Chapter 194

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Evelyn Sinclair’s bedroom. She stretched lazily, her mind already buzzing with anticipation. Today was one of those rare days when she could indulge in her little guilty pleasure—reading the unfiltered thoughts of those around her.

Ever since she’d discovered her peculiar ability, Evelyn had found it impossible to resist peeking into the private musings of others. It was like having a backstage pass to the most dramatic soap opera imaginable. And today? Oh, today promised to be juicy.

She slipped into a silk robe and padded barefoot to the kitchen, where her assistant, Lillian Graves, was already preparing coffee. The moment Evelyn entered, Lillian’s thoughts hit her like a tidal wave.

"Ugh, why does she always look so perfect in the morning? It’s not fair. And why did I agree to work for her again? Oh right—the paycheck. But still…"

Evelyn smirked, pouring herself a cup. "Good morning, Lillian. Sleep well?"

Lillian blinked, startled. "Y-yes, Ms. Sinclair. Very well, thank you."

"How does she do that? It’s like she knows when I’m thinking about her."

Evelyn took a slow sip, savoring both the coffee and Lillian’s internal panic.

By the time she arrived at the Blackwood Enterprises headquarters, the mental chatter had intensified. The lobby was a symphony of scandalous secrets—secretaries plotting office romances, executives hiding financial discrepancies, and interns daydreaming about seducing their bosses.

But the real prize? Nathan Blackwood’s private elevator ride.

As the doors slid shut, sealing them in together, Nathan’s deep voice broke the silence. "You’re late."

Evelyn arched a brow. "By two minutes. Hardly a crime."

His jaw tightened, but his thoughts? Oh, they were deliciously conflicted.

"Why does she have to be so infuriating? And why can’t I stop thinking about that damn dress she wore last week? Focus, Nathan. She’s your business partner, not your—"

Evelyn bit her lip to suppress a grin. Oh, this is going to be fun.

The board meeting was a bore, but the mental commentary? Pure gold. Victoria Hayes, Nathan’s sharp-tongued secretary, was mentally dissecting everyone’s outfits while maintaining a perfectly composed exterior.

"That tie is atrocious. And her skirt is two inches too short for a professional setting. Honestly, do these people own mirrors?"

Evelyn stifled a laugh, earning a curious glance from Nathan.

Then came the pièce de résistance—Sophia Blackwood’s unexpected appearance. Nathan’s sister swept in, all smiles, but her mind was a whirlwind of chaos.

"Why did Daniel have to pick today to fight about the prenup? And why is Nathan glaring at me? Does he know about the embezzlement? No, calm down. He can’t possibly—"

Evelyn’s eyes widened. Oh. My. God.

She leaned back in her chair, sipping her water with feigned nonchalance. This was better than reality TV.

By lunch, Evelyn’s head was spinning with secrets. She retreated to her office, locking the door behind her.

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Evelyn?" Nathan’s voice was low, edged with something unreadable.

She schooled her expression before opening the door. "Yes?"

He stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click. "We need to talk."

Her pulse spiked. "About what? Does he know? Did someone see me—"

Nathan’s gaze darkened. "Stop reading my mind."

Evelyn froze.

Wait. What?

His lips curved into a smirk. "You heard me."

Her breath caught. "How the hell—"

"Because," he said, stepping closer, "I can read yours too."

Evelyn's meticulously crafted scheme came to an abrupt halt when strong arms encircled her without warning. Before she could protest, Nathan's deep baritone rumbled against her ear. "My apologies. This is entirely my fault."

The crowd gasped as Nathan Blackwood, known for his icy composure, not only pulled Evelyn Sinclair into an embrace but actually apologized. The scene grew more surreal when Lillian spoke up. "Nathan, you needn't apologize for her. She should answer for her own actions."

Memories surfaced of two years prior when Nathan had similarly apologized on Evelyn's behalf during one of her infamous outbursts. The spectators naturally assumed history was repeating itself.

But then Nathan did the unthinkable. He tilted Evelyn's chin upward, meeting her wide, startled eyes, and murmured words that shattered everyone's expectations: "Forgive me for making you the subject of misunderstanding."

Evelyn's mind short-circuited. Is he... apologizing to me? Since when did English become this difficult to comprehend? The bewildered expression she wore only seemed to amuse Nathan further.

Turning to the assembled crowd, Nathan declared, "That email was sent using my wife's name without her knowledge."

The statement landed like a grenade. Cassandra was first to recover. "Nathan, even to protect her, you can't possibly—"

Nathan's discomfort was palpable, yet he pressed on. "When you emailed requesting a meeting, my wife intercepted it first and immediately brought it to my attention. However..." He paused, jaw tightening. "I believed responding personally would imply inappropriate contact with an ex. To honor my current relationship, I asked my wife to reply on my behalf. But..."

