Chapter 148

Victoria Sterling had pleaded with Penelope Whitmore for days to secure these coveted invitations. At first, the thought of groveling had chafed at her pride, but now, standing beside Nathan Blackwood, she felt nothing but triumph.

"Why the secrecy? You know I despise these social gatherings." Nathan's jaw tightened, his expression glacial.

"Darling, my connections aren't prestigious enough to commission Ms. Walker for my wedding gown." Victoria's fingers fluttered nervously against his sleeve. "That's why I needed you here. Rosalind would never refuse a direct request from you."

Noticing his darkening mood, she added in a small voice, "Have I... inconvenienced you?"

"Next time, inform me beforehand." Nathan's tone softened marginally. "I'll dispatch someone to handle it. No need for personal appearances."

"Of course—"

Nathan's attention snapped toward the entrance at the sound of familiar footsteps—crisp, assured, resonating with quiet authority.

His body tensed as he turned.

Bathed in golden afternoon light, Evelyn Carter made her entrance in a tailored capri blue ensemble, the structured blazer accentuating her slender frame. A whisper of jasmine trailed in her wake as she stepped into Nathan's line of sight.

Today, her raven hair was swept into an elegant chignon, exposing the graceful column of her neck. Though she'd forgone her signature crimson lips, her natural magnetism still commanded the room.

Some women needed neither cosmetics nor crowns to radiate power.

Victoria's manicured nails dug into her palms.

She'd chosen scarlet specifically to dominate the event, yet Evelyn's understated blue effortlessly stole the spotlight.

Nathan's throat moved as he struggled to look away.

In one fluid motion, Evelyn passed him without acknowledgment, as though he were part of the furniture.

His eyes narrowed to slits, fury simmering beneath his carefully controlled exterior.

"My, my, Ms. Carter." Victoria's saccharine smile didn't reach her eyes. "What Herculean effort it must have taken for you to secure an invitation."

Evelyn's answering smile was all sharp edges. "Indeed. Every guest here shares either a professional or personal bond with Rosalind or her label. We're all either industry leaders, design collaborators, or elite clients." Her gaze swept over Victoria like a blade. "Which category do you occupy, Ms. Sterling?"

Victoria flushed as if struck.

The surrounding guests exchanged pointed glances, their disdain for the couple palpable.

"Neither you nor Mr. Blackwood qualify under any criteria," Evelyn continued sweetly. "Quite the mystery how you gained entry."

"How dare—!"

"Everyone knows Nathan's influence!" Victoria stepped forward, voice rising. "Ms. Walker would never bar the CEO of Blackwood Industries!"

"Ah, of course." Evelyn inclined her head. "Privilege does have its perks."

"You—! What credentials do you possess to be here?" Victoria's laugh was brittle. "Some backwater nurse who got lucky? You don't belong in this world!"

Nathan's hand clamped on Victoria's wrist. "Enough."

All eyes remained fixed on Evelyn, who stood unruffled. The crowd murmured—no country nurse carried herself with such poise or gained access to such exclusive events.

"Nathan, she started it!" Victoria pouted, smug at having exposed Evelyn's humble origins. "I merely stated facts."

"Ms. Walker's arrival!"

The announcement sliced through the tension.

A statuesque woman in rose-hued couture appeared atop the spiral staircase. With her sleek bob and imperious bearing, Rosalind Walker descended with regal detachment—until her gaze landed on Evelyn.

Her entire demeanor transformed.

Rushing forward, the renowned designer clasped Evelyn's hands with unexpected warmth. "Maestro! You should have told me you were coming!"