Chapter 119

Two exclusive Centurion black cards slid across the counter, held by men who could move Crestview's financial markets with a single word. And these titans were now battling over a necklace!

This moment deserved to be immortalized in oil paint.

The boutique assistant stared at the cards with trembling fingers. "Gentlemen... we only have one piece left..."

"I'm aware."

Nathan Blackwood's icy gaze finally tore away from Evelyn Carter's exquisite features. "That's precisely why I'm purchasing it."

Victoria Sterling nearly squealed with delight, barely containing her excitement as she waited for Nathan to present her with the prize.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, the bitter taste of jealousy rising in her throat. Whenever Victoria wanted something, Nathan moved heaven and earth to obtain it. Yet he'd never once considered her own desires.

"Use my card. Package it immediately!"

Julian Montgomery tapped the glass counter impatiently. "Surely you understand the concept of first come, first served?"

"Julian." Nathan's voice carried warning.

The dark-haired businessman met his childhood friend's stare unflinchingly. "Nathan, you know I don't play these games lightly. There are few women I genuinely wish to gift anything to." His voice dropped. "After twenty years of friendship, grant me this one concession?"

Evelyn's sapphire eyes widened in shock.

Victoria's jaw actually dropped. This tramp! Barely divorced from Nathan and already wrapping Crestview's most eligible bachelors around her finger! What magic did this used-up socialite possess?

Nathan felt the oxygen leave his lungs. Never in two decades had Julian challenged him over a woman. And that woman happened to be the ex-wife he supposedly couldn't care less about.

"Thank you, Mr. Montgomery."

Evelyn's sudden radiant smile could melt glaciers. "I'll accept this necklace as your gift."

Julian blinked, momentarily dazzled. "The pleasure is entirely mine, so long as it brings you joy."

Nathan's vision tinted red. White-hot fury licked through his veins.

How dare she accept gifts from another man? How dare she do so in front of him? The audacity!

Before he could react, Julian had already fastened the necklace around Evelyn's slender neck with reverent care.

Nathan's fists clenched uselessly at his sides.

"Stunning!" The assistant gasped behind her hand. "Absolutely breathtaking!"

"Yes, it's quite lovely." Evelyn touched the jewel lightly.

"No, miss! I mean you're stunning! Others have tried this piece—it wore them. But you? You elevate it! It was made for you!"

Victoria's manicured nails bit into her palms. She glared at Nathan, but the man wasn't even looking her way, making no move to reclaim the necklace.

"Mr. Montgomery, I should return to work. Shall we?"

"Of course."

Evelyn swept past Nathan without a glance, Julian falling into step beside her like the perfect escort.

"Nathan!" Victoria grabbed his arm, eyes shimmering with furious tears. "You promised me that necklace! How could you let that washed-up divorcée take it?"

Nathan shook her off and strode after the retreating pair.

"Evelyn!"

She turned, expression glacial. "Something else, Mr. Blackwood? Come to wrestle your gift back by force?"

Nathan flinched. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a velvet box, thrusting it toward her.

Evelyn recoiled. "What is this?"

"Compensation." His jaw worked. "For grandfather's jade bracelet you broke last time." He couldn't bring himself to call it a gift, though he knew how she'd once longed for his presents. Some petty part of him still refused to give her that satisfaction.

"Unnecessary. Your grandfather already replaced it." Her laugh held no warmth. "Keep it, lest your fiancée accuse me of theft again. I've no desire for another scene."

"You'll accept Julian's gift but refuse mine?" Nathan's voice cracked with something raw.

"Perhaps because I find your presence repulsive."

The words landed like a slap. Evelyn turned on her heel, Julian quickly following.

"Nathan, drinks tonight!" Julian called over his shoulder.

Nathan stood frozen, those six syllables echoing in his skull like a death knell. You're repulsive. You're repulsive. You're repulsive.

Victoria finally caught up, having witnessed the entire humiliating exchange. Her pretty features twisted into something truly ugly as she watched Evelyn's retreating figure. That bitch would pay.