Chapter 183

Nathan Blackwood was seething with rage, his emotions a turbulent storm of betrayal and frustration.

Once again, this woman had played him for a fool!

The birthday celebration continued without interruption in the grand ballroom.

Evelyn Carter excused herself to freshen up, leaving the opulent dining table behind.

As she walked through the winding corridors, she reflected on Victoria Sterling and Penelope Whitmore's pathetic attempts to undermine her.

Their amateurish schemes were laughable - did they truly believe such transparent tactics could topple her?

Evelyn had anticipated every move they might make. What they failed to comprehend was the depth of Reginald Blackwood's affection for her.

His love formed an impenetrable fortress around her heart.

Knowing Sebastian Kingsley's presence required an additional gift, Evelyn had prepared a jade sculpture crafted with her own hands.

Her exceptional skill came from childhood years spent observing Walter Grayson at work in his stone workshop.

In many ways, the late Edmund Fairchild could be considered her mentor.

The mansion's labyrinthine corridors confused Evelyn, and soon she found herself disoriented.

A plump tabby cat darted past her feet.

"Where are you off to, little one?"

Evelyn chuckled and followed the feline's path.

Just as she caught up, her stiletto heel caught between uneven cobblestones, sending her stumbling forward.

Her eyes squeezed shut as she braced for impact.

Strong arms encircled her waist from behind, halting her fall with effortless strength.

The familiar scent of sandalwood and mint surrounded her as her back pressed against a solid chest.

"Meow!"

The cat vanished over a stone wall as quickly as it had appeared.

Evelyn kept her eyes closed, exhaling shakily.

Nathan could feel the rapid pulse at her wrist where his fingers brushed her skin.

Desire flared uncontrollably within him.

His grip tightened momentarily before he forced himself to release her.

"Let me go!" Evelyn bit her lip, twisting in his embrace.

Nathan's dark eyes burned with restrained passion as his hands lingered on her slender frame before finally stepping back.

"Don't flatter yourself," he growled. "I was preventing an accident."

She scoffed, steadying herself against a pillar. "I'd rather faceplant than have you touch me."

The setting sun painted Evelyn's delicate features in golden light, making Nathan's breath catch.

"Take advantage?" His lips curled in a dangerous smile. "If I wanted that, would I have waited until now?"

"Nathan!" Her almond eyes flashed with fury.

"Weren't you the one begging for my attention before?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "The divorce didn't erase my memory."

The reminder of her past vulnerability made Evelyn's cheeks burn.

She tilted her chin defiantly. "Regretting your choices now that you can't have me?"

"Evelyn, you—"

"Mr. Blackwood," she interrupted coldly, "that ship has sailed. You'll never get what you once threw away."

Something snapped in Nathan. Crimson rage clouded his vision as he seized her wrists, pinning her against the stone pillar.