Chapter 118

What an absolute savage!

Nathan, my chest feels like it's being crushed.

Victoria Sterling rushed forward, clutching his arm and pressing herself against his shoulder. Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.

"Since we're already here, why don't you go shopping with me? You've never taken me shopping before. Look, even Mr. Montgomery is with Ms. Carter."

Nathan's expression darkened, his gaze still fixed on Evelyn's retreating figure.

"Fine."

Evelyn walked ahead, her mood thoroughly soured.

Her ex-husband was like a fly that had landed on her dessert—completely ruining what should have been a perfect moment.

"Hey." Evelyn suddenly called out to Julian.

"Yeah?" Julian responded immediately, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"I'm in a foul mood. Tell me another joke."

Julian smirked. "I could tell you a hundred jokes to cheer you up, but if you really want to have fun, let's grab drinks at Velvet tonight."

"No thanks. I don't drink with men I'm not close to."

Evelyn shot him a frosty glance. "Besides, aren't you worried your little friendship boat with Nathan will capsize if you keep hanging around me?"

"Damn, you two are divorced—or might as well be. It's not like I stole you from him. Why would he cut ties with me? He can't afford to!" Julian scoffed, crossing his arms indignantly.

Just then, Evelyn's attention was caught by a sapphire necklace glinting in the display window of a high-end jewelry boutique. The gemstone shimmered under the spotlight like a fragment of the night sky.

She couldn't resist stepping inside.

Julian followed, his presence like a shadow.

"May I see this one?"

"Miss, you have impeccable taste!" The sales associate beamed. "This piece is from our limited-edition Celestial Depths collection—only five in the entire country."

Evelyn was no stranger to fine jewelry. The sapphire wasn't the rarest Vivid Blue, but the craftsmanship was exquisite, the design breathtaking.

With the brand's markup, the price easily soared into seven figures.

"Do you like it?"

Julian lounged on a plush chair, one leg crossed over the other, chin resting on his hand as he watched her with a playful smirk.

The sales associate couldn't help but stare. The woman was stunning, and the man was equally striking. They looked like they'd stepped out of a fashion editorial.

"Yes," Evelyn murmured, tracing the delicate curves of the necklace.

"Try it on." Julian tilted his head.

"Oh my God! This is gorgeous! I need it!"

A shrill voice shattered the moment.

Evelyn and Julian both grimaced.

She turned to see Victoria clutching Nathan's hand, her eyes wide with exaggerated delight.

The sales associate nearly dropped the necklace. Holy—is that Mr. Blackwood? He's even more striking in person. But the woman beside him… she doesn’t hold a candle to the one in front of me.

"Ugh. They’re everywhere," Julian muttered under his breath.

Nathan's cold gaze locked onto Evelyn for a heartbeat before flickering away.

"Nathan, I love this necklace! It’s perfect! Will you buy it for me?" Victoria pouted, batting her lashes like a child begging for candy.

Julian rubbed his arms, shuddering at the sickly-sweet tone.

Nathan’s jaw tightened.

In the past, Victoria never had to ask—if she admired something, he’d buy it without hesitation.

But seeing this necklace only reminded him of Crimson Promise, the piece Evelyn had auctioned off. The memory burned with shame, and he’d locked that necklace away, vowing never to look at it again.

He hesitated.

Victoria’s smile faltered as the silence stretched.

"Miss, here’s my card."

Julian smoothly handed over a sleek black card, grinning at Evelyn. "Wrap it up nicely. It’s for this stunning lady."

Evelyn’s lips curved slightly.

Before the sales associate could react, another black card was thrust forward.

"Swipe this. I want that necklace."

Nathan’s voice was ice, his eyes locked on Evelyn with unreadable intensity.