Chapter 150

What on earth?!

Evelyn kept shooting daggers at Rosalind Walker, but the renowned designer remained oblivious to her glare. Rosalind's attention was entirely consumed by Nathan Blackwood, staring at him like he was some exquisite piece of art.

Evelyn thought irritably, That girl! She'll strain her eyes gawking at such a despicable man!

"Thank you."

Nathan exhaled quietly in relief. However, Rosalind added sharply, "You may stay, but Ms. Sterling must leave immediately."

Victoria Sterling froze in shock. "Why should I leave?" she spat indignantly. "I'm Mr. Blackwood's fiancée!"

Her shrill voice drew disgusted glances from nearby guests.

Rosalind tsked, shaking her head. "I'd never have guessed that in a million years if you hadn't announced it. You!"

Victoria's face flushed crimson with rage.

"The only reason I'm not ejecting Mr. Blackwood is because his appearance meets my standards for distinguished guests."

Rosalind's critical gaze swept over Victoria's outfit. "Ms. Sterling, your fashion sense offends me. Your taste is clearly incompatible with this event. Kindly remove yourself."

Evelyn massaged her temples in exasperation.

She recalled how her former apprentice had always been shamelessly obsessed with handsome men.

At least she's keeping Nathan here... I should be grateful for that.

"Ms. Walker," Nathan's voice turned dangerously low, "we meant no disrespect by attending your private reception. But you're being unnecessarily harsh."

"Am I?" Rosalind's cheerful demeanor vanished. "Your fiancée publicly humiliated my mentor moments ago. I'm showing remarkable restraint by not having security physically remove her."

A tense silence fell over the gathering.

Evelyn stared at Rosalind in surprise. So she had witnessed the earlier confrontation.

An unexpected warmth blossomed in Evelyn's chest.

"I... I..." Victoria stammered, cold sweat beading on her forehead as she clung desperately to Nathan.

Her earlier arrogance had spectacularly backfired.

Nathan's chiseled features hardened into stone.

"Rosalind, let it go."

Concerned about disrupting the event, Evelyn decided to play peacemaker. Rosalind had already made her point. Now was the time to appear magnanimous.

"Since they're already here," Evelyn murmured, "consider them your guests. There's no need for further drama. I wasn't offended by Ms. Sterling's remarks. Everything she said was true—I am indeed nobody special. This matter isn't worth pursuing."

Her words sparked immediate sympathy among the attendees.

"Look how gracious this young woman is!"

"Exactly! Many legendary designers came from humble beginnings. Ms. Sterling's behavior is utterly tasteless!"

"Honestly, how could someone so petty be engaged to Mr. Blackwood? She behaves like some vulgar mistress."

"Mr. Blackwood's choice in women is truly questionable..."

Victoria trembled with humiliation, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.

Though desperate to flee, she noticed Nathan showed no intention of leaving.

His jaw clenched tight, fists balled at his sides.

He would endure any humiliation to stay.

Because he needed to uncover Evelyn's true intentions.