Chapter 142

Evelyn's sapphire eyes widened in shock, her fingers trembling slightly at her sides. She couldn't bring herself to reach for the velvet box.

The fact that Nathan had been carrying this jewelry case with him all along sent an unexpected pang through her chest.

"Evelyn feels uncomfortable accepting gifts from you now," Sophia interjected sharply. "I'll take it for her."

Before Evelyn could protest, Sophia's manicured fingers snatched the box from Nathan's outstretched hand.

The lid flipped open with a soft click, revealing a breathtaking amethyst bracelet that caught the afternoon light.

The gemstone was exquisite - a rare imperial purple jade of the highest quality, its surface shimmering with inner fire.

Evelyn recognized it immediately as one of those priceless pieces that couldn't be found in ordinary jewelry stores. A year ago, receiving such a gift would have made her heart soar.

Now the icy numbness in her chest remained unbroken.

Love given too late was meaningless. Just like apologies offered after the damage was done.

"Ha!" Sophia's laugh was razor-sharp. "I may not be a certified gemologist, but even I can tell this is worth a fortune." Her fingers tightened around the bracelet. "Thanks for the donation, Mr. Blackwood."

With a sudden violent motion, Sophia hurled the bracelet to the marble floor. The sound of shattering jade echoed through the lobby.

Nathan's face drained of color as the fragments scattered between them like broken promises.

Evelyn's fists clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms. She couldn't bring herself to meet Nathan's gaze.

"Mrs. Kingsley!" Oliver stepped forward, his face flushed with outrage. "That was Mr. Blackwood's gift for Ms. Carter! Even if you refuse it, you had no right to destroy it!"

Sophia ground the fragments beneath her stiletto with deliberate cruelty. "Tell me, Mr. Blackwood - why wait until after the divorce? Now that Evelyn has moved on, you suddenly remember your manners?" Her voice dripped with venom. "Is this your idea of revenge? Trying to make her look like the villain?"

Each word struck Nathan like a physical blow. His throat worked as he stared at Evelyn with shattered eyes.

Evelyn's breath hitched. She grabbed Sophia's arm. "Let's go."

"Young Madam!" Oliver's disappointed gaze burned into Evelyn's back as she walked away.

If even Oliver felt this betrayed, she couldn't imagine Nathan's pain.

"Good riddance," Sophia muttered, linking arms with Evelyn. "Some people just can't take a hint."

Lillian threw Nathan one last contemptuous glance. "You made your bed, Mr. Blackwood. Now lie in it."

Back at the Kingsley estate, Evelyn's carefully constructed composure crumbled. The image of that broken bracelet - and Nathan's equally broken expression - haunted her.

She understood Sophia and Lillian's anger, but their cruelty had crossed a line. Now she looked like the heartless one.

"Evelyn!"

Dominic burst into the room, his face flushed with exertion. "You need to come quick! Maxwell and Father are at it again - Father just struck him!"