Chapter 451

The charity auction concluded with an unexpected twist that left everyone breathless.

Not only did the evening set a new fundraising record for any event hosted by Éclat magazine, but it also became a media sensation due to the shocking revelations that unfolded.

Leonard Blackwood wasted no time dispatching his secretary and legal team upon hearing the news. They swiftly escorted Penelope Whitmore and the shell-shocked Cassandra Blackwood past the gawking crowd and into a waiting car. Their hurried exit resembled nothing so much as rats fleeing a sinking ship.

"Ms. Prescott, I represent Blackwood Industries. Your public accusation of corporate espionage against Monarch Grand Hotels will result in a defamation lawsuit unless you can provide irrefutable evidence. We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law!" The lawyer’s voice was steel, his stance unyielding as he delivered the warning before turning on his heel.

Vivian Prescott now found herself staring down the barrel of a legal battle with one of the most powerful conglomerates in the country. The threat of litigation alone was enough to send a chill down her spine, but what truly terrified her was the realization of Nathan Blackwood’s absolute control over her fate. With a single word, he could destroy her.

Nathan regarded her with icy detachment, his expression unreadable.

Trembling, Vivian blurted, "I—I have proof! Don’t think your wealth and influence can silence me. I’ve changed! I won’t be manipulated into betraying my conscience!"

The lawyer hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Nathan for direction.

Nathan remained unmoved, his voice glacial. "Inform Chairman Blackwood that Ms. Prescott and Monarch Grand Hotels stand against him."

A darker thought flickered through his mind: And so do I.

Even the lawyer couldn’t suppress a shiver at the implication. Evelyn Carter was the heiress of Monarch Group. If this escalated, it wouldn’t just be an attack on her—it would draw in the entire Kingsley family. Her father, her brothers, and the formidable Hartwell dynasty behind them were forces not to be underestimated. Playing with fire now would be suicidal.

"Where apologies are owed, they should be given. But defending lies and tyranny will only make the Blackwoods a laughingstock," Nathan stated coldly.

His gaze swept the room, searching for Evelyn—only to find she had vanished without a trace. A bitter emptiness settled in his chest.

Meanwhile, Evelyn escorted Vivienne Laurent to the underground parking lot, as the editor had another engagement to attend.

"Ms. Kingsley, you were extraordinary tonight," Vivienne murmured, embracing her warmly. "I always knew Sebastian’s sister wouldn’t disappoint."

Evelyn smiled modestly. "That’s only because you’re seeing me through Sebastian’s lens."

"No," Vivienne insisted, sincerity softening her usually stern features. "Your intelligence, your grace, your conviction—they impressed me from the moment we met. I think we could be wonderful friends."

Evelyn arched a playful brow. "Wouldn’t it be even better if we were sisters?"

Vivienne’s cheeks flushed faintly. "Darling, I’ll be fifty next year. I enjoy Sebastian’s company, but I shouldn’t hold him back."

"So what if you’re fifty?" Evelyn countered with a smirk. "There’s a twenty-five-year gap between my father and his third wife, and they’re perfectly happy. Life’s too short for regrets, Vivienne. If you love him, fight for him."

"Alexa," Vivienne said suddenly, using Evelyn’s pseudonym. "Have you ever made choices you regretted? Moments you wish you could take back?"

A sharp pang lanced through Evelyn’s chest, as if a carefully sealed wound had been torn open.

Still, she curved her lips into a knowing smile. "I’ve made plenty of mistakes. But I don’t regret any of them now."

In her heart, she added: I regretted marrying him. But I don’t regret loving him with everything I had.

The contradiction was painful—but it was the truth.

Vivienne slipped into her car, and Evelyn watched her drive away.

"Alexa!"

The call of her name echoed through the parking garage, unanswered.