Chapter 83

The moon hung low over Fairhaven as Evelyn, Sebastian, and Dominic left Crestview behind. The sleek black car glided smoothly along the highway, its tinted windows reflecting the city lights fading in the distance.

Crestview might be the economic powerhouse of the country, but Fairhaven had its own unique charm. For generations, this city had belonged to one family alone - the Kingsleys.

Harrison Kingsley wasn't just a businessman here; he was the lifeblood of Fairhaven. The Monarch Group provided jobs for nearly forty percent of the city's population. Without the Kingsleys, Fairhaven would be just another provincial town struggling to keep up.

Their destination was the renowned Celestial Atelier, its ancient stone facade glowing softly under antique lanterns.

"Miss Evelyn! When did you return?" Walter Grayson, the atelier's manager in his late sixties, rushed to greet them with visible excitement. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he took in the sight of Evelyn.

Walter was practically family - the youngest son of Harrison's childhood nanny. While others in the Kingsley orbit chased wealth and status, Walter preferred the quiet company of gemstones in this peaceful retreat.

"Uncle Walter, how's your arthritis? Did the special tea blend I sent help with your breathing?" Evelyn linked her arm through his affectionately, her smile warm enough to melt glaciers.

"Everything's perfect now that you're home!" Walter blinked back sudden moisture in his eyes before clearing his throat. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Evelyn's expression turned serious as she withdrew a velvet pouch from her bag. "I need your expertise. A dear friend gave me this, and I... well, I broke it. I'd like to recreate it before they notice."

When the fragments of the jade bracelet tumbled into Walter's palm, his professional eye immediately recognized the quality. "This is imperial jade! Such a rare find... what a tragedy to see it like this."

"I know its value," Evelyn said quietly. "That's why I need your best stones. How many unopened jadeites do you have in stock?"

"About six hundred," Walter answered automatically before his brain caught up. "Wait - you're not thinking of-"

"Let's open them all tonight."

Walter staggered as if physically struck. Behind Evelyn, Sebastian choked on his tea while Dominic fumbled for his phone, ready to call paramedics for the older man.

Only Evelyn remained perfectly composed, as though suggesting they sacrifice half a million dollars worth of stones was as mundane as ordering takeout.

"Have you lost your mind?" Walter clutched his chest. "This isn't some parlor game, Evelyn!"

"You've always said these stones are your passion, not your livelihood," Evelyn countered smoothly. "Name your price. Actually..." A mischievous glint entered her eyes, "Charge it to Maxwell's account. Double the usual rate. Heaven knows he has money to burn."

Walter collapsed into a chair, fanning himself dramatically while the Kingsley brothers rushed to his side.

The Celestial Atelier occupied one of four legendary estates in Fairhaven - Starlight Manor, Cloud Haven, Mistwood, and the crown jewel, Celestial Gardens. The latter had been acquired in a legendary transaction where Harrison outmaneuvered the famous gemologist Edmund Fairchild, nearly costing Walter his apprenticeship in the process.

Only later did everyone learn Harrison had secretly purchased the estate as a birthday surprise for Edmund all along. Now, as Edmund's sole protégé, Walter maintained the atelier with the same devotion his mentor had shown.

While Evelyn followed Walter to inspect the raw stones, her brothers remained in the opulent tearoom.

"She's too invested in the Blackwoods," Dominic grumbled, swirling his tea. "It's unnatural."

Sebastian set down his cup with deliberate calm. "Reginald Blackwood showed Evelyn genuine kindness when she needed it most. You know how she repays loyalty."

"Even if it means cozying up to that bastard Nathan again?" Dominic's knuckles whitened around his cup.

"Fate has a twisted sense of humor," Sebastian murmured. "The more we oppose it, the more determined she becomes to prove us wrong."

Dominic scoffed. "Our sister could have any man in the world - royalty, billionaires, geniuses - and she picks the one who shattered her heart."

"Perhaps that's for the best," Sebastian mused. "After surviving Nathan Blackwood, no ordinary playboy could ever deceive her again."

The vibration of Sebastian's phone against the marble tabletop interrupted their conversation. The screen illuminated with a name that made both brothers tense - Alexander Whitmore.