Chapter 55

Nathan couldn't shake the image of Evelyn's gaze from his mind. The disappointment in her eyes had been sharp, cutting deeper than any words could.

There had been resentment there too—as if they were no longer just exes, but adversaries.

Why did that thought hollow him out?

It felt like something vital had slipped through his fingers, something he hadn’t realized he still held onto.

The moment he stepped into his study, Agnes followed, her expression tight with disapproval.

"Young Master, Ms. Sterling's car is waiting downstairs. You should greet her."

"I'm not going."

Agnes nearly gasped. Nathan had never ignored Victoria before.

A flicker of satisfaction curled in her chest—so strong she could have wept with joy.

"I know why she's here."

Nathan sank onto the sofa, his gaze distant. "Tell her if she’s here for Damian, she’s wasting her time. The Sterlings must be in chaos right now—she should be with her family. Once the media frenzy dies down in a couple of days, I’ll visit her."

"And if she refuses to leave?"

"Then let her stay." He exhaled heavily, kneading his temples.

All he could think of was Evelyn’s voice calling him a "useless ex-husband."

Useless? He nearly scoffed. She has no idea what I’m capable of.

Agnes barely hid her grin as she gave him a discreet thumbs-up before hurrying out.

Nathan frowned. It seemed Agnes despised Victoria more than he’d realized. The woman looked like she’d just won the lottery at the thought of turning Victoria away.

Agnes stepped outside Cliffside Manor, standing tall on the stone steps as she faced the frantic Victoria.

"The young master won’t interfere in your family affairs. Go home."

"Let me see him!"

Victoria tried to push past her, but Agnes barely had to brace herself. Without lifting a finger, Victoria stumbled back, landing hard on the ground.

"How dare you!" She pointed a shaking finger, her voice shrill. "I’m Nathan’s fiancée—your future mistress! You’ll regret this!"

Agnes laughed. "Future mistress? Keep dreaming. Even if you marry him, you’ll never be my lady. The only one I’ll ever acknowledge is Ms. Carter. Women like you? Step aside."

Victoria’s face twisted with fury.

"Go ahead. Complain to the young master. If you can actually get him to fire me, I’ll thank you. Retirement sounds lovely—no more dealing with schemers."

She wished Nathan would come down and see Victoria like this—no longer the delicate, fragile flower she pretended to be.

"Nathan! You have to help Damian!" Abandoning Agnes, Victoria dropped to her knees, sobbing.

The scene was straight out of a melodrama—the fallen mistress begging for mercy.

When Nathan didn’t respond, she turned desperate. "Aunt Penelope! Uncle Leonard! Please!"

"Stop shouting," Agnes snapped. "The chairman and Madam Penelope are dining with the Old Master. They won’t be back for hours."

"Then I’ll wait here until Nathan sees me!"

Agnes glanced at the storm clouds gathering overhead. "It’s about to rain. I have laundry to collect. Scream all you want."

With that, she left Victoria outside, instructing the staff to keep the doors locked no matter what.

Victoria screamed until her voice cracked, but Nathan never appeared.

Her hands trembled. Something had changed—Nathan was slipping from her grasp.

Before, he would drop everything the moment she called. He’d shower her with gifts, soothe her tears. Now? He wouldn’t even look at her.

Soon, the skies opened.

Victoria played her final card. Instead of seeking shelter, she knelt in the downpour, shivering violently, her dress soaked through.

"Nathan… please…"

"Pathetic," Agnes muttered, watching from the window. "Only an idiot would fall for this act."

Then—heavy footsteps behind her.

She turned.

Nathan was striding toward the entrance, his expression dark.