Chapter 185

Marcus Underwood knew how much Reginald Blackwood adored opera performances. He'd invested a small fortune to secure a renowned prima donna for tonight's gala. But her assistant just informed me the singer has severe food poisoning and can't perform!

Marcus paced anxiously. What now? We constructed this elaborate stage specifically for her act. Without the performance, Reginald will be devastated, and our guests will mock the Blackwood family's incompetence.

No, they won't.

Evelyn Carter appeared, her composed smile radiating quiet confidence. "Relax, Marcus. I won't let our family become tonight's entertainment."

Our family. Nathan Blackwood's chest tightened at her words.

Though their divorce wasn't finalized, they were no longer married. Yet Evelyn still defended the Blackwood name as fiercely as ever, solving their crises like she always had.

All to ensure Reginald's eightieth birthday celebration remained perfect.

"Ms. Carter, what's your plan?" Marcus brightened immediately at her assurance.

"Take me backstage, Marcus."

With that, Evelyn left Nathan standing there, following Marcus toward the performance area.

Nathan watched her retreating figure, fists clenching helplessly. The memory of her tear-filled eyes earlier made his breath catch painfully.

In the garden, an ornate stage stood decorated with theatrical props.

Guests below chatted merrily, offering birthday toasts to the patriarch.

Reginald basked in his family's presence, having invited Sebastian Kingsley and Julian Montgomery to his table. Their empty seats were quickly claimed.

Only Victoria Sterling remained isolated at a guest table - a deliberate snub confirming her outsider status in the Blackwood circle.

Victoria sat rigid with fury, her manicured nails digging into her palms. The humiliation burned like acid.

Her phone vibrated with a message from Penelope Whitmore.

[Opportunities aren't given - they're taken. Keep waiting and you'll remain the joke everyone pities.]

A joke? Never! Victoria's grip tightened on her phone, her perfectly arched brows drawing together in venomous determination.

Tonight, Evelyn would pay tenfold for every humiliation she'd inflicted.

"Where are Nathan and Evelyn?" Reginald scanned the crowd, frowning at his favorite couple's absence.

As he spoke, Nathan reappeared, his stormy expression making Julian recoil instinctively. His friend radiated such chilling intensity he might as well have returned from the underworld.

"Nathan, where's Evelyn?"

Reginald's displeasure grew. "Have you lost your wife? This negligence is unacceptable!"

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line, too emotionally tangled to respond.

"Mr. Blackwood, perhaps Evelyn got lost in the estate. I'll go find her." Sebastian began rising when Nathan's icy voice cut through.

"Unnecessary, Mr. Kingsley. You're equally unfamiliar here and might get lost yourself. I know exactly where my wife is."

Julian nearly choked on his wine. The tension between the two formidable men crackled like static.

Sebastian's usually warm eyes frosted over momentarily.

Just then, music swelled as the crimson stage curtains parted.

Conversations died as all attention turned toward the stage.

A breathtaking figure in elaborate costume glided gracefully to center stage.

Nathan studied the performer, struck by her haunting familiarity.

Marcus reappeared at Reginald's side.

"The performance is starting! Where's Evelyn?" The opera enthusiast found himself distracted without his beloved granddaughter-in-law present.

"Sir, Ms. Carter is right there."

Marcus gestured toward the stage with a proud smile. "Look closely - isn't that her?"

Gasps rippled through the audience.

Nathan shot to his feet, startling everyone.

His chest heaved violently as he stared transfixed at the vision before him. His heart stuttered as if struck by lightning.