Chapter 354

Under the dazzling chandeliers of the grand ballroom, Evelyn Carter gracefully exited with Isabella Wang on her arm, their laughter echoing through the stunned silence like wind chimes in a hurricane.

Every pair of eyes followed their departure, the air thick with unspoken shock.

Nathan Blackwood's grip tightened around his champagne flute, his knuckles turning white. The way the crystal reflected the light made his crimson eyes appear even more dangerous.

This woman... First she stole his Westridge project. Now she's taking his most important guest.

Evelyn Carter, you're not some refined socialite. You're a damn pirate in designer heels!

His free hand unconsciously pressed against his chest, where an unfamiliar hollowness had taken root.

Outside the Blackwood Hotel, an unusual number of reporters still lingered in the cold night air.

Theodore Winslow adjusted his cufflinks as he stepped out of the forest-green Rolls-Royce Phantom. The sudden camera flashes died immediately when reporters realized he wasn't a celebrity.

Then the real spectacle began.

Gasps erupted as Evelyn and Isabella emerged together, their silhouettes framed by the hotel's golden entrance.

"Is that—? She actually got Isabella Wang to leave Nathan Blackwood's event!"

"This is huge! Monarch Group just humiliated Blackwood Industries on their home turf!"

The media frenzy was instantaneous. #EvelynCarterWithIsabellaWang began trending before they even reached the car.

Just as Evelyn was about to enter the vehicle, a bold reporter shouted, "Ms. Carter! Isn't this a blatant business ambush?"

Evelyn paused. When she turned, the sheer intensity in her gaze made the reporter take an involuntary step back. The contrast between her delicate features and commanding presence was startling.

"Ms. Wang choosing to stay at the Blackwood doesn't preclude me from inviting her to dinner." Evelyn's smile was all polished edges. "Unless you're suggesting Mr. Blackwood is so insecure he'd object to businesswomen having social engagements?"

The Rolls-Royce's engine purred to life, leaving behind a cloud of whispers and flashing cameras. Inside, Isabella chuckled. "You enjoy riling him up, don't you?"

Evelyn's smile turned feline as she watched Nathan's furious silhouette recede through the tinted windows. "Immensely."