Chapter 6

Sebastian's phone buzzed with Nathan Blackwood's name flashing across the screen.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

"Should I answer?" Sebastian asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Go ahead."

He tapped the speaker button.

"Mr. Kingsley, is my wife with you?" Nathan's voice was rough, strained.

Evelyn's fingers curled into fists. Wife? The audacity.

"Mr. Blackwood," she cut in, voice icy. "Watch your words. I'm your ex-wife now."

"Evelyn Carter!" Nathan's tone darkened. "So you are with him."

"Where else would I be?" She laughed bitterly. "Should I have stayed at Cliffside Manor, waiting for you to throw me out?"

His silence was heavy.

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Stop being dramatic. The divorce isn't finalized yet. Legally, you're still my wife. At least consider Blackwood Industries' reputation—and your own!"

"You carried Victoria Sterling into our home while we were married," Evelyn snapped. "You forced me to sign those papers. Did you ever care about my feelings?"

Sebastian sipped his tea, watching his sister with quiet pride.

This was the real Evelyn—fiery, unapologetic. The meek, obedient wife she'd pretended to be for three years? Gone.

"I don't have time for this," Nathan muttered, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "Grandfather's in the hospital. He won't take his medicine until he sees you."

Evelyn's chest tightened.

Reginald Blackwood had been the only light in that house. The only one who treated her like family.

"Kingsley Medical Center?" she asked quietly.

"Yes."

"I'll be there."

The call ended. Sebastian stood. "I'll drive you."

"No." Evelyn shook her head. "This isn't about Nathan. It's about Reginald. If you come, it'll just escalate things."

She grabbed her keys and left.

The hospital corridor was too bright.

Nathan and Oliver Sinclair stood guard outside Reginald's room.

Evelyn barely glanced at Nathan, though she noticed—damn it—how tired he looked. Thinner.

Not my problem.

Oliver gaped. "Young Madam? Is that... you?"

Evelyn blinked. She'd forgotten to swap her power suit for the demure dresses Nathan preferred.

"In the flesh. Do you hate it?"

"No! You look... incredible."

She smirked. "Divorce suits me."

Nathan's jaw clenched. "If my house was so terrible, why stay for three years?"

"Because I made a promise to Reginald." Her smile was razor-sharp. "But congratulations, Nathan. You're free now. No more sneaking around with Victoria."

Before he could retort, heels clicked down the hall.

Victoria and Penelope Whitmore hurried over.

"Nathan!" Victoria flung herself into his arms. "Why didn't you tell me? I was so worried!"

Penelope sighed. "She vomited from stress. You know how her stomach gets."

Nathan's voice softened. "I'll find her a specialist."

Evelyn turned away, remembering the time she'd dragged herself to the hospital with a fever. Nathan hadn't even texted.

He knows how to care. Just not for me.

Victoria shot her a venomous look, then froze.

That brooch—the Celestial Tear—was Alexa's latest masterpiece. Worth millions. How did Evelyn afford it?

The ward door opened. Marcus Underwood stepped out.

"Mr. Blackwood is asking for his granddaughter-in-law."

Victoria stiffened.

Evelyn moved forward.

"Both of you," Marcus added, nodding at Nathan.

Victoria lunged. "Wait—"

Marcus blocked her. "Family only."

The door shut behind Evelyn, sealing Victoria's glare outside.