Chapter 351

The towering double doors of the banquet hall framed Evelyn Carter's slender figure. From her vantage point, Nathan Blackwood's piercing gaze appeared to be locked onto her alone.

"Nathan!" Evelyn's heart fluttered as she quickened her pace toward him.

Suddenly, the air thickened with the intoxicating fragrance of Damask roses - passionate, unapologetic, and faintly dangerous.

Click. Click. Click!

The sharp staccato of stiletto heels echoed through the hall as a striking figure swept past Evelyn, making her pulse race. The woman's commanding aura was so potent it seemed to steal the oxygen from the room.

Every guest stood transfixed, especially Nathan, who remained frozen like a statue. His obsidian-dark eyes burned into the icy perfection of Evelyn's delicate features.

Her elegantly arched brows framed a face as cold as winter, yet her crimson lips moved like dancing flames, setting Nathan's heart ablaze.

Evelyn's tailored black suit accentuated her understated sophistication. Yet her breathtaking beauty made her impossible to ignore, effortlessly commanding attention in the crowded room.

Murmurs rippled through the gathering as guests recognized the unexpected arrival. Penelope Whitmore and Cassandra Blackwood visibly paled at the uninvited guest's dramatic entrance.

A hushed exclamation broke the tension.

"That's Harrison Kingsley's daughter! She was featured in Vogue and Forbes last month - the new GM of Monarch Grand Hotels!"

"Yes! Evelyn Carter! The woman who's been challenging Nathan Blackwood at every turn!"

"Look at those eyes - pure steel. She's every inch the corporate queen. The way she carries herself - like royalty!"

"Honestly, they'd make a formidable power couple. Why fight when they could rule together?"

Nathan's jaw tightened at the gossip, though the last comment inexplicably softened his expression. The idea pleased him in ways he couldn't explain.

As Evelyn eclipsed Isabelle Montgomery completely, Isabelle's nails dug into her palms. The edges of her vision turned red with rage, her entire body trembling with barely contained fury.

But what shattered Isabelle completely was the raw hunger in Nathan's gaze as it followed Evelyn's every move. In all her years knowing him, his eyes had always been impenetrable pools of darkness. Never had she seen him look at any woman with such undisguised desire. Did he still love Evelyn? Was that why he couldn't look away?

"Ms. Wang, Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn's voice cut through the murmurs like velvet-wrapped steel. "I hope you don't mind my unexpected appearance."

She stood before them with regal composure, her scarlet lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her frosty eyes.

"Your presence is always... stimulating, Ms. Carter." Nathan's response carried layers of unspoken meaning, his lips quirking slightly. "Had I known you were coming-"

Evelyn's smile widened, sharp as a blade. "Why bother with formalities? You know perfectly well I'm not here for pleasantries, Mr. Blackwood."

Nathan's handsome features darkened instantly.

Oliver Sinclair wiped his brow nervously, fingers flying across his phone screen to alert security.

[Oliver: Code red! How did she get in?!]

[Security: Apologies, sir! She bypassed all checkpoints-]

[Oliver: Unacceptable! Find out how and remove her immediately!]

[Security: Yes sir! Mobilizing team now!]