Chapter 194

Nathan refused to let go. His fingers dug into Evelyn's slender wrist, leaving angry crimson imprints on her porcelain skin.

What burned brighter than those marks were his bloodshot eyes, dark with possessive fury. "Did he touch you, Evelyn? Answer me!"

"Mr. Kingsley was drugged at your party!" Evelyn shot back, her emerald eyes blazing with contempt.

Nathan recoiled as if struck. "What did you say?"

"I've stabilized him temporarily, but without knowing the substance, we need immediate bloodwork at Kingsley Medical Center!"

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes as she wrenched free from Nathan's grasp. "I don't have time for your petty games, Nathan. If anything happens to Sebastian, I swear I'll make you all pay! This ends tonight!"

Her words were daggers twisting in Nathan's chest, severing something vital between them.

Shame burned his cheeks. She'd never defied him like this before - never fought for another man with such ferocious beauty.

"Evelyn! Come back!" His voice cracked with desperation.

But she was already turning away, supporting Sebastian's limp form.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.

"Evelyn! Evelyn!"

Reginald Blackwood's panicked voice cut through the tension.

Evelyn froze. Slowly, she turned with Sebastian's arm draped over her shoulders.

Then all color drained from her face.

Standing beside the Blackwoods was her father, Harrison Kingsley.

Harrison's sharp intake of breath was audible. He rubbed his eyes violently, certain he was hallucinating.

Evelyn's throat closed. No sound emerged.

Guilt and terror crashed over her like a tidal wave, each wave more suffocating than the last.

"Chairman Kingsley, Grandfather, Nathan - look at her!" Victoria seized the moment, stepping forward with venomous triumph. "Ms. Carter humiliates both families! Nathan promised the divorce after Grandfather's birthday. Couldn't she wait out of respect? As Nathan's fiancée, I've endured countless slights for family harmony. Yet she throws herself at your son before the ink dries? Chairman Kingsley, would you really let this shameless woman tarnish Sebastian's reputation?"

"Victoria!" Nathan's roar shook the chandeliers.

Victoria flinched but held her ground. The damage was done.

"Evelyn...you and Sebastian?" Reginald gaped at the scene, at a loss.

Leonard Blackwood shook his head in disgust. His son had dodged a bullet divorcing this disgrace.

"Youthful passions, I suppose," Penelope sighed theatrically. "Thank heavens only family witnessed this scandal."

"Evelyn. Come here."

Harrison's commanding voice cut through the murmurs. Everyone froze.

Who was he addressing?

Then Evelyn stepped forward mechanically, cheeks flaming. She swallowed hard before whispering, "Dad..."