Chapter 9
Evelyn gripped the steering wheel with one hand, speeding down the winding road. The speakers blared Survivor by Destiny’s Child, the bass thumping in time with her racing heart.
She wasn’t afraid of Nathan digging into her past. What she couldn’t fathom was why a man who had ignored her for three years suddenly cared—only after their divorce.
Nathan Blackwood was infuriating. When she had loved him, he’d looked at her with disdain. Now that she was indifferent, he wouldn’t leave her alone.
Her frown deepened as she glanced at the rearview mirror.
Nathan’s Lamborghini was tailing her, relentless.
Hah. He thinks he can keep up with me?
A smirk curled her lips as she slammed the gas pedal.
Her Bugatti roared forward like a bullet, vanishing around the next curve in seconds.
"Faster, Oliver!" Nathan barked from the passenger seat.
Oliver Sinclair had never driven like this before. His knuckles whitened on the wheel, heart hammering against his ribs. He barely caught a glimpse of the Bugatti’s taillights before they disappeared again.
Nathan’s expression remained cold, but relief flickered in his eyes.
"Mr. Blackwood, the young madam drives like a pro! No wonder she has that Fujiwara Tofu Shop sticker!" Oliver couldn’t help but admire.
"What tofu shop?" Nathan’s brow furrowed.
"Check her bumper!"
Nathan’s glare turned glacial. Oliver swallowed hard. "I—I meant her car bumper, sir!"
Nathan leaned forward, spotting the white decal on the Bugatti’s rear: Fujiwara Tofu Shop (AE86).
It was almost… amusing.
"You didn’t know? The young madam loves anime, especially Initial D. That show was always playing in the living room whenever I saw her."
Oliver grinned. "Who knew she could drive like that? I always thought she was some delicate flower."
Nathan’s jaw tightened. He’d been fooled too.
What stung worse? His secretary knew more about his wife than he did.
"Shit—she’s pulling away!"
"Don’t lose her, or I’ll deduct your entire bonus," Nathan growled, his sculpted features sharp with frustration.
Oliver sweated, torn between his paycheck and his survival instinct.
Two sharp turns later, Evelyn’s car was gone.
"I lost her," Oliver admitted weakly.
Nathan slammed his fist against the window, veins bulging at his temple.
Evelyn… what are you hiding? Who are you really?
That night, Sebastian and Dominic Kingsley arrived at their sister’s private villa.
The brothers moved around the open kitchen, cooking while Evelyn lounged on the couch, gaming. A lollipop dangled from her lips as she watched them.
"Woohoo! Perfect score!"
She grinned at the screen, clapping her hands triumphantly.
"Still got it, huh?" Dominic flashed his signature charming smile—the one that made women swoon.
"Look at that leaderboard! Untouchable!"
Evelyn knelt on the chair, swinging the lollipop like a wand.
Dominic scoffed. "Oh, please. Let’s play. I’ll wipe that smug look off your face."
"She’s lapped you so many times your name doesn’t even show up anymore," Sebastian deadpanned, feeding her a piece of steak.
"Only because Maxwell bailed last minute! We would’ve crushed you!" Dominic crossed his arms.
"I’ll start cooking. Ev, you should wait in the living room—you’re allergic to smoke." Sebastian’s voice softened.
Evelyn froze.
Her chest ached.
She hadn’t told them. For three years, she’d cooked for the Blackwoods despite her allergy. Three years of inhaling fumes until her body stopped reacting. Three years of calloused hands.
If they knew… Sebastian might restrain himself, but her other brothers? They’d dismantle the Blackwood empire brick by brick.
Evelyn was the Kingsleys’ princess. They’d never let her lift a finger. The thought of her scrubbing floors for Nathan’s family would enrage them.
But she was home now. And she swore—never again would she debase herself for a man who didn’t love her.
Sebastian’s phone rang.
He wiped his hands on his apron and checked the screen. His gaze flicked to Evelyn, unreadable.
"Ev… it’s your ex-husband. Again."
"What the hell? Does he think he owns you?" Evelyn’s face flushed, the lollipop clattering onto the table.
Dominic snatched it up, popping it into his mouth like it was nothing. "Wait—that bastard’s harassing you now?"
Sebastian sighed. "He probably thinks I’m your boyfriend after seeing us by Starlight River."
Dominic choked. "Is he blind?!"
Sebastian smirked. "What? Not handsome enough to be Evelyn’s man?"
"Please. You act more like her dad than her boyfriend."
Their banter warmed her, but the phone kept ringing.
"Answer it?" Sebastian asked.
Dominic snapped, "Hell no!"
Evelyn exhaled. "Do it."
Sebastian put it on speaker.
"I’m looking for my wife." Nathan’s voice was calm, possessive.
Dominic nearly lunged for the phone, but Evelyn shoved his face into the table.
"Mr. Blackwood," Sebastian said coolly, "Evelyn isn’t your wife anymore. The divorce is final." He deliberately used her fake name—Evelyn Carter—to protect her identity.
"She knows she’s still mine." Nathan’s tone dropped, icy enough to frost the room.
Evelyn grabbed the phone, switching off speaker mode. "Nathan, why were you chasing me like a madman earlier?"
"We need to talk. Privately."
She stormed into another room, slamming the door. "I’m busy. Spit it out."
"Why did you change your number?" His voice was sharp.
"Fresh start."
"How will Grandfather reach you? Give me your new number."
Evelyn laughed coldly. "Call Sebastian if you need me."
"Is this your idea of revenge?" Nathan’s voice turned venomous. "Couldn’t wait to move in with him? Or do you have another fake identity now?"
Her fists clenched. "Nathan—"
"You think this bothers me? I don’t care who you sleep with." His bitter laugh scraped her raw. "I just don’t want Grandfather to see the woman he adores is a whore. Keep your legs closed until his birthday. Don’t embarrass him."
The line went dead.
Evelyn slid down the wall, struggling to breathe.
Why did it still hurt so much? She’d promised herself she was done with him.
Tears burned, but she refused to let them fall.
Nathan… was loving you for thirteen years my biggest mistake?