Grayson Hart shot her a warning glare, silencing her instantly.

Damien and Deborah, who had initially been entertained by the drama, now found the scene distasteful. They exchanged glances, sympathy flickering in their eyes for Evelyn, who stood alone under the weight of their scrutiny.

She looked like a woman desperately clinging to a crumbling marriage.

"I thought you had changed, but clearly, you haven’t," Mason Hunter remarked, seizing the moment to voice his disdain.

Just as he speaking, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine. His gaze flicked toward the main entrance, where the servers bustled in and out. For a brief moment, he thought he saw—

No. There was nothing.

His mind wandered to Violet Carter, who had mentioned working late tonight. Did she eat yet? The thought distracted him, and suddenly, the urge to mock Evelyn faded.

But the drama continued without him.

"Evelyn, how could you stoop so low? Oh Nathan, don't be angry with Evelyn. Still, this is terribly unfair to Cassandra. Perhaps an apology is in order?" Claire proposed with feigned concern.

"Unnecessary. The fault lies with me. I shouldn't have reached out to Nathan. Evelyn, you acted appropriately." Cassandra's voice trembled, thick with unshed tears as she addressed Evelyn. "I followed your instructions and ceased all contact with Nathan. But this is a reunion. I hesitated to come, yet it's been ages since I've seen everyone. I missed them. That's my only reason for being here. Pay no mind to Violet's words. That Chapter is closed."

"Cassandra, your kindness will be your undoing! Who knows what schemes this woman has woven behind your backs to drive this wedge between you!" Violet declared, having already convicted Evelyn without trial.

Silence was my native tongue, but their theatrics were bordering on absurd! While I relish gossip, being its subject kills the fun, Evelyn thought bitterly.

Snapping from his stunned embarrassment, Nathan found himself in unprecedented discomfort, his entire body burning with humiliation.

The female psyche remained an enigma - he'd never anticipated that email becoming a weapon against Evelyn.

Now he truly understood the meaning of mortification.

As he prepared to stand and clarify, Evelyn's inner monologue raged: No investigation needed - this is clearly fabricated to frame me. Their dedication to winning Nathan over is impressive.

Nathan mentally countered: Actually, that's not—

Evelyn continued plotting: They'll regret slandering me! Now, how best to teach them a lesson?

No need. I'll handle it, Nathan interjected silently.

A sly smile touched Evelyn's lips. Wait! Retaliating now puts me at a disadvantage. Without Nathan's backing in this tangled web, I'd become the laughingstock. But...this presents an opportunity! I'll feign innocence later. Given their convincing performance, Nathan won't easily believe me. We'll argue, escalate a minor issue until it spirals out of control, then... Hehehe...

Nathan barely suppressed an eye roll. Indeed...what an opportunity.

Suddenly, Evelyn rose with determination.

But before she could speak, Nathan stood abruptly, pulling her firmly into his embrace.