Chapter 52

Evelyn's hands trembled, her chest tightening with suppressed fury.

She locked eyes with Nathan, her gaze burning with an intensity that made him flinch. The fire in her clear, striking eyes was so fierce that he had to look away.

He had never seen this side of her before—this unyielding, defiant woman.

After a long silence, Evelyn scoffed. She regarded him as if he were a stranger.

"Oh, so you're here to defend your precious fiancée's honor?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Tell me, how long have you been holding this in? Were you afraid you'd explode if you didn't confront me today?"

Her thoughts raged. Nathan, you're unbelievable. Three years of marriage, and I never asked for anything. Even if you never appreciated me, you had no right to humiliate me like this. And now? I don’t belong to you. I never really did. I was just a stray waiting at your door, hoping you'd let me in. But you never did. So why should I let you trample over me now?

She tilted her chin up, her smile sharp. "Too bad even someone as powerful as you can't save the Sterling family from their downfall. Damian Sterling sabotaged Monarch Group, bribed employees, falsified evidence—it's all undeniable. No amount of influence can change that."

Nathan's jaw clenched. The veins on his hands stood out as his fists tightened.

Look at her, he thought bitterly. Now that she has the Kingsleys backing her, she’s fearless.

But he couldn’t voice the real reason for his anger.

It wasn’t about the Sterlings.

It was the way she had smiled at Dominic.

"You're shameless," he spat, his breathing ragged.

Evelyn laughed, the sound cold and mocking. "Shameless? At least you didn’t call me a discarded wife this time." She forced a smirk, though it stung. "But even if I am, what does it matter to you? Who are you to judge me? I’ll do as I please. You lost the right to dictate my life the moment you walked away."

She turned to leave, but Nathan seized her arm—the left one, still healing from her injury. His grip was punishing.

"Let go!" she hissed, pain shooting through her. She didn’t dare struggle, fearing another dislocation.

"Evelyn," Nathan growled, his voice rough. "You know exactly who I am."

His gaze was a challenge, daring her to acknowledge the past between them.

She met his eyes, unflinching. "Oh, I know. You're just my worthless ex-husband."

Nathan's eyes darkened, fury flashing in their depths.

"Evelyn Carter!"

Before he could react, a tall figure stepped between them, shoving Nathan back forcefully.

"Theodore, I'm fine," Evelyn said quickly, though her voice wavered. "Mr. Blackwood was just... talking."

"If it was just talking, why was he grabbing your injured arm?" Theodore snapped, glaring at Nathan. "You were complaining about the pain just last night. He knew exactly what he was doing."

Nathan stiffened, his fingers curling at his sides.

Evelyn shot Theodore a warning look. She didn’t want Nathan thinking she was playing the victim.

Nathan’s expression darkened further as recognition flickered in his eyes. "You’re Sebastian Kingsley’s assistant?"

Theodore didn’t back down. "And you’re the man who hurt her."

The air between them crackled with tension.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. This wasn’t a battle she wanted to fight—not here, not now.

But Nathan wasn’t done.

His voice was dangerously low. "Stay out of this."

Theodore squared his shoulders. "Not when it comes to her."

Evelyn placed a hand on Theodore’s arm, silently urging him to stand down.

Nathan’s gaze flickered between them, something unreadable flashing in his eyes before he turned and walked away.

But the storm between them was far from over.