Chapter 222

The grand ballroom of the Blackwood estate shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, casting delicate patterns of light across the marble floors. Evelyn Sinclair stood near the towering windows, her emerald-green gown flowing like liquid silk around her. She clutched her champagne flute, her fingers trembling slightly.

Nathan Blackwood watched her from across the room, his dark eyes unreadable. He had been avoiding her all evening, and the tension between them was palpable.

Victoria Hayes, his sharp-tongued secretary, sidled up to him with a smirk. "You should go talk to her," she murmured, her voice laced with amusement. "She looks like she’s about to bolt."

Nathan exhaled sharply but didn’t move. "She knows why I’m angry."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You’re being dramatic. It was one little misunderstanding."

"It wasn’t little," he gritted out.

Evelyn felt the weight of his gaze and turned, their eyes locking. A jolt of electricity shot through her. She swallowed hard, then made a decision.

Setting her glass down, she strode toward him, her heels clicking against the floor. The crowd seemed to part for her, whispers following in her wake.

Nathan tensed as she stopped before him. "Evelyn—"

"I’m not apologizing," she cut in, lifting her chin. "Because I didn’t do anything wrong."

His jaw tightened. "You lied to me."

"No, I withheld information. There’s a difference."

Victoria snorted. "Oh, this is rich."

Nathan shot her a glare before refocusing on Evelyn. "You knew Serena was planning to leave the agency. You knew, and you didn’t tell me."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Because it wasn’t my place. It was her decision, not mine."

The air between them crackled. Then, abruptly, Nathan grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the terrace. The cool night air hit them as the doors swung shut behind them, muffling the sounds of the party.

"Let go of me," Evelyn hissed, trying to wrench free.

Nathan released her but didn’t step back. "You keep secrets from me. That’s the problem."

"And you don’t?" she shot back. "What about your little arrangement with Vanessa Sterling?"

His expression darkened. "That’s business."

"Right. Business." She scoffed. "Just like how Harrison Montgomery’s business nearly ruined Natalie’s life?"

Nathan’s patience snapped. "This isn’t about them. This is about us."

Evelyn faltered. The raw emotion in his voice caught her off guard.

Before she could respond, the doors burst open. Marcus Donovan, Julian’s agent, rushed out, his face pale. "Nathan—you need to see this."

Nathan frowned. "What is it?"

Marcus hesitated, then held out his phone. The screen displayed a breaking news headline:

"Scandal Erupts: Sophia Blackwood’s Husband Caught in Affair—Photos Leaked."

Evelyn’s breath hitched. Nathan snatched the phone, his grip tightening as he scanned the article.

Then, his gaze lifted—icy and furious.

"This," he said slowly, "changes everything."

As the heated discussion continued, Nathan Blackwood silently observed Evelyn Sinclair with a whirlwind of thoughts clouding his mind.

Watching her act so evasively, he initially assumed she might be feeling shy, embarrassed, or even remorseful. But before long, he caught the faintest sigh of regret slipping past her lips.

Ah, my instincts really failed me back there. Why did I just hug him and kiss his cheek in the heat of the moment? Why didn’t I seize the opportunity to press my lips against his? Under those circumstances, I wouldn’t even have to take responsibility! Ugh, why am I so timid?

Nathan’s reaction was delayed by a fraction of a second before his face burned crimson.

Inside the dimly lit car, the extent of his blush was nearly indiscernible. Yet, his lowered lashes fluttered incessantly, and his lips—soft, tempting—pursed slightly, making him look utterly irresistible.

If you want to kiss me, you can do it anytime. No strings attached. And no, it’s not terrible at all.

The Blackwood family exchanged knowing glances. Go on, Evelyn! Be bold! Do whatever you want—we won’t hold you back!

Their excitement was palpable, fingers practically burning through their phone screens as they silently cheered her on. Then, abruptly, they felt the weight of a gaze—Nathan’s.

He seemed… displeased.

The Blackwoods immediately understood. Oh, right. We messed up. Why did we even share a car with them just to gossip? We’re totally in the way now.

Violet Carter, the unfortunate third wheel, blinked in confusion. Why does the air feel so charged when the car is dead silent?

Of course, leaving now was impossible—the moment had already passed. Evelyn had already moved on, her attention shifting elsewhere.

She had been on the phone earlier, and now she turned to Violet with a warm smile. "Violet, I spoke with Isabelle. Our studio is looking for a long-term makeup artist. If you're interested, you can contact her to sign a contract."

Violet, who had been drained of energy moments ago, suddenly brightened. Sure, Ethan Carter might offer generous compensation, but what truly thrilled her was the chance to advance her career.

Genuinely moved, she expressed her gratitude.

Soon, Violet reached her destination. Stepping out of the car, she watched as it drove away, a strong premonition settling over her. That video… it had to be Evelyn’s doing.

Her mind wandered back to the stolen kiss on the cheek, and she couldn’t help but recall Evelyn’s infamous title—Justice.

In truth, Violet Carter wasn’t the only one with such thoughts. Many guests who had left the Hampton estate that evening were buzzing with speculation.

By nightfall, the scandalous gossip about the Hampton family had spread like wildfire through elite circles, igniting imaginations everywhere.

