Chapter 37

"Don't bother waiting for me."

Evelyn dismissed Julian Montgomery with a careless smile. "I won't be dining with you."

Julian clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Must you be so cruel? Can't you at least share a meal as thanks for helping you deal with Damian Sterling that first time at VELVET?"

A mocking laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "If I recall correctly, it was Nathan Blackwood who came to my rescue. How shameless of you to steal his credit behind his back."

"Ms. Carter, have I somehow offended you?" Julian's gaze burned with intensity. "Why won't you give me a chance? Just because you're with Sebastian? Would Sebastian Kingsley dare publicly claim you as his girlfriend? I would!"

"Mr. Montgomery, love isn't about first come first served," Evelyn countered coolly. "But I have my principles and morals."

Julian's face paled instantly, shame washing over his features.

"I may not come from wealth, but I have standards. When Nathan and I married, he was the only man I loved. Now that Sebastian Kingsley, CEO of Monarch Group, is my partner, he's the only one in my heart. I make my own choices - I won't tolerate being forced into anything. Mr. Montgomery, please respect my boundaries and stop harassing me."

Evelyn's chest ached as she spoke these words.

Even Julian could see the barely contained pain darkening her eyes.

She inhaled sharply, lifted her chin with renewed composure, and turned to leave.

Then she froze mid-step.

"Nathan?!" Julian's eyes widened in shock.

Nathan had arrived impossibly fast. Had he teleported?

At the restaurant entrance, Nathan stood radiating icy fury that seemed to freeze the air-conditioned space into an arctic tundra.

Evelyn met his smoldering gaze.

Those striking eyes - slightly upturned with a reddish tint, irises gleaming like polished gemstones - still held their dangerous allure.

She hated that even now, his beauty could still affect her.

Yet throughout their three-year marriage, Nathan had shown her nothing but indifference. Never a smile, never affection.

Foolishly, she'd believed persistence could change him, that her efforts might one day earn his love. In the end, only she had changed.

Nathan advanced, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

When he'd learned Julian was with Evelyn, Nathan had canceled his afternoon meeting without hesitation and sped over personally.

Hearing Evelyn's words to Julian had hollowed out his chest, leaving an ache he couldn't name.

Then anger surged - an emotion he rarely indulged, yet one Evelyn always seemed to provoke.

"What are you doing here?" Nathan demanded, studying Evelyn's face.

"I'm working." She turned away, unwilling to engage further.

"Have you forgotten what I said?" Nathan's voice dropped dangerously. "Until our divorce is finalized, we're still married, which means you're still a Blackwood. You know full well our families are sworn enemies, yet you work at a Kingsley-owned hotel? What were you thinking? Trying to provoke me? Disgust me? Slap me in the face?" Veins bulged at his temples as he struggled for control.

Julian moved to intervene, but Evelyn spoke first.

"Oh, so that's what you think."

She slowly lowered her indifferent gaze back to Nathan's handsome face. "In that case, let's finalize the divorce today. I'm tired of you haunting me like some vengeful spirit, glaring at me with such hatred whenever we meet."

"Evelyn Carter!" Nathan's brow furrowed sharply.

"Did you bring your documents? Have Oliver deliver them. I carry mine everywhere, just in case the opportunity arises."

With a mocking smile, Evelyn brushed past Nathan without a backward glance. She felt no longing for him.

Nathan's eyes reddened instantly.

He suddenly seized her slender arm with frightening force, as if terrified she might vanish forever beyond his reach.

Then - a sickening pop.

Evelyn gasped as white-hot pain shot through her arm, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Nathan froze, his pulse pounding violently.

He'd just dislocated Evelyn's arm.