His gaze dropped to Evelyn again, one eyebrow quirking in exasperation. "Since my wife refused to assist, I had no choice but to handle it myself."

Evelyn's mouth fell open. Around them, jaws hit the floor. Those who knew Nathan understood he'd rather walk barefoot on broken glass than lie. Yet the idea of the formidable Nathan Blackwood crafting such a petty email was... unthinkable. It was juvenile. Beneath him. An absolute character assassination.

The mental image of their unshakable business titan reduced to such behavior made several attendees clutch their pearls. His staunchest admirers looked particularly shell-shocked.

Under the weight of their stares, Nathan actually broke into a sweat. For perhaps the first time in his adult life, he wished the earth would swallow him whole. But having made his bed, he had no choice but to lie in it.

His arms tightened reflexively around Evelyn, as if she alone could anchor him through this storm of his own making.

"Evelyn, how could you do something like this? Oh Nathan, don't be angry with Evelyn. Still, this is quite unfair to Cassandra. Perhaps an apology is in order?" Claire suggested with feigned concern.

"No need. It's my fault. I shouldn't have reached out to Nathan. Evelyn, you did what was necessary." Cassandra's voice trembled slightly, thick with unshed tears as she addressed Evelyn. "I did as you asked and haven't contacted Nathan since. But this is a reunion—I didn't want to come at first, but it's been so long since I've seen everyone, and I missed them. That's why I'm here. You don't need to worry about what Lila said. It's all in the past now."

"Cassandra, you're too forgiving! Who knows what schemes this woman has been weaving behind your backs to drive this wedge between you two!" Lila declared, as if the matter were already settled.

My native language may be silence, but isn't their performance a tad too dramatic? Evelyn mused. I love gossip as much as the next person, but it stops being fun when I'm the one being dragged through the mud.

Snapped back to reality by the sheer absurdity of the situation, Nathan found himself in uncharted territory—a humiliating scenario he'd never experienced before. Heat crawled up his neck, his entire body burning with discomfort.

It dawned on him that he would never understand the labyrinth of a woman's mind. He hadn't anticipated that the email would be weaponized against Evelyn.

For the first time in his life, he truly grasped the meaning of embarrassment.

Just as he moved to stand and clarify, Evelyn's inner monologue erupted like a storm. I don’t even need to dig to know they fabricated this whole thing to frame me. They’re dead set on winning Nathan over.

Nathan mentally countered, Actually, that’s not—

Evelyn's thoughts barreled on. I’ll make sure they regret crossing me! Now, how should I put them in their place?

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

A faint smirk curled Evelyn’s lips. Wait—if I retaliate now without Nathan’s backing, I’ll just look like the villain. But… this could be an opportunity. If I play along, weakly deny everything, and let Nathan doubt me—especially since they’ve put on such a convincing act—then I can escalate this into a full-blown argument. Things will spiral, and then… Hehehe…

Nathan barely suppressed an eye roll. Yes, I suppose it is an opportunity.

Abruptly, Evelyn rose to her feet, resolve flashing in her eyes.

But before she could speak, Nathan stood as well. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms.

Lying. Did he truly do that? And why in the world would he use my name?

Others echoed the same question burning in Evelyn’s mind.

Unshaken by the potential humiliation, Nathan met Cassandra’s gaze head-on. His piercing stare seemed to strip away every pretense, laying bare the truth beneath.

Cassandra was still reeling from that earth-shattering revelation when his gaze sent an icy shiver down her spine. For the first time in her life, she felt the gnawing bite of guilt.

"Admittedly, my actions were partly fueled by irritation," Nathan admitted, his voice steady. "But I assumed any rational person would understand that responding in my wife’s name was a clear message—we are united, and outsiders should respect that boundary. Yet, somehow..." His words trailed off, but the unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air.

Even Lillian, who had been so bold moments ago, trembled, her lips parting and closing without a sound.

Nathan’s phrasing had been diplomatic, but the underlying meaning was razor-sharp.

Anyone with an ounce of dignity would have backed off after receiving such a warning. They wouldn’t entertain the idea of meddling in another’s marriage, much less flaunting their shamelessness.

Nathan had expected better from Cassandra.

Based on what he knew of her, she was supposed to be refined, principled—someone who understood propriety.

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined she would team up with Lillian to dredge up this mess again.

Nathan laid out the facts with clinical precision, then turned to Evelyn, his expression softening with genuine remorse. "I’m sorry."

