Chapter 189

Nathan Blackwood couldn't resist glancing at the stage.

But it was empty.

Evelyn Carter had already slipped away unnoticed. His brows knitted together, his gaze darkening with unreadable emotions.

Meanwhile, servants bustled in and out of the pantry.

A maid, bribed by Cassandra Blackwood, darted inside when no one was looking.

She avoided the security cameras, pulled out two vials of the drug Cassandra had given her, and poured them into separate champagne flutes before topping them off.

"One for Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, and the other for Mr. Julian Montgomery. Make sure Julian drinks his—no mistakes."

That was Cassandra’s command.

Her future wealth depended on this.

Nerves twisted her stomach, and she rushed out to the restroom.

At that moment, a girl in a soft white dress tiptoed into the pantry.

Eleanor Blackwood, who had been absent from the banquet, appeared like a ghost.

Her wide, childlike eyes darted around before she snatched a flute of champagne and downed it in one gulp.

Few knew about Eleanor’s secret habit—she loved alcohol and often sneaked into the wine cellar at night. Tonight was no exception.

"Mmm... Burp! Delicious!" She licked her lips, satisfied, then refilled the glass to hide the theft before scurrying away like a startled rabbit.

Ever since Harrison Kingsley had made his unexpected appearance, Evelyn had vanished from sight.

The banquet table overflowed with delicacies, but Nathan had no appetite. His gaze swept the hall restlessly.

"Come, Mr. Kingsley. A toast!"

Julian raised his glass toward Sebastian, his charming eyes shadowed with conflicting emotions. "You’re fortunate to have someone as extraordinary as Evelyn. Treat her well—love her like a queen. Never let her shed a tear."

Sebastian smirked, lifting his own glass. "Of course. She’ll want for nothing."

Julian’s throat tightened. He pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Sebastian.

"My number. In case you ever... change your mind."

Sebastian arched a brow. "Mr. Montgomery, I know who you are."

"But you don’t know this—I love her too." Julian’s confession was blunt, his gaze unwavering.

Nathan’s grip on his glass tightened.

Sebastian’s expression didn’t flicker. "Oh?"

"Love is fickle. If you ever stop deserving her, call me. I’ll be there before you hang up." Julian’s intensity left no room for doubt.

Sebastian chuckled. "Your concern is touching, but unnecessary."

Nathan couldn’t take another second. He stood abruptly and stalked away, jaw clenched.

Their words about his ex-wife—though never naming him—felt like knives twisting in his chest.

Just outside the hall, Victoria Sterling flung herself into his arms.

"Nathan!"

Then, from the corner of his eye—he saw her.

Evelyn.

His breath hitched.

Seizing the moment, Victoria pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth.

Evelyn turned—and froze.

Their eyes met for a heartbeat before she walked away as if she hadn’t seen a thing.

A sharp pain lanced through Nathan’s chest. He shoved Victoria back without thinking, sending her stumbling.

"Nathan! How could you—?"

He wiped the lipstick from his mouth, disgusted. "I don’t like being ambushed."