Chapter 237

Evelyn watched with satisfaction as Penelope Whitmore's carefully constructed facade crumbled before her eyes.

The scene unfolded like a perfectly choreographed play. First Vincent Whitmore's arrest, then the damning news coverage about Blackwood Industries, and finally the prosecutors leading Penelope away in handcuffs.

"You can't do this! I demand to know what evidence you have!" Penelope shrieked, her manicured nails digging into the prosecutor's sleeve.

Cassandra Blackwood stood frozen, her face as pale as the marble statues lining the golf course. The usually poised socialite looked like she might faint at any moment.

"Leonard! Do something!" Penelope's desperate cry echoed across the manicured lawns, her tears leaving dark stains on the emerald grass.

Leonard Blackwood's face flushed crimson with impotent rage. Torn between maintaining his dignity and defending his wife, he turned his fury on Evelyn instead. "Ms. Carter! Explain yourself!"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "Why are you shouting at me, Chairman Blackwood? The prosecutors work independently. I have no control over their actions."

"Then how did you know about the news broadcast? Your earlier comments were far too specific to be coincidence!" Leonard's voice shook with barely contained anger.

"Monarch Group has extensive media connections," Evelyn replied smoothly, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "If the press knew, why wouldn't we?"

Leonard's entire body trembled with rage. "Ms. Carter, just because your marriage to Nathan ended doesn't give you the right to destroy my family! Some relationships simply aren't meant to be!"

Mayor Harrington and his wife exchanged shocked glances. The revelation of a failed marriage alliance between the Carters and Blackwoods sent silent ripples through the gathered elite.

"Your bitterness over the divorce has made you vindictive," Leonard spat. "Attacking Blackwood Industries like this shows your true petty nature."

The insult hung in the air like poison. Theodore Winslow stiffened beside Evelyn, ready to defend his employer.

But Nathan moved first.

Stepping between Evelyn and his father, Nathan's voice cut through the tension like ice. "Father, your accusations are baseless. Unless you have proof, you will apologize to Ms. Carter."

"Nathan! You're defending her?" Leonard's eyes bulged with disbelief. "After everything she's done? After how she humiliated our family?"

Nathan's gaze remained steady. He turned slightly, his dark eyes meeting Evelyn's with an intensity that made her pulse quicken despite herself.

"I know she didn't do this," Nathan declared, his voice carrying across the silent gathering. "Divorced or not, I won't stand by while she's falsely accused."

He added with quiet conviction, "And even if we were still married, no one - not even you - would speak to my wife that way."

Evelyn rolled her eyes dramatically, pressing her fingers against her ears. "Enough of this nonsense!"

Leonard looked apoplectic, his face turning an alarming shade of purple. Evelyn could practically see his blood pressure skyrocketing.

Strangely warmed by Nathan's unexpected defense despite herself, Evelyn decided she'd had enough entertainment for one afternoon.

"Given today's... developments," she said with deliberate understatement, "I'll leave you to your family matters. Theodore?"

As she turned to leave, Mayor Harrington came rushing after her, mopping his brow with a silk handkerchief. "Ms. Carter! About the Westridge project - we must discuss this further!"

Evelyn paused, allowing a small, victorious smile. "I'll have my office schedule a meeting. Expect my call within forty-eight hours."

"Absolutely! My door is always open!" The mayor practically bowed in his eagerness.

"Perhaps my son could join us?" Mrs. Harrington added hastily, her smile ingratiating. "He'd be honored to make your acquaintance."

Nathan's expression darkened instantly, his jaw clenching as he watched the scene unfold. The possessive glint in his eyes went unnoticed by everyone except Evelyn, who suppressed a smirk.

This powerful, beautiful woman needed to be kept safely away from prying eyes, Nathan thought grimly. Every time she appeared in public, she attracted unwanted attention like moths to a flame.