Chapter 287

The grand ballroom buzzed with excitement as Cassandra Blackwood mingled among the glittering crowd.

"Congratulations, Cassandra! You'll soon gain another sister-in-law," Amelia Thornton teased with a mischievous grin.

Beatrice Whitmore chimed in, "Correction - it should be another sister-in-law. Though I suppose the newest addition always shines brightest, doesn't it? Especially when she's both Mrs. Blackwood's niece and your brother's fiancée. Such perfect harmony!"

Cassandra forced a smile, her manicured nails digging into her champagne flute. Perfect harmony? More like a perfect disaster.

"Rumor has it Victoria Sterling and Nathan were childhood sweethearts," Amelia continued. "After overcoming so many obstacles, their love story is finally getting its happy ending. He divorced his ex-wife and immediately proposed to Victoria. Now that's true devotion."

Beatrice nudged Cassandra playfully. "When will your brother stop breaking hearts? More importantly, when will we celebrate your engagement? We're all waiting to see who captures the Blackwood princess's heart."

Cassandra's gaze instinctively swept across the room, searching for Julian Montgomery - the most eligible bachelor in Crestview.

Meanwhile, in the penthouse suite, Julian and Nathan stood by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city's sparkling skyline.

Julian looked dashing in his ivory suit with an onyx shirt, his signature golden rose pendant glinting against his choker. The ensemble accentuated his aristocratic features perfectly.

Nathan wore his customary all-black attire - tailored suit, crisp shirt, and silk tie. The only adornment was his platinum dragon cufflinks, symbols of his uncompromising authority.

"My God," Julian exhaled dramatically.

He couldn't resist teasing his brooding companion. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were attending a funeral rather than an engagement party."

Nathan's expression remained glacial. "Black is traditional for funerals. Does wearing white change the occasion?"

Julian chuckled. "The universe clearly balanced your stunning looks with that dreadful personality!"

His attention shifted to Nathan's cufflinks. "Those are rather distinctive. Mind if I borrow them sometime?"

"Absolutely not," Nathan replied without hesitation.

Julian sighed dramatically. "We used to share everything - even underwear! Now you won't lend me simple cufflinks. Getting stingy in your old age?"

Oliver Sinclair entered briskly. "Excuse me, sir. Ms. Sterling sent me to remind you about your joint speech for the engagement toast. She's waiting downstairs."

Nathan's response was icy. "I'm not going."

Oliver barely concealed his satisfaction. "Very well, I'll inform her immediately." Nothing pleased him more than seeing his boss put the demanding Victoria in her place.

Julian raised an eyebrow. "After her recent... emotional episode and that suicide attempt, you're provoking her again? What if she decides to make another dramatic scene?"

Nathan's expression darkened. "I can't appear on stage with her tonight."

Julian blinked in surprise. "Why ever not? Isn't she your fiancée?"

"I've decided to end our relationship," Nathan stated calmly.

Julian's jaw dropped while Oliver nearly choked on his own breath.

Nathan continued quietly, "I haven't told her yet. She needs time to stabilize first." His voice softened slightly. "She did save my life once. I owe her that much consideration."

Julian's eyes sparkled with sudden understanding. Leaning closer, he whispered, "Nathan, tell me honestly - are you breaking things off because of Evelyn?"

Nathan's breath hitched, a sharp pain lancing through his chest at the mention of her name.