Chapter 15

The evening sky blazed with streaks of amber and rose as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Nathan Blackwood slumped against the plush leather seats of his Maybach, exhaustion lining his chiseled features as the car glided toward Cliffside Manor.

"Mr. Blackwood," Oliver Sinclair adjusted his glasses, "we've handled the online defamation against Ms. Carter. All offending accounts have been terminated and legal proceedings initiated. However..." He hesitated. "The trending news about your marital status remains beyond our control."

Nathan's obsidian eyes remained fixed on the passing cityscape.

During the ride, his fingers had hovered over his phone multiple times, itching to call Evelyn. But the memory of their last disastrous conversation stopped him each time. Going through Sebastian Kingsley again would be humiliating.

Even if she answered, what would he say?

An apology for today's fiasco?

The words stuck in his throat like shards of glass. Guilt and frustration warred within him.

As the Rolls-Royce approached the manor gates, Nathan suddenly commanded, "Pull over."

The vehicle came to an abrupt halt.

Before Oliver could question him, Nathan had already crossed the street toward a quaint tailor shop with vintage charm.

Handcrafted suits adorned the display window beneath a weathered sign reading "Wisterias."

Recognition flashed through Nathan. This was the name stamped on the gift box containing Evelyn's handmade suit.

The bell chimed as he entered. An elderly tailor emerged from the back.

"Good evening, sir. Are you collecting an order or commissioning new attire?"

Nathan hesitated. "Did a young woman in her twenties create a men's suit here about a month ago?"

The tailor's face lit up. "Ah! The talented young lady! She came daily - such remarkable skill for her age!"

His wrinkled hands gestured animatedly. "Forty years in this trade, and I've never seen such natural talent! Her design instincts were extraordinary."

"Every day?" Nathan's voice thickened.

"Oh yes, from opening till closing. Sometimes I'd find her asleep at the worktable, completely exhausted." The tailor shook his head fondly. "Forgot meals, forgot water - poured her entire being into that suit."

He leaned closer conspiratorially. "When I asked if it was for her father or sweetheart, she blushed scarlet and said 'my husband.' Can you imagine? Married so young! I told her - whoever he is, he's the luckiest man alive."

Nathan's jaw tightened.

"Her eyes sparkled when she spoke of him. Every stitch was sewn with love, I could tell." The tailor peered at Nathan curiously. "If I may ask, how do you know about her work?"

Nathan swallowed hard. "I'm... her husband."

The old man's eyebrows shot up. Then he broke into a wide grin. "Well now! No wonder she worked so tirelessly! A perfect match indeed!"

Emerging from the shop, Nathan stood motionless as the fading sunlight painted his face gold. His world tilted on its axis.

Evelyn had done this to him.

Had she truly loved him?

Then how could she walk away so easily? How could she vanish into another man's arms?

An unfamiliar hollowness spread through his chest.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Oliver appeared bewildered. "Since when do you visit tailors? Your wardrobe comes exclusively from—"

"Never mind. Let's go."

His phone buzzed.

After today's events, the sound triggered instant tension. Relief came when he saw Julian Montgomery's name.

"What?"

"Celebration time!" Julian's boisterous voice crackled through. "Your choice - wedding bells or divorce champagne!"

"Fuck off."

"Kidding! My new club Velvet opens tonight. Get your miserable ass over here! It's been ages!"

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Fine."

Meanwhile, at Willow Creek Estate...

Evelyn had prepared an elaborate dinner for Dominic Kingsley.

"Evie," Dominic frowned at the spread, "you know smoke triggers your allergies. Why torture yourself?"

The slip came automatically. "It's fine, I'm used to—" She froze.

Dominic's fork clattered onto the plate. "Three years? You cooked for that bastard daily?" His voice rose dangerously. "I'll skin him alive!"

Evelyn forced a laugh. "Wives cook for husbands. It doesn't matter now. That chapter's closed."

Her smile couldn't mask the sorrow in her eyes.

The usually playful Dominic grew solemn. He enveloped her in a protective embrace. "Consider those three years community service at a dog pound. From now on, you're our princess again."

At 9 PM, Velvet pulsed with energy, packed with Savrow's elite drawn by Julian's reputation.

A limited-edition Bugatti roared up to the entrance.

Dominic emerged first, his casual attire a stark contrast to his usual courtroom formality. The transformation revealed a strikingly handsome aristocrat beneath the prosecutor's stern demeanor.

Then the driver's door opened.

Evelyn placed her hand in Dominic's, unfolding endless legs from the vehicle. Her silver sequined dress clung to every curve, shimmering under the club lights. Diamond tassel earrings framed her face, accentuating the cascade of chestnut waves.

Every male eye in vicinity locked onto her.

"Jesus, Evie!" Dominic yanked her closer. "That dress is practically body paint! Look at these vultures!"

She smirked. "You don't like it?"

"Too much! I'll need riot gear to keep these animals off you!"

"Let them try." Her eyes glinted dangerously. "I'll remove their teeth one by one."

Inside, Dominic secured a VIP booth, erecting a fortress of premium liquor and his most intimidating glare.

"Regretting bringing you already," Evelyn sighed, swirling her wine. "So many prospects, and here I am with my human chastity belt."

"Evelyn Carter!" Dominic hissed. "Divorced doesn't mean desperate! Raise your damn standards!"

He inched closer as predatory gazes tracked her every move.

Above them, Nathan and Julian approached the second-floor balcony overlooking the dance floor.

"Seriously?" Julian eyed Nathan's impeccable suit. "We're at a club, not a board meeting!"

Nathan arched a brow. "Every nightclub in Crestview bleeds money. Yours isn't special."

"True," Julian grinned, "but who cares? Money's meant to burn!"

As Julian scanned the crowd below, his gaze snagged. "Holy hell! Now that's what I call a walking sin!"

He forced Nathan to look.

Nathan's blood turned to ice.

Evelyn Carter.

And the man beside her wasn't Sebastian Kingsley.

It was Dominic.