Chapter 18

Nathan's jaw nearly hit the floor when realization struck him.

The stunning woman before him was none other than Evelyn Carter - his elusive ex-wife.

He couldn't deny she outshone Victoria Sterling in every possible way.

Had Victoria not been his childhood sweetheart, she wouldn't stand a chance against Evelyn's radiant beauty.

"Mr. Blackwood, even if she's your ex-wife, that doesn't mean I owe her an apology!"

Damian Sterling stubbornly crossed his arms. "Make her apologize first, then we can forget this ever happened."

Nathan's expression darkened. "If I'd arrived any later, your goons would have assaulted her." His voice turned icy. "The fact that nothing happened doesn't absolve you. Apologize. Now."

Though terrified, Damian maintained his composure.

Evelyn's cheeks were flushed from intoxication.

Through her drunken haze, she caught snippets - "ex-wife" and "apologize." Her thoughts slurred, "This bastard wants me to say sorry? I should be twisting his head off!"

"Too much trouble," she mumbled. "Just call the cops or beat him to a pulp."

Julian Montgomery approached with a dangerous smirk, flanked by two rows of intimidating bodyguards that screamed underworld power.

"You can't just assault me! We have laws!" Damian's voice shook as he faced Julian.

With a casual finger gesture, Julian summoned the terrified waitress Damian had harassed earlier.

"First rule," Julian began coolly, "My staff serve drinks and dance - nothing more. You violated club policy by forcing her to drink with you." His smile vanished. "Second, no drugs in my establishment. Break that rule, and you'll wish you were dead." He nodded toward Evelyn. "Thank Ms. Carter. Had she not stopped you from drugging my employee, you'd be leaving in a body bag."

Nathan's eyes widened in shock. So that's what had transpired!

"Bravo!" Evelyn giggled, giving Julian a wobbly thumbs-up with crescent-shaped eyes.

"My pleasure, Evelyn." Julian winked back.

An unfamiliar tightness gripped Nathan's chest watching their exchange.

"Nathan, does this arrangement satisfy you?" Julian inquired.

"Acceptable," Nathan clipped.

Through gritted teeth, Damian forced out, "My apologies, Mr. Blackwood. I didn't know she was your ex-wife. Ms. Carter... I'm sorry."

Nathan remained unsatisfied, but suddenly realized Evelyn had vanished.

"Looking for your ex?" Julian whistled, jerking his chin toward the dance floor.

Nathan's breath caught.

Under the pulsating lights, Evelyn moved with hypnotic grace, her radiant smile outshining the strobes.

Hopelessly drunk, she floated in euphoric freedom.

Then she stumbled backward.

A collective gasp rose as strong arms caught her.

Blinking up at Nathan's furious expression, she slurred, "Gonna be sick..."

Nathan hauled her into the men's restroom.

She retched violently until nearly unconscious, her beauty marred by the ordeal.

Initially keeping his distance, Nathan finally approached when her suffering became unbearable, gently rubbing her back.

Afterward, Evelyn staggered to the sink, rinsing her mouth with trembling hands.

"Ugh... dying..."

"Serves you right," Nathan scowled. "Why overindulge?"

"Because..." Her voice broke. "It hurts..."