Chapter 176
All heads turned toward the melodious voice that had just spoken.
Gasps echoed through the grand hall as guests recognized the newcomer.
Sebastian Kingsley entered with effortless grace, his tailored navy suit accentuating his aristocratic bearing. Theodore Winslow followed closely behind, carrying a velvet gift box.
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. Her lips parted instinctively to call out to her brother before she caught herself.
Nathan Blackwood's jaw tightened. His glacial gaze turned arctic, sending waves of cold through the room.
Evelyn shivered involuntarily, as if standing beside an active glacier.
She stole a glance at Nathan. His chiseled features had darkened dangerously, storm clouds gathering in his piercing eyes.
"Reginald, my sincerest apologies for my tardiness." Sebastian bowed respectfully to the elder Blackwood.
Tonight, Sebastian carried himself differently. His usually rebellious demeanor had been replaced by refined elegance that made several society ladies fan themselves.
The female guests' eyes darted between Nathan, Sebastian, and Julian Montgomery, mentally debating which billionaire would star in their fantasies tonight.
"Not at all, my boy. I'm delighted you could join us." Reginald smiled warmly, showing no prejudice despite Sebastian being Harrison Kingsley's son.
Evelyn exhaled quietly in relief.
She'd worried Reginald might object to Sebastian's presence, but the old gentleman proved more open-minded than she'd anticipated.
"Evelyn, darling." Sebastian extended his hand toward his sister, his smile tender.
Victoria Sterling and Penelope Whitmore exchanged triumphant glances. Their plan was unfolding perfectly.
They'd hoped to witness two wealthy heirs fighting over Evelyn, exposing her as a gold-digger and ruining her reputation with Reginald simultaneously.
"Coming."
Without hesitation, Evelyn moved toward Sebastian, her steps light.
Victoria and Penelope gaped in shock.
Julian Montgomery's heart clenched painfully as he watched the woman he loved return to another man's side. The bitter taste of being the other man burned his throat.
Nathan's entire body tensed. His fingers twitched before curling into white-knuckled fists.
He didn't know what he wanted to grasp - only that an inexplicable ache spread through his chest.
"Evelyn, when did you and Sebastian become so close?" Reginald asked, brows knitting in confusion.
"Father, you don't know yet—" Penelope began gleefully.
Sebastian smoothly interrupted, "Reginald, our family is eternally grateful for your kindness to Evelyn these past three years. She speaks of you often as the grandfather she never had."
His strong arm encircled Evelyn's slender waist possessively, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Together, they looked like a Renaissance painting come to life - the perfect aristocratic couple.
Nathan felt his blood turn to ice in his veins.
"But from today forward," Sebastian continued smoothly, "the Kingsleys will take over Evelyn's care. Though she'll no longer be a Blackwood, she'll always cherish you as family."
His diplomatic words left no room for criticism.
"Oh!" Realization dawned on Reginald's face. He looked between them in astonishment. "Evelyn, are you and Sebastian...?"