Chapter 171

Evelyn knew the gamble of making Nathan fall for her was dangerous. She had already cried enough tears over that man. Now was the moment to release those feelings forever.

Time moved swiftly.

Before anyone realized, Reginald Blackwood's birthday celebration arrived.

The entire Blackwood clan considered this the year's most significant event - the patriarch's 80th birthday. Leonard spared no expense, purchasing a sprawling French château worth hundreds of millions as his father's gift. This became the gala's magnificent setting.

Only Crestview's elite received invitations - tycoons rubbing shoulders with renowned artists from the National Arts Council, all Reginald's longtime associates.

Victoria Sterling and Cassandra Blackwood began their preparations a week early - selecting designer gowns, scheduling spa treatments. Their frantic competition resembled brides preparing for weddings rather than guests attending a birthday.

Fate proved ironic when their elaborate ballgowns appeared absurdly overdressed for the château's refined atmosphere.

"Cassandra, what did you get Grandfather Reginald?" Victoria inquired with feigned interest.

"An antique Ming vase. Since he adores porcelain, he'll undoubtedly cherish my gift!" Cassandra twirled her new pink diamond ring smugly.

"Which dynasty?"

"Qing. 19th century."

Victoria batted her false lashes. "Isn't that rather... modern for an antique? Nathan purchased matching 18th century teacups at auction for forty million. Wouldn't his gift overshadow yours?"

Cassandra's face flushed crimson. "As CEO of Blackwood Industries, Nathan represents our entire family. Naturally his gift must reflect that status."

"How fortunate I'll soon marry such an impressive man," Victoria sighed dramatically.

"Besides, I'm Grandfather's favorite. He'll adore anything from me." Cassandra's glare turned icy. "What did you prepare, Victoria?"

"A Renaissance artifact. Ten million at Sotheby's. You'll see soon enough." Victoria's mysterious smile didn't reach her eyes.

Ten million?! Cassandra seethed inwardly. Hadn't Mother said the Sterlings faced bankruptcy? Clearly sleeping with Nathan came with financial perks. The thought made her blood boil.

"Darling, I'm concerned for you today," Cassandra purred. "Grandfather adores your ex-sister-in-law. When Evelyn arrives, won't things become... awkward?"

"Why awkward? I'm Nathan's fiancée. She's the one who should feel ashamed!" Victoria's eyes reddened with rising panic.

"But their divorce isn't finalized. Technically, she remains the legitimate Mrs. Blackwood today." Cassandra hid a smirk seeing Victoria's distress. "If Grandfather introduces her as his granddaughter-in-law, where does that leave you?"

Victoria's face drained of color, resentment coiling in her chest.

"Don't fret, darling." Cassandra turned as Penelope Whitmore approached, crystal wineglass in hand.

"Aunt Penelope!" Victoria clung to the older woman's arm like a lifeline.

The sight of this intimacy inexplicably irritated Cassandra. She's my mother, not yours! Stop stealing what's mine!

Penelope patted Victoria's hand coldly. "Stand tall, dear. Though your mother isn't present, I'll ensure Evelyn causes no trouble tonight."