Chapter 134

The sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom with license plate EVA676 idled outside Monarch Grand Hotel's entrance, its polished chrome gleaming under the golden sunset. Pedestrians slowed their pace, casting admiring glances at the luxury vehicle that screamed wealth and power.

Meanwhile, a matte black Maybach lurked in the shadows of a side alley, its tinted windows revealing nothing.

Nathan Blackwood sat rigid in the backseat, his stormy gray eyes tracking every movement near the hotel entrance. His jaw clenched as he drummed impatient fingers against his knee.

Then she appeared.

Evelyn Carter emerged from the hotel's revolving doors, Theodore Winslow following closely behind. The evening breeze caught the hem of her powder blue chiffon dress, making the delicate fabric dance around her ankles.

Nathan's breath hitched. He'd never seen her like this before.

During their marriage, Evelyn had always dressed modestly - simple cotton dresses, flat shoes, minimal makeup. Now she looked every inch the Kingsley heiress she was born to be. The silk dress clung to her curves before flaring at the waist, the neckline dipping just enough to be elegant rather than provocative. Her hair, usually tied back, cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders.

A bitter taste filled Nathan's mouth. He could have given her designer gowns, diamond jewelry, anything her heart desired. Why had she chosen to play the meek little wife all those years?

"Follow them," Nathan growled as Evelyn slid into the Rolls-Royce.

The Maybach pulled away from the curb just as the Phantom did, maintaining a careful distance.

Inside the Rolls-Royce, Evelyn beamed as she handed Sebastian Kingsley a thick folder. "Look at these numbers, Seb. Two months and I've already exceeded projections. Not bad for someone who's been out of the game for three years, huh?"

Sebastian's proud smile softened his usually sharp features as he flipped through the reports. "You've always been brilliant, little star. Dad will be thrilled." His fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "Though I still think you're pushing yourself too hard."

"Hardly!" Evelyn's eyes sparkled with determination. "This is just the beginning. Monarch Group will dominate not just Fairhaven, but Crestview too. Blackwood Industries' monopoly is about to end."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "You're aiming straight for Nathan's territory then?"

"Business is business," Evelyn said coolly, her manicured nails tapping against the leather seat. "I lost the battle in love, but I'll win the war in the boardroom."

"Spoken like a true Kingsley." Sebastian chuckled. "Though I should warn you, Nathan won't make it easy."

"Good." Evelyn's lips curved into a feline smile. "I wouldn't want it to be easy."

Behind them, the Maybach maintained its pursuit.

"Sir, they're definitely heading to Fairhaven," Oliver Sinclair observed from the driver's seat.

Nathan's grip tightened on his knee. "She wouldn't dare."

"Mr. Blackwood... if Mr. Kingsley is taking her to meet his parents..." Oliver trailed off nervously.

"She's still my wife!" Nathan's voice was dangerously low. "The divorce isn't finalized yet. Is she so eager to replace me that she'd flaunt her new relationship in front of my entire city?"

Oliver hesitated. "But after Old Master Reginald's birthday party..."

Nathan's chest constricted at the unspoken truth. Once the divorce was finalized, he'd have no claim over Evelyn whatsoever. The thought sent an unfamiliar pang through him.

As the Rolls-Royce crossed the bridge into Fairhaven's exclusive district, Nathan's phone buzzed with an incoming call from his grandfather. He ignored it, his gaze fixed on the car ahead carrying the woman who had once been his, but now seemed determined to become his greatest rival.