Chapter 193

Victoria's shifting expression made Nathan tense. His fingers curled into fists. "What's wrong? What happened to Evelyn?!"

Sebastian's chest tightened painfully.

"Evelyn, just tell us directly. We're all family here." Penelope's icy gaze bore into her.

"I was strolling through the gardens when I accidentally saw Ms. Carter and Mr. Kingsley entering the same suite." Victoria blinked innocently. "Mr. Kingsley appeared quite intoxicated, so I assumed Ms. Carter was assisting him."

She added hastily, "At first I was concerned, but since they're officially dating, there shouldn't be any issue with them sharing a room, right?"

Nathan's entire body went rigid. His knuckles turned white from how hard he was clenching them.

Harrison shot up from his seat, bewildered. "Who did you say my son was with? Evelyn Carter? Who is she?!"

Victoria's eyes darted nervously toward Nathan.

Blood roared in Nathan's ears. Without a word, he turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving stunned silence in his wake.

A triumphant smirk played on Victoria's lips. Evelyn, this time I'll make sure your reputation is destroyed beyond repair. I'll force Nathan to see you for the scheming slut you truly are.

"Someone explain who this woman is!" Harrison demanded, veins bulging at his temples.

He'd groomed his eldest son for greatness since childhood. How dare some gold-digging harlot set her sights on his heir?

"Oh dear! You really don't know her, Chairman Kingsley?" Penelope feigned shock. "Your son and Evelyn made their relationship public earlier at the birthday gala. During the charity auction, I noticed how close Lillian and Evelyn were. Naturally, I assumed you'd met her already."

"What? Lillian knows her too?!" Harrison's face darkened alarmingly. His jaw worked furiously.

That cunning witch! First she seduces my son, then worms her way into my wife's good graces? Just who does she think she is?

"Enough!" Reginald interjected sharply. He'd always been fond of Evelyn and wouldn't tolerate Penelope's poisonous insinuations. "Whatever exists between Evelyn and Sebastian is their private affair. There's no need for this discussion."

"With all due respect, Father, it's not that simple." Penelope's eyes gleamed dangerously. She cleared her throat delicately. "Legally speaking, Evelyn is still part of our family since she and Nathan haven't finalized their divorce. We respected your wishes by waiting until your birthday to announce Nathan and Victoria's engagement. They've endured so much humiliation for your sake - especially poor Victoria, suffering silently while Evelyn flaunts herself shamelessly. And now, at your celebration of all places! If this scandal breaks, our family will become the laughingstock of high society!"

Victoria and Cassandra exchanged smug glances, barely concealing their glee.

Harrison looked like he'd been struck by lightning. His mind reeled.

His son - the thirty-year-old confirmed bachelor, the man who'd shown less interest in women than in his morning coffee - had fallen for his brother-in-law's soon-to-be ex-wife?

Had the boy taken a vow of celibacy only to develop some bizarre fetish for married women?

The disgrace!

Nathan sprinted down the endless corridor like a man possessed.

The unflappable business magnate, the epitome of aristocratic composure, now ran with the desperation of a man chasing his last hope.

The mere thought of Evelyn in Sebastian's arms had shattered his legendary self-control.

He needed to stop this. To drag her away from that man's touch at any cost.

Evelyn, I won't let him have you!

When he reached the suite, Nathan's shirt clung to his sweat-drenched back. His breathing came in ragged gasps, his vision tinged red.

What if he was too late? What if they'd already... How far had things gone between them?

The mental images lanced through him like white-hot knives. Teeth gritted, he raised a shaking fist to pound on the door - just as it swung open.

There stood Evelyn, supporting a disheveled Sebastian. Both froze at the sight of him.

Nathan's arm hung suspended mid-air. His lips trembled violently. "Why... are you here?"

Evelyn's heart clenched painfully at his appearance. She forced a mocking laugh. "Word travels fast, I see. Couldn't resist coming to witness the scandal firsthand?"

"Did he touch you?" Nathan's voice was raw, his face ashen.

"None of your business." She shoved past him, Sebastian's weight making her stagger. "Move."

Beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she struggled down the corridor, desperate to get her brother medical attention.