Chapter 203

The birthday celebration had finally ended. Concerned about Eleanor's wellbeing, Reginald summoned his private physician to examine her. Only when the doctor confirmed her stable condition did the elderly patriarch relax.

In the dimly lit hospital corridor, two strikingly handsome men leaned against the windowsill, their silhouettes outlined by the moonlight.

Nathan extended his hand. "Got a smoke?" Julian Montgomery passed him a cigarette, watching as his friend lit it with practiced ease. The acrid smoke curled between them like ghosts of unspoken words.

"Evelyn Carter... the real Evelyn Kingsley?" Julian's voice held disbelief. "The legendary heiress of Harrison Kingsley's empire?"

Nathan exhaled sharply, the nicotine doing little to calm his nerves. His fingers trembled slightly as he tapped ash into the tray.

"Damn it, Blackwood!" Julian punched Nathan's shoulder with playful force, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You hit the jackpot without even realizing it! Do you know what you've lost? You were married to the Kingsley princess! If you'd stayed married, Monarch Group's resources would've been at your fingertips. Your father and that viper Penelope wouldn't dare cross you then. Blackwood Industries would've been yours for the taking."

"I don't need Evelyn's connections to claim what's rightfully mine." Nathan blew a perfect smoke ring, shooting Julian a warning glare. "Do I look like some pathetic gold-digger to you?"

Julian chuckled. "No, you're the type who'll work himself to death before enjoying life. A true corporate martyr."

Nathan's jaw tightened.

"What a waste," Julian sighed dramatically. "With the Kingsleys' backing, you could've retired by forty!"

Crushing the cigarette with unnecessary force, Nathan swallowed the bitter taste of regret. "I still don't understand why she chose me in the first place."

"Neither do I," Julian agreed cheerfully. "You're moody, emotionally constipated, and pining after Victoria. She'd have been better off with me."

Nathan's eyes darkened dangerously. "Tell me, Montgomery, do you honestly think Harrison Kingsley would approve of you for his daughter?"

"At least I wouldn't jump to conclusions every time she spoke to another man. That alone puts me ahead of you in the running, don't you think?" Julian's grin widened. "Remember how you used to pick fights whenever she was with Sebastian? All those cruel things you said... any regrets now?"

Nathan's knuckles turned white. "She should've told me who she really was!"

"You were divorced. She owed you nothing." Julian's tone turned uncharacteristically serious. "The truth is, you never trusted her. No foundation, no future. I admire her for enduring three years of your bullshit. I would've walked out after three days."

Every word struck like a knife. Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line, veins protruding along his clenched fists.

Julian clapped Nathan's shoulder with false cheer. "But hey, thanks for the cautionary tale. When I pursue Evelyn - whether as Carter or Kingsley - I'll make sure not to repeat your mistakes. Wish me luck!"

"Go to hell." Nathan's murderous glare could've vaporized lesser men.

"Already on my way." Julian turned to leave, then paused dramatically. "You're not really letting tonight's incident slide, are you?"

"Penelope and Cassandra won't escape consequences." Nathan's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Even with evidence, Leonard will bury this to avoid scandal. But I have other ways to make them pay."

"Evelyn's safe this time, but what if—"

"Then Penelope and Cassandra would be in police custody right now."

Julian inhaled sharply at the icy promise in Nathan's tone. The air around them grew heavy with unspoken threats. Should any harm come to Evelyn, Julian had no doubt Nathan would eliminate every threat permanently.

A new thought struck Julian. "What about your fiancée? Victoria was the first to alert Harrison about Evelyn's situation. Doesn't that strike you as suspicious?"

Nathan's brow furrowed, irritation and suspicion warring within him. The game had changed, and suddenly, all the pieces looked different.