Chapter 353

Evelyn felt a jolt of astonishment ripple through her, leaving her momentarily speechless! She had exhausted every connection, begged every acquaintance to secure even a single piece from Alexa's coveted jewelry collection, yet all efforts had proven futile.

Then came the unexpected twist—Nathan Blackwood himself presented her with Alexa's exquisite brooch as a personal gift. Isabella's heart raced with exhilaration.

"No, no, Ms. Carter! Your generosity overwhelms me, but this is far too precious. I simply can't accept it," Isabella protested, though her fingers trembled with longing over the delicate piece. Pride warred with desire as she forced herself to decline.

"This brooch once mended my broken spirit," Evelyn murmured, her gaze distant yet determined. "But now I've stepped fully into the light, never to return to those shadows. Consider this my blessing—may it bring you the fortune it once granted me."

Nathan's breath hitched. A sharp, searing pain lanced through his chest as if struck by an invisible blade. The fleeting warmth he'd felt moments ago vanished, replaced by an icy void.

"Oh! In that case, Ms. Carter, I'll gratefully accept your extraordinary gift!" Isabella beamed, cradling the brooch like sacred treasure. Her radiant smile transformed the usually aloof superstar into someone almost unrecognizable.

"Unbelievable," Cassandra Blackwood hissed, nails digging into her mother's arm. "Mother, we invested a fortune in this event! Why let that wretched woman steal the spotlight with some trinket? Our family could shower Isabella with ten times—"

"Patience, darling." Penelope Whitmore's lips curled into a venomous smile. "Evelyn's always been a walking curse. Let her play her games—Nathan's getting exactly what he deserves."

Cassandra frowned. Before the divorce, Evelyn had trembled at Nathan's slightest displeasure. Now? She wielded power over him like a puppeteer. Had she always possessed this skill, Victoria Sterling would never have stood a chance.

"Ms. Evelyn Carter!" Isabelle Montgomery stepped forward, false sweetness dripping from her voice. "Of all nights to present gifts, you choose the Blackwoods' wedding banquet? How... calculated."

Nathan's eyes darkened at the unnecessary interference.

"If a simple gift threatens to overshadow the host," Evelyn countered, her emerald eyes glinting, "then you insult Mr. Blackwood far more than I ever could. Unless..." She gestured to Nathan, who stood rigid nearby. "Does Mr. Blackwood object? No? Then perhaps guests should mind their roles."

Isabelle's face flushed crimson, but the watching crowd stifled her retort.

Evelyn sighed, turning to Isabella with apparent remorse. "Ms. Laurent, my presence clearly causes discomfort. Monarch Group and Blackwood Industries have always been rivals—I shouldn't have come. Please enjoy your evening."

"Wait!" Isabella caught Evelyn's arm. "I'd love to discuss Alexa Jewelry further. Are you free tonight?"

"Absolutely. The Monarch Grand has prepared Crestview's finest cuisine and vintage Lafite for your pleasure." Evelyn's smile was all polished charm. "Shall we dine while we talk?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The audacity! Poaching the guest of honor at the Blackwoods' event!

Nathan's pulse roared in his ears. As he moved to intervene, Isabella offered him an apologetic glance. "Mr. Blackwood, urgent matters call me away. My sincerest apologies."

The room collectively held its breath. No explanation. No pretense. The legendary diva lived up to her reputation.

"Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn purred, though her eyes remained frosty, "we'd gladly set an extra place at our table. Will you join us?"

Nathan's jaw clenched. Just as he drew breath to respond, Evelyn laughed lightly. "Ah, but with so many distinguished guests, you're undoubtedly occupied. Another time, perhaps."

The dismissal hung in the air like a challenge—one Nathan couldn't answer without causing a scene. The game, it seemed, was far from over.