Chapter 174

The grand ballroom plunged into stunned silence before erupting into shocked murmurs.

Guests who had come expecting a simple birthday celebration found themselves witnessing a scandalous revelation.

Evelyn's captivating eyes turned icy, though her expression remained perfectly composed.

Everything was proceeding exactly as she'd anticipated.

Julian Montgomery, however, broke into a cold sweat and immediately moved to intercept Evelyn.

His towering frame loomed protectively as he called out with concern, "Evelyn..."

She turned, her lips curving into a dazzling crescent moon smile. "I'm perfectly fine."

Julian's pulse quickened.

Who could remain unaffected by such radiant charm?

"Aunt Penelope," Nathan's voice cut through the whispers like frost, "this is Grandfather's birthday celebration. Kindly refrain from airing private family matters." His glare burned with barely contained fury.

Penelope feigned remorse. "Forgive me, Nathan. I spoke without thinking." Her saccharine smile returned. "But since none of our guests know Evelyn, I thought an introduction might help. Even if she's no longer part of our family, she was once my daughter-in-law."

Her words dripped with false concern. "We shouldn't let anyone look down on her just because she comes from humble rural beginnings."

The guests' whispers intensified as their gazes turned pitying toward Evelyn.

Victoria Sterling and Cassandra Blackwood exchanged triumphant smirks.

Not only had Evelyn's divorce been publicly confirmed, but her connection to Sebastian Kingsley had also been exposed.

Victoria thought viciously, That gold-digging harlot will never sink her claws into Nathan again!

"How thoughtful of you, Mrs. Blackwood." Evelyn's voice rang clear as crystal, her posture regal as a crimson rose in full bloom. "But I fail to see why my rural upbringing should invite anyone's disdain. Must one's worth be measured by pedigree alone?"

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line, his smoldering gaze locked on his ex-wife. Had their marriage truly meant so little to her?

Evelyn's dignified response resonated with several guests.

"Well said! My grandfather started as a farmer - now he owns three vineyards!"

"Mrs. Blackwood's being rather hypocritical, isn't she?"

"Weren't her own parents bankrupt social climbers? At least farmers have honest livelihoods!"

Penelope's face flushed crimson with humiliation. She hadn't anticipated Evelyn deflecting the attack so effortlessly.

"Bravo!" Julian chuckled near Evelyn's ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Country girls have always been my preference - so refreshingly genuine."

Evelyn suppressed an eye roll. Was she supposed to thank him for that?

Nathan's knuckles whitened as he watched their intimate exchange, dark fury coiling in his chest.

"Nathan!" Victoria materialized at his side, her manicured fingers possessively curling around his arm. "Don't be cross with Aunt Penelope. She only meant to spare Ms. Carter future embarrassment by addressing the matter openly."

Nathan's expression remained inscrutable, though his arm tensed beneath her touch.

The guests' murmurs took a new turn:

"How awkward for Ms. Carter to attend after the divorce!"

"Didn't you hear? Reginald Blackwood personally invited her."

"More likely she's here to make trouble - probably regrets losing such a catch!"

"Pay them no mind, Evelyn." Julian's eyes turned dangerous. "Ignorant tongues deserve to be silenced."

Evelyn merely laughed, the picture of grace under fire. "Gossip has never troubled me."

Just as Victoria began preening over her perceived victory, a thunderous voice cut through the chatter:

"Let me see who dares make my beloved Evelyn uncomfortable!"

All heads turned as Reginald Blackwood made his entrance, flanked by his son Leonard and secretary Marcus Underwood.

Gone was the wheelchair - the patriarch stood tall in his white tuxedo, silver hair impeccably groomed, his complexion glowing with health that belied years of illness.

"Grandfather!" Evelyn's face lit with genuine delight at his robust appearance.

Penelope shot Victoria a meaningful look before adopting a syrupy smile. "Father, what a joy to have our entire family together for your special day!"