Chapter 128

The alcohol loosened Nathan's tightly controlled emotions, unleashing years of pent-up resentment.

Nathan Blackwood was a man of iron discipline. Even when a bullet had torn through his flesh on the battlefield, he hadn't so much as flinched. But now, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"Mr. Blackwood, you're not angry because you were beaten or because I nearly died from a gunshot wound." Evelyn's voice trembled, her heart aching as crushing disappointment washed over her. "You're only furious because you think I lied to you."

Nathan stiffened. His lips pressed into a thin, tense line.

"Nathan, we're already divorced. Why does this even matter? It's pointless." Evelyn let out a bitter laugh. "You're mad because something that once belonged to you now belongs to someone else. You hate losing control over me. That's all this is." She lifted her chin defiantly. "For the sake of your health, let's just get straight to the point—compensation. If you want to settle this privately, fine."

Nathan's eyes snapped open, bloodshot and burning. "Tell me who that man is and what your relationship is with him. Then we'll settle this privately."

"No," Evelyn answered without hesitation.

"Then leave Sebastian Kingsley and cut all ties with the Monarch Group. Do that, and I'll agree to a private settlement."

Evelyn scoffed. This man has the audacity to push his luck like this?

Her cherry-red lips parted, so enticing that Nathan momentarily lost himself in their allure.

He narrowed his eyes, wondering if the alcohol was still clouding his judgment. Right now, she was irresistible.

Growing up in luxury, Nathan had encountered countless beautiful women. He prided himself on his self-control.

Yet, at this moment, he was struggling.

"Since you're not serious about negotiating compensation, I'll have my secretary handle this with you. I won't disturb your rest any longer. Goodbye."

Before she could turn away, Nathan's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. With surprising strength, he yanked her into his arms.

Evelyn collided with his solid chest, her breath hitching.

"Nathan! Let—"

His mouth crashed down on hers.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. She shoved against his shoulders, her fists pounding uselessly against his unyielding frame.

In their three years of marriage, Nathan had never once initiated so much as a handhold, let alone a kiss. Now, he was devouring her like a man possessed.

The realization sent fury blazing through her. Her vision blurred with unshed tears as she bit down hard on his lower lip.

"Fuck!" Nathan jerked back, pain flashing across his face.

"You bastard!" Evelyn's voice shook with rage and humiliation. She raised her hand and slapped him—hard.

The sharp crack echoed through the room. A red handprint bloomed across Nathan's cheek.

His eyes burned with fury, but when he saw the tears glistening in her eyes and her swollen lips, something inside him twisted. His mind went blank.

"Nathan! What do you take me for?" Evelyn's voice trembled. "You trampled on my dignity during our marriage, and now you're harassing me after our divorce? What will it take for you to just let me go?"

She wiped her smeared lipstick with the back of her hand, her glare searing. "Forget about keeping me as your mistress. If you ever pull this again, I swear I'll ruin you."

With that, she shot him one last venomous look, spun on her heel, and stormed out.

Nathan clenched his jaw, the sting of her slap nothing compared to the ache in his chest.

What the hell was I thinking? He dragged a hand down his face. I kissed her. I must be out of my damn mind.

The moment Evelyn left, Julian Montgomery strode into the room.

"Nathan, did you just fight with Evelyn? The whole hallway heard you two."

Then Julian's gaze dropped to Nathan's bruised lips. His eyes widened. "Holy shit—what happened to your mouth? Did you—" He gasped. "You absolute scoundrel! You have a fiancée!"