Chapter 295

Evelyn's skin glowed with a soft, rosy hue after her bath, flawless and smooth like polished marble. Up close, Nathan couldn't detect a single blemish on her face. Her features were exquisitely delicate, as if meticulously sculpted by an artist’s hand.

As Nathan studied Evelyn, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind—was there more to his actions toward Dylan than he cared to admit?

Evelyn broke his reverie with a sharp, incredulous tone. "Nathan! What are you staring at? Never seen a beautiful woman before?"

Nathan was momentarily speechless. Releasing her chin, he regarded her with a cool, dismissive glance. His voice was laced with disdain as he remarked, "You’re rather ordinary, actually."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away.

Evelyn stood frozen, her lips parting in shock. Indignation flared in her eyes as she watched his retreating figure. "Ordinary? Are you blind or just delusional?"

Nathan caught her furious retort, and though his back was turned, a faint smirk tugged at his lips, amusement glinting in his gaze.

Still fuming, Evelyn resumed her skincare routine with aggressive precision, though her mind was far from settled.

Then, as if struck by a sudden impulse, Nathan reappeared in the doorway. "Would you like to accompany me to the Sterling family’s banquet tomorrow evening?"

Evelyn’s hand stilled mid-air, the jar of face cream hovering inches from her skin.

This was unprecedented—Nathan had never invited her to a social event before.

Her pulse quickened. Was he finally acknowledging her as his wife in public? The thought sent an unexpected thrill through her.

Yet, after a brief hesitation, she replied, "No, I’ll be going with Ethan instead."

Nathan’s expression darkened instantly. Rejection—sharp and unexpected—cut through him, leaving behind a bitter mix of anger and something dangerously close to disappointment. His voice turned icy. "Fine. It was my father’s request anyway."

With that, he disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Evelyn to her thoughts.

Her grip tightened around the jar. So, Leonard had pressured him. Of course. Nathan would never extend such an invitation of his own volition.

It was clear—Leonard intended to use the banquet to formally introduce her as Nathan’s wife.

But if divorce was inevitable, why tie herself further to the Black family’s legacy? Better to remain unseen, unclaimed.

Evelyn resumed her skincare, though her movements were mechanical, her mind elsewhere. She applied the same serum twice without realizing it before finally abandoning the routine altogether.

Sinking onto the bed, she exhaled sharply, her thoughts a tangled mess.

The following evening…

The Sterling estate glittered under the evening sky, hosting a lavish welcome-back party for their eldest daughter, Giselle, who had just returned from abroad. Edmund Sterling, the family patriarch, had spared no expense for the occasion.

Evelyn arrived on Ethan’s arm, and the moment they stepped into the grand hall, all eyes turned toward them. Ethan, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, exuded effortless charm and sophistication. Beside him, Evelyn was a vision in a deep sapphire gown that draped elegantly off her shoulders, accentuating her graceful collarbones and slender frame. Her makeup was understated yet radiant, her every movement captivating.

Whispers followed them as they moved through the crowd, but Evelyn barely noticed. Her gaze swept the room—until it landed on Nathan.

He stood across the hall, his piercing eyes locked onto her, an unreadable expression on his face.

The air between them crackled with tension.

And then—

Giselle Sterling stepped forward, her smile sharp as a blade.

"Ah, Evelyn Hartley," she purred. "How interesting to see you here."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her clutch.

This night was far from over.