Chapter 152

Victoria Sterling's grip tightened on Nathan Blackwood's sleeve as Rosalind Walker reappeared across the ballroom. "Nathan, let's approach her," she whispered urgently. "As CEO of Blackwood Industries, your influence could persuade her to design my wedding gown."

Nathan's brow furrowed as Victoria dragged him forward.

"Ms. Walker," Victoria began with saccharine sweetness, pressing closer to Nathan. "We'd be honored if you'd design my wedding dress. Our nationwide televised ceremony next month would provide incredible exposure for your brand." Her smirk grew smug. "Name your price - we'll meet any demand to show our sincerity."

"Money's no object?" Rosalind arched an eyebrow, her crimson lips curling. "How generous of you, Ms. Sterling, now that you're marrying into the Blackwood fortune." She extended one perfectly manicured finger. "One hundred million. Then I'll consider it."

Victoria gasped. "That's outrageous!"

"Really?" Rosalind's laugh was glacial. "The future Mrs. Blackwood intimidated by a mere hundred million?"

"Done." Nathan's voice cut through the tension like steel.

"Nathan!" Victoria's eyes shimmered with performative gratitude.

"His agreement means nothing." Rosalind's smile vanished. "My mentor may have forgiven you, but I haven't. You'll never wear a Rosalind Couture creation - not your wedding dress, not even a borrowed gown." With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she turned away.

Victoria's nails dug into her palms as she seethed internally. "Nathan," she whimpered, "Do you think Evelyn poisoned her against us? How cruel to manipulate an outsider into attacking me!"

Nathan's jaw tightened. "I'll speak with Evelyn after the gala. She'll make Rosalind reconsider."

"You're too good to me," Victoria cooed, tilting her face upward.

The moment her lips neared Nathan's, the ballroom erupted in applause. Lights dimmed as a single spotlight illuminated the runway. The sensual strains of a tango filled the air as a muscular dancer in black emerged.

Nathan's breath caught.

Evelyn Carter materialized from the shadows in a scandalous crimson gown that clung to every curve. The transformation from earlier was staggering - where she'd been elegant, now she radiated dangerous allure.

"My God! Is that the same woman?"

"That dress should be illegal!"

"Look at their chemistry - it's art, not provocation!"

Nathan's knuckles whitened around his champagne flute. Since when could Evelyn dance? The woman who'd tripped over their wedding waltz now moved with predatory grace. And that dress - had she no shame, parading herself like this?

His gaze burned trails over the sinful slit revealing endless legs, the neckline that barely contained her. When the dancer's hand slid possessively around Evelyn's waist, something primal snarled in Nathan's chest.

Tango was seduction set to music.

Evelyn arched backward over her partner's arm, her smoldering gaze accidentally locking with Nathan's. For a heartbeat, the ballroom vanished. His pulse hammered against his collar as she deliberately dragged a fingertip down the dancer's chest.

Nathan's vision tunneled. He'd never touched her with such intimacy during their marriage. Now every man in attendance saw what should have been his alone. The glass shattered in his grip.