Chapter 169

Julian couldn't suppress the heat rising to his cheeks as he muttered, "And more than one man too!"

All night long, Julian's mind replayed Evelyn's devastating words like a broken record.

"Without Nathan, I wouldn't love anyone."

Julian clenched his fists. Why? Why couldn't she open her heart to anyone but that arrogant bastard?

But he'd never tell Nathan. The man's ego was already inflated enough. If he knew Evelyn still carried this torch for him...

Nathan would become absolutely unbearable.

A sharp pain lanced through Nathan's chest, radiating through his entire body like wildfire.

"So that's your game, Evelyn?" he whispered hoarsely. "You'd sacrifice your own happiness just to punish me?"

Monarch Grand Hotels flourished under Evelyn's leadership. Occupancy rates soared 40% higher than previous records, and their restaurants had waiting lists stretching weeks in advance.

The staff worked with renewed vigor. After Evelyn publicly defended them against Cassandra's abuse, they no longer felt like disposable servants. Their general manager would fight for them.

This unity transformed the hotel's performance beyond recognition.

Evelyn lounged in her office, reviewing the latest financial reports with satisfaction. Each success brought her closer to claiming the CEO title at Monarch Group.

Ambition burned brightly in her now. After years trapped in domestic drudgery, she'd rediscovered her purpose - and nothing would stop her.

"Ms. Carter, Mr. Kingsley is here," Theodore announced, ushering Sebastian inside with a warm smile.

"Seb!"

Evelyn fluttered toward her brother like an excited sparrow, throwing her arms around him.

"How are you holding up?" Sebastian asked, steadying her with gentle hands at her waist. "Not overworking yourself?"

Evelyn shook her head. "If I can't handle this much, how will I manage as Monarch Group's CEO?"

She clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes widening playfully. "Oops! Seb, I didn't mean to rush your retirement. If you want to stay as CEO, I'm happy to remain your deputy."

"I just worry you'll abandon me again."

Sebastian tweaked her nose affectionately. "I'm more concerned you'll take off traveling and delay my retirement indefinitely."

"Never again."

Evelyn's expression sobered. "I was selfish before, chasing my own happiness without considering our family's needs." She squared her shoulders. "As the Kingsley heiress, I'll fulfill my responsibilities properly this time."

Her phone interrupted with an insistent ring.

"One moment." Evelyn disentangled herself and crossed to her desk. "Hello, Agnes."

"Young Madam!" Agnes's voice brimmed with emotion.

"I divorced Mr. Blackwood. Please call me Evelyn now." Her correction came gently.

"Of course, Ms. Carter. My apologies."

"What is it, Agnes?"

"I used the acupuncture needles you left. It's miraculous - the young master's headaches have vanished! And the bruise cream worked wonders too."

"Really? That's wonderful."

Evelyn's grip tightened on the phone. She had no desire to discuss Nathan. "Agnes, I'm rather busy—"

"Young Madam!" Agnes interrupted urgently. "Is there truly no hope for reconciliation?"

Evelyn's voice turned to ice. "None."

"The household has descended into chaos since you left. No one looks after the young master properly—"

"He never listened to me either." A humorless smile touched Evelyn's lips. "You'll simply have to try harder."

"And poor Ms. Eleanor! No one cares for her either—"

Eleanor.

Evelyn's chest constricted at the thought of the sweet, autistic girl.

"The chairman's always occupied, Penelope ignores her, and Cassandra torments her daily! Those bruises on Eleanor's arms? All Cassandra's doing!"

Agnes sounded near tears. "With the young master constantly working, Eleanor has no protector. I try to intervene, but I'm just a servant—"

Evelyn's vision swam red. Her nails bit into her palms hard enough to draw blood.