This was his oversight, and because of it, Evelyn had suffered undeserved consequences.

His gaze never wavered from hers, as if the opinions of everyone else in the room meant nothing.

Evelyn blinked at him, momentarily stunned. When their eyes met, a flicker of confusion crossed her face.

Then, she demanded sharply, "I’m filing for defamation damages. He’d better not think an apology is enough to make this go away."

Nathan exhaled, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he murmured, "Fair enough. Will ten million cover it?"

Evelyn’s eyes lit up instantly. She coughed, schooling her expression. "That... should suffice." Ten million for this? Please, let people slander me like this every day!

Nathan nearly choked hearing her thoughts.

If only I could sue Cassandra for emotional distress. Right now, Nathan could really use that money to soothe his wounded pride. The sheer audacity of this situation was mortifying—yet somehow, he’d managed to keep a straight face.

Does he think if he isn’t embarrassed, everyone else will be too?

Evelyn stifled a laugh.

Should I comfort him now? Or would he take it as mockery? Evelyn's thoughts swirled in turmoil.

Nathan's voice echoed in his mind, Thanks, but no need for pity. If you're forced to leave this cruel world...

...then maybe your consolation would just make me feel worse.

The others remained oblivious to the silent exchange between the two, too absorbed in processing the bombshell revelation.

The gossip-loving classmates could swear that in all the gatherings they'd attended, they'd never witnessed such a jaw-dropping spectacle unfold live before their eyes. The twists were explosive, the drama—unreal.

Now that the truth was laid bare, the way everyone looked at Cassandra and Lillian had shifted drastically.

Just moments ago, the two had been busy spinning tales about Evelyn's so-called wicked schemes. Yet, in the end, they were the ones exposed, shattering the pristine image of the once-beloved campus sweetheart.

So when Cassandra's face twisted in misery now, it only came across as painfully insincere.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Cassandra couldn't take it anymore, but pride kept her chin high. This time, her sobs were louder—a desperate bid for sympathy, a stalling tactic. Her mind was in chaos, unable to comprehend how things had spiraled so far out of control.

Lillian, however, was unraveling. Though hopelessly infatuated with Nathan, her own insecurities had kept her from ever pursuing him. Watching Cassandra and Nathan together, she had convinced herself that only someone as beautiful, intelligent, and accomplished as Cassandra deserved him—not Evelyn, who she believed had schemed her way into his heart.

After all, if Evelyn could succeed like that, why couldn't she have done the same to become Mrs. Blackwood? The thought of Nathan defending Evelyn—calling her his wife—was unbearable.

"Nathan," Lillian cried, voice trembling, "have you forgotten that Cassandra was your first love? Have you forgotten what you two shared? How can you say you feel nothing for her?" She let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, I see. You're just too honorable to abandon Evelyn now. You're only fulfilling your duty as a husband, but deep down, Cassandra still holds a piece of your heart!"

Frantically, she tried to pull Cassandra up. "Cassandra, ask him! Make him admit it!"

Cassandra knew the situation was dire. But she wasn’t ready to lose any more dignity. Maybe it was better to retreat now and fight another day.

The rest of the table stayed silent, too afraid to speculate further.

Reluctant as they were to admit it, Nathan’s treatment of Evelyn was different—especially compared to how he’d once treated Cassandra.

Nathan’s gaze settled on Lillian, cool and assessing. After a beat, he spoke. "Have you been binge-watching too many dramas? I never had a first love."

After hearing Evelyn complain about that phrase one too many times, he’d grown sick of it—because it implied lingering feelings where there were none.

But those words struck Cassandra like a physical blow. It was as if her entire history with him had been erased. Her breath hitched, her composure crumbling. She couldn’t—

The air between them crackled with tension as Evelyn struggled to process Nathan's words. Her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched her purse, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nathan, you're cruel. How can you dismiss what we had so easily?"

A cold glint flashed in Nathan's eyes as he regarded her with detached indifference. "I never said you were my first love, nor did I ever feel that way," he stated flatly. "You were simply someone I dated. We ended things civilly, and both of us moved on. That's all there was to it."

His expression darkened as he continued, his tone sharpening. "But I do owe you an apology. It wasn't until recently that I realized I never truly loved you. Starting a relationship without being sure of my feelings was a mistake—one I won't repeat."

Evelyn's breath hitched as his words struck like a blade.

Nathan exhaled, his patience thinning. "Since it was a mistake from the beginning, there's no reason to revisit it. So, for the sake of my wife and me, I’d appreciate it if you—and your friends—stopped these pointless games. You've already caused enough trouble."

The finality in his voice left no room for argument.