Chapter 301

"I've asked Victoria to leave, so she won't disturb you anymore." Nathan's gaze locked onto Evelyn's impassive eyes. His throat worked visibly as he swallowed hard.

"Really? Congratulations, Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn's lips curved into a mocking smile sharp enough to draw blood. "At least you've solved one problem tonight. Though I wonder... did Ms. Sterling receive another $20 million and a villa this time?"

CRACK!

The thunder outside seemed to strike Nathan directly. His broad shoulders tensed as an invisible blade twisted in his chest.

The memory of slamming divorce papers before Evelyn resurfaced with brutal clarity. Back then, he'd been so desperate to escape their contractual marriage that he'd never considered the devastation it would cause. The signed documents, still bearing tear stains, remained on his nightstand as a constant reminder.

Nathan's breath hitched as he imagined Evelyn alone in their bedroom that day, signing away their marriage while he rushed to Victoria's side. The phantom taste of copper filled his mouth as his throat constricted painfully.

The entire world might have betrayed him, but Evelyn had loved him with heartbreaking sincerity. Even without returning her feelings, he'd had no right to shatter her heart so carelessly.

Now he stood before her, desperately trying to piece together what he'd destroyed.

"Marcus told me you used acupuncture to save Grandfather." Nathan's voice emerged rough with emotion. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Evelyn's tone could have frozen hell. "He's my grandfather too. Now if you'll excuse me—"

She moved to leave, but Nathan blocked her path.

Evelyn's eyes flashed with barely restrained fury. "Even stray dogs know better than to block people's way. Are you less civilized than a mutt, Mr. Blackwood?"

"Evelyn, I want to make amends." Nathan's intense gaze burned into her. "Name your price. Whatever compensation you want—"

"Are you mentally deficient?" Evelyn's incredulous laugh held no warmth. "You should have that brain of yours scanned. I think years of poor judgment have finally rotted it through."

"I know I hurt you—"

"Stop." Evelyn slashed a hand through the air. "Don't apologize to me ever again. I've heard enough empty words to last a lifetime. The truth is simple—you loved Victoria, promised to marry only her. There's nothing wrong with honoring that vow. You were right all along, Nathan. The mistake was mine for loving the wrong man. But I swear on my life—I'll never make that mistake again."

Nathan's eyes reddened. His fingers curled into fists so tight his knuckles blanched.

Each word struck like a dagger, pinning him to the wall of his own shame.

They'd both loved the wrong person. The difference was Evelyn had woken from that nightmare, rebuilt herself stronger than before. While Nathan remained trapped, sinking deeper into an abyss of regret with no bottom in sight.

"Evelyn!"

At the familiar voice, Evelyn turned to see Sebastian and Dominic approaching down the corridor. Her entire demeanor transformed, the ice in her eyes melting instantly.

"Seb! Dom!" She shoved past Nathan without a backward glance, practically skipping toward her brothers. "I'm starving! Can you make me a midnight snack?"

"Me too!" Dominic slung an arm around Evelyn's shoulders, mimicking her pout. "Feed us, big brother!"

Sebastian chuckled, ruffling both their hair like they were children again. "Alright, you bottomless pits. Let's get you fed."

Nathan watched the trio disappear around the corner, the silence pressing against his eardrums like physical pain. An emptiness yawned in his chest where his heart should be.

Without him, Evelyn still had love in abundance.

But without Evelyn, Nathan had become a hollow shell of a man.