Chapter 62

The elite socialites surrounding Penelope Whitmore gasped in unison, their perfectly manicured hands flying to their mouths as they turned to stare at Evelyn Carter.

Their designer-clad bodies stiffened with shock. None had imagined this breathtaking woman before them was Nathan Blackwood's former wife. The sheer audacity of her presence suggested she must hail from formidable lineage to dare challenge Penelope so openly.

Penelope's face contorted with rage. "How amusing!" she spat through clenched teeth. "Little Evelyn has grown claws since finding new benefactors. Who knew you possessed such sharp wit?"

Evelyn arched one sculpted eyebrow, unfazed by the venom. "I merely reflect the tone set by my company. What does courtesy have to do with social climbing?" Her voice dripped with icy amusement.

A scarlet flush crept up Penelope's neck as fury clouded her vision.

"Evelyn!" Cassandra Blackwood shoved forward, her designer heels clicking furiously against the marble. "How dare you speak to my mother like that? Show some respect!"

Evelyn's lips curled in a derisive smile.

The younger Blackwood had inherited her mother's cunning but none of her subtlety. Evelyn found such transparent hostility almost refreshing in its predictability.

"Does the entire room require spectacles?"

Theodore Winslow materialized at Evelyn's side, his protective stance unmistakable. "The witnesses here can attest who initiated hostilities," he stated coldly, his gaze sweeping the assembled crowd.

"Oh my," Victoria Sterling purred, seizing the moment. "Ms. Carter certainly commands masculine protection. First Mr. Blackwood, now this dashing guardian. How... resourceful."

Evelyn's emerald eyes flashed like honed blades. "Speak carelessly if you wish, Victoria. But consider the consequences when your words return to haunt you."

A visible tremor ran through Victoria's slender frame.

She'd always dismissed Evelyn as some provincial simpleton - easily intimidated and quicker to retreat than fight.

This glacial-eyed woman unsettled her profoundly.

"Ms. Carter," Margaret Sterling interjected with saccharine concern, "we only mention your presence here as... well-meaning advice." Her smile didn't reach her calculating eyes. "That youthful indisposition where you... inserted yourself between Victoria and Nathan was understandable - you were so very young. But now?" She spread her hands in mock sympathy. "With their reconciliation and impending nuptials, your appearance as the ex-wife creates such awkwardness. We wouldn't mention it except for concern over your reputation."

Victoria smirked at her mother's masterful performance.

The assembled elite murmured their disapproval, gazes turning judgmental.

So this stunning creature was the infamous ex-wife who'd allegedly stolen Nathan from Victoria!

How utterly scandalous!

"Inserted myself?" Evelyn's musical laughter rang out, devoid of anger. "Margaret darling, your imagination rivals the shoddy craftsmanship of Luxe Furnishings' cheapest line."

Margaret's face purpled with rage.

"Your precious daughter crumbled under the Blackwood family's scrutiny and ended things with Nathan. He was unattached when we married." Evelyn's voice turned razor-sharp. "Shall I recount every pathetic attempt Victoria made to sabotage our marriage during those three years? Every midnight call? Every threatening message?"

Victoria blanched, her carefully constructed composure cracking.

Margaret stiffened - they both knew Evelyn possessed damning evidence of Victoria's relentless harassment.

"Theodore," Evelyn commanded softly, "show them."

With deliberate slowness, Theodore produced the document that silenced the room - Evelyn and Nathan's still-valid marriage certificate.

The crowd gasped.

Victoria looked as though she'd been slapped.

"Observe," Evelyn purred, "our divorce remains unconsummated, yet someone's already measuring for wedding drapes." Her triumphant smile could have frozen the Mediterranean.

Victoria's nails bit into her palms. What sort of deranged woman carried her marriage license to social events?!

Evelyn Carter was proving far more formidable than anyone had anticipated.