Chapter 226

"Why?!" Evelyn Carter's voice trembled as tears cascaded down her porcelain cheeks.

Victoria Sterling had learned from Penelope Whitmore that playing the vulnerable card worked wonders on men like Nathan Blackwood.

"Indeed, why?"

A melodious voice suddenly rang from the upper floor.

All eyes turned to see Evelyn descending the grand staircase effortlessly, a single suitcase in hand. She held her head high, her posture radiating quiet dignity.

The contrast between Evelyn's composed elegance and Victoria's tear-streaked face couldn't have been more striking.

Victoria clung to Nathan's arm possessively. A venomous glint flashed in her eyes as they locked onto Evelyn's serene expression.

The household staff exchanged excited glances, sensing drama unfolding.

Nathan's dark eyes clouded momentarily. His hands hovered over Victoria's shoulders, fingers twitching as if to push her away.

But all Evelyn saw was their intimate embrace.

'Of course,' Evelyn thought bitterly. 'No wonder he insisted I come personally to collect my belongings. This little performance was meant for my benefit.'

At that moment, Evelyn wanted nothing more than to return home immediately, burn every stitch of clothing she wore, and scrub her skin raw.

Everything Nathan Blackwood touched felt contaminated.

"Ms. Sterling is your fiancée," Evelyn remarked coolly. "She traveled all this way to see you, and you're dismissing her? How cruel."

Nathan's jaw tightened visibly.

Evelyn turned her dazzling smile toward Victoria. "Don't misunderstand, Ms. Sterling. I'm merely collecting my things. Please, don't let me interrupt your... reunion. Time flies when you're in love, doesn't it?"

Nathan's throat worked silently. His aristocratic features paled as frustration burned in his chest.

Victoria shot Evelyn a hateful glare, still smarting from her humiliation at Reginald Blackwood's birthday gala. She wouldn't risk another public confrontation.

"Oh, and regarding the items I left behind," Evelyn added airily, "particularly those gifts I once foolishly purchased for Mr. Blackwood - consider them trash. I've heard it's bad luck to keep an ex's belongings. Might interfere with your new... relationship."

With that casual explanation, Evelyn lifted her box and strode past them without a backward glance.

Victoria gaped. The servants exchanged shocked looks.

Nathan's ex-wife showed not a flicker of jealousy toward his fiancée. If anything, she seemed... relieved. What did that say about their marriage?

When Evelyn reached the grand foyer, Nathan finally snapped. He shoved Victoria away with such force that she stumbled backward, crashing into the coffee table. Porcelain shattered. Her designer dress ripped. Blood welled from cuts on her palms.

Upstairs, Cassandra Blackwood watched through the banisters, grinding her teeth in fury.

Evelyn stepped outside in her house slippers, the evening breeze lifting her hair.

"Evelyn! Wait!" Nathan's deep voice carried across the manicured lawns.

She didn't turn.

"Mr. Blackwood! I've brought Madam's shoes!"

Oliver Sinclair arrived breathless, clutching an expensive shopping bag.

Nathan snatched the bag and intercepted Evelyn's path. "Here," he said stiffly, offering the designer footwear.

Evelyn accepted the package without meeting his eyes. As she moved to walk past him, something unexpected happened.

Nathan's chest swelled with absurd pride. This marked the first time she'd taken anything from him since their divorce.

Then reality shattered his fragile hope.

With perfect aim, Evelyn swung the bag and launched the thousand-dollar shoes straight into the estate's trash compactor.

Oliver choked as if physically struck.

Nathan stood frozen, his expression crumbling like a man watching his heart get trampled.