Chapter 382

Nathan Blackwood couldn't suppress the surge of irritation watching Evelyn Carter laugh with another man. Every fiber of his being demanded he eliminate all male presence around her.

This unfamiliar possessiveness baffled him. He was behaving like some jilted lover, not the composed billionaire heir he'd always been.

Self-control had been his greatest strength - until Evelyn entered the equation.

"Special relationship?" Evelyn's mocking laughter cut through his thoughts. "Ours is the 'good riddance' variety, Nathan."

His breath caught. "Evelyn." His voice emerged rougher than intended.

"Ex-husbands don't get to claim closeness." She tilted her chin defiantly. "A decent ex disappears permanently. Surely the great Nathan Blackwood understands basic etiquette?"

Theodore Windsor's eyebrows shot up. Married? His longtime friend Alexa - no, Evelyn - had never mentioned any marriage. What could have driven a woman like her to wed this possessive man?

"Make my life difficult all you want, Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn's eyes flashed. "Your mere existence suffices to ruin my day. But Mr. Windsor here is invaluable to me. Harm him, and I'll make you regret it."

She arched one perfect brow. "Have some self-respect, darling ex-husband."

Nathan's jaw clenched until it ached. His fingernails bit into his palms.

Her defense of another man stung worse than any physical blow.

The woman who'd once loved him now treated him like roadkill.

"The gala's starting." Evelyn gestured toward the ballroom. "Shouldn't you attend to your little companion, Mr. Blackwood? She might throw a tantrum without her keeper."

She turned to leave with Theodore, but Nathan's hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

"Hey!" Theodore moved to intervene. "The divorce severed whatever claim you think you have."

Evelyn raised a staying hand. "Go ahead, Theodore. I'll handle this."

"But-"

"Relax." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "What's the worst a divorced man can do?"

Nathan felt the words like a knife twist. His grip tightened involuntarily.

Recognizing the private history between them, Theodore reluctantly departed after receiving Evelyn's reassuring nod.

The corridor fell silent save for Nathan's pounding heartbeat. Even holding his breath didn't steady him.

"Release me." Evelyn's struggle was all sharp elbows and cold fury. Her gaze held nothing but contempt.

"You meant Isabelle, didn't you?" The words tumbled out before he could stop them.

He pulled her flush against him, their sudden proximity making both inhale sharply.

"How interesting." Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "I never specified anyone. Your mind immediately jumped to Ms. Montgomery? How telling."

She said it deliberately, watching his reaction.

Nathan's lips twisted wryly. Arguing with her was like boxing shadows.

But curiosity outweighed anger. Who was he to her now?

"Are you jealous, Evelyn?" The question emerged hoarse.

Her laughter rang hollow. "Delusional as ever, Nathan? When I wore your ring, you paraded Victoria Sterling through Silvercrest's Christmas lights, commissioned exclusive jewelry for her. Your cruelty never once sparked my jealousy. Now that we're divorced, you dare ask?" Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "You always did overestimate your appeal."