Chapter 173

Evelyn Carter immediately noticed how Nathan Blackwood's intense gaze had been tracking her every movement since she entered the grand ballroom.

Victoria Sterling's perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms as bitter jealousy twisted her delicate features.

"Evelyn!" Julian Montgomery's face lit up with genuine delight as he raised his champagne flute in greeting.

She inclined her head gracefully, returning his warm smile with one of her own.

Cassandra Blackwood's cheeks flushed with barely contained rage when she witnessed her brother's obvious affection for Evelyn.

Just as Evelyn attempted to walk past Nathan without acknowledgment, his strong fingers suddenly encircled her wrist.

"Where do you think you're going?" His deep voice vibrated through her.

"Anywhere you're not, Mr. Blackwood." She extracted her arm with practiced elegance, her polite smile never reaching her stormy eyes.

Nathan's jaw tightened visibly. Before he could respond, Penelope Whitmore materialized with Victoria clinging to her arm like a designer accessory.

"Evelyn darling, we're so pleased you could join us. We weren't certain you'd attend." Penelope's saccharine tone dripped with false warmth.

All conversation in their immediate vicinity ceased as guests strained to catch every word of this unfolding drama.

"Mrs. Blackwood, you needn't worry. Of course I'd come. Grandfather Reginald specifically requested my presence to celebrate this milestone with Nathan and me." Evelyn's musical laughter carried effortlessly across the silent room.

Nathan's stormy expression darkened further.

Whispers erupted among the assembled elite as speculative glances darted between Evelyn and Victoria.

"Wasn't Ms. Sterling publicly announced as Mr. Blackwood's fiancée last season?"

"Yet he hasn't made any official statement since then..."

"This mysterious beauty carries herself like royalty. Who is she really?"

"Did you see how naturally she mentioned the family patriarch? She must be incredibly close to the Blackwoods."

Victoria's porcelain complexion turned ashen. How dare this nobody steal my spotlight? She's implying she has some special claim to Nathan and the Blackwood legacy!

"Evelyn, we're all aware of your... unique relationship with Grandfather Reginald." Penelope's smile remained fixed as venomous thoughts swirled beneath her polished exterior. "But where is Mr. Kingsley from Monarch Group? Gregory specifically extended an invitation. We expected him to accompany you."

The crowd gasped collectively.

Sebastian Kingsley? Of the legendary Monarch Group?

Everyone knew the Blackwoods and Kingsleys were sworn rivals who hadn't interacted socially in decades. The idea of Sebastian Kingsley attending Reginald Blackwood's birthday was unthinkable.

Nathan recognized Penelope's transparent attempt to humiliate Evelyn, his protective instincts flaring.

Before he could intervene, Evelyn responded with icy composure. "Mrs. Blackwood, why would Mr. Kingsley's attendance concern me?"

Penelope's crimson lips curled triumphantly. "Because he's your current lover, of course."

She turned to address the rapt audience. "Allow me to properly introduce everyone. This is Ms. Evelyn Carter - Nathan's former wife. Though these days, she's better known as the paramour of Monarch Group's CEO, Sebastian Kingsley."