Chapter 63

Evelyn always kept her marriage certificate in her purse, prepared at any moment to finalize her divorce from Nathan.

This time, the document served as undeniable proof that she and Nathan were still legally married, leaving the entire crowd stunned into silence.

Victoria and Margaret stood frozen, their mouths agape. With the marriage certificate right before their eyes, what argument could they possibly make? Any further protest would only humiliate them further.

"Now the world can judge for themselves who the real homewrecker is in this situation."

With those cutting words, Evelyn tucked the certificate away and strode off, leaving everyone gaping in her wake.

Victoria remained rooted to the spot, her face burning with shame and fury.

The charity auction was about to begin in five minutes. Nearly all the elite guests had taken their seats.

Penelope and Cassandra occupied seats in the third row. From the moment they entered, Cassandra hadn't been able to tear her gaze away from Julian.

"He's absolutely breathtaking."

"This Hoffman Foundation event is too exclusive. I couldn't even secure us front row seats," Penelope complained bitterly.

"Don't worry, darling. I'll arrange for you to meet Mr. Montgomery properly soon. You're far more accomplished and beautiful than any of these socialites. He'll be smitten in no time."

Though Julian had quite the reputation in Crestview as a playboy, Penelope was determined to matchmake her daughter with him.

Besides, Cassandra was clearly infatuated. It would be a perfect arrangement.

"Mother, Nathan and Julian are best friends. Couldn't you ask Nathan to introduce us?" Cassandra pleaded.

Penelope's expression darkened. She'd already approached Nathan about it, only to be flatly refused.

"Where's Eleanor?"

"She probably wandered off again. Mother, why must you always bring her along? She either sulks or disappears during events. She's an embarrassment!"

Cassandra had never hidden her disdain for her younger sister.

"You know your sister's... special condition. She's twenty now. I want her to socialize more. If any respectable family shows interest, I'll marry her off immediately. One less burden to worry about." Penelope sighed wearily.

She spoke as though discussing livestock at auction rather than her own daughter.

Meanwhile, Victoria and Margaret fumed in their seats.

Despite their lavish attire, they'd been relegated to the very last row among dozens of seating sections.

"Mother! Nathan's sitting in the front! I want to go to him!"

Victoria lifted her gown impatiently, but a security guard immediately blocked her path.

"My apologies, Ms. Sterling. Seating assignments are fixed. No exceptions."

"How dare you stop me? Do you know who I am?" Victoria sneered arrogantly.

"Indeed I do. You're Mr. Blackwood's girlfriend." The guard remained impassive.

Victoria's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

"Chairman Montgomery personally arranged all seating. Not even Mrs. Blackwood would be permitted to change seats."

Fury made Victoria's eyes bulge. She wanted to argue further, but Margaret yanked her back down.

"Enough! It's just a seat. Don't make a scene!"

Even as she said this, Margaret noted bitterly how Penelope and her daughter sat comfortably in the third row, chatting and laughing without a care, having completely forgotten about them.

Some things never changed. Even as children, Penelope had always outshone her in everything. All her promises about helping Victoria gain attention tonight had been empty words.

The venue had nearly filled, with only Sebastian's seat remaining conspicuously empty.

Nathan glanced sideways briefly before looking away.

"Strange. Where's Mr. Kingsley? Running late?" Julian murmured curiously.

Just then, the grand doors at the rear swung open.

Every head turned. Even the typically aloof Nathan found himself glancing back.

His breath caught. Blood pounded in his ears.

There stood his ex-wife, radiating confidence in her sleek black suit and stiletto heels. She moved toward the front row with effortless grace, ignoring the stares. A goddess descending among mortals.