High society thrived on parties, but nothing fueled conversation like juicy drama.

After all, the last time something this explosive had happened was during the Blackwood family’s grand reception, when the Cowell twins’ shocking revelation had sent shockwaves through the upper crust.

Though this was a Hampton-hosted event, the Blackwoods’ presence—combined with Evelyn Sinclair’s recent upheaval in the entertainment industry—felt far too coincidental.

What truly raised eyebrows was the fact that the incriminating video, the one that had blown the scandal wide open, still hadn’t been traced back to its source.

Of course, whispers of suspicion lingered in the air.

When the elite gossip trickled onto the internet, it didn’t trend like celebrity news, but it still sparked a frenzy among netizens.

Journalists who had attended the wine tasting event dared not report the full story, but leaked party photos only fueled the public’s appetite for clues.

Among the online sleuths, a significant portion belonged to Evelyn’s devoted fanbase.

Netizen: Wait… did I just spot Evelyn in the background?

Netizen: Is she actually there?

Netizen: I always suspected she had high-society ties.

Netizen: Who knows? But where there’s drama, Evelyn’s never far behind!

Netizen: Hah! Is the "Justice Bringer" now moonlighting as the "Gossip Queen"?

Some had predicted this outcome, though at the time, it had been dismissed as mere rumor.

The next day, Evelyn scrolled through the internet, baffled by the sudden spotlight on her name.

At least Violet Carter’s name remained untouched—small mercies meant no disruptions to daily life.

Isabelle Laurent had already reached out, and Violet had come by to finalize the contract.

That afternoon, as the family accompanied Theodore to his competition, Evelyn received a new update.

PIL: After Ethan Carter’s warning, Claire Morgan finally caved. Bandaged and broken, she filed for divorce, sobbing as she begged Ethan to take her back. But he didn’t even glance her way. Sigh. Claire, you knew the risks. If only you’d kept quiet, your secrets would’ve stayed buried.

The Blackwood family couldn't help but sigh—yesterday had been nothing short of a battlefield.

Nathan, currently at work, had also received word about the explosive fallout between the Morris and Hampton families.

Their university group chat had erupted into chaos, but Mason remained silent, and Claire had left the chat entirely. Suddenly remembering something, Nathan spoke up in the chat before adding Evelyn into the conversation.

By now, everyone’s perception of Evelyn had shifted dramatically, and their responses to her were brimming with enthusiasm.

Evelyn was instantly intrigued. She turned to Nathan in a private message: Why on earth did you suddenly add me to your group?

Nathan replied: It’s a goldmine of gossip here. Though he never participated in—or even enjoyed—such discussions, he knew this group thrived on them whenever they gathered.

Evelyn had half-expected him to say something about her needing to connect with his friends as his wife. But his response made her lips curve into an involuntary smile, warmth flooding her chest.

Then, with barely contained excitement, she dove into the chat to enjoy the drama.

Clearly, the group had already spent hours dissecting Mason and Claire’s messy situation. Now, they’d moved on to the topic of Daniel’s upcoming wedding.

Grayson texted: Daniel, I’m dying to know—how did your family finally agree to you marrying her?

Marcus chimed in: Had to be the baby.

Daniel didn’t deny it. Truth is, my father gave his blessing a while ago. It was my mother who held out. This time, Amelia’s pregnancy changed her mind. Not that I care—I’d have married her regardless. But Amelia… she’s always been cautious. She wanted their approval first. Even after getting pregnant, she panicked a few times, debating whether to keep it. I failed her—I didn’t make her feel secure enough.

The group’s reactions ranged from teasing to admiration, all agreeing the two would be happy together.

Evelyn had already pieced together their love story from Daniel’s perspective—a genuine redemption arc.

High school sweethearts. He, the fiercely protective leader; she, the orphaned girl who’d endured relentless bullying.

Now, years later, they were finally getting their happy ending.

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile. Some love stories were worth the wait.

The Blackwood family couldn't help but sigh—yesterday had been quite the battlefield.

At work, Nathan received the explosive news about the complete fallout between the Morgan and Morris families.

Their university group chat was buzzing with activity, but Mason remained silent, and Claire had already left the chat. Suddenly remembering something, Nathan spoke up in the group, then added Evelyn into the conversation.

Everyone’s perception of Evelyn had shifted dramatically, so their responses were overwhelmingly warm.

Evelyn, intrigued, immediately messaged Nathan privately: Why on earth did you add me to your group out of the blue?

Nathan replied: It’s a gossip hub. Though he never participated in the chatter himself, he knew this group thrived on drama whenever they gathered.

Evelyn had half-expected him to say something about her needing to bond with his friends as his wife. But his blunt honesty made her lips curl into a smile, warmth blooming in her chest.

Then, with barely contained excitement, she dove into the conversation.

By now, the group had already exhausted their discussions about Mason and Claire’s messy breakup. Shifting gears, they turned their attention to Daniel’s upcoming wedding.

Grayson texted: Daniel, how the hell did your parents agree to this?

Marcus chimed in: Had to be the baby.

Daniel didn’t deny it. Truth is, my father gave his approval a while ago. It was my mother who refused to budge. Amelia’s pregnancy finally changed her mind. But honestly? I’m just glad I can marry the woman I love with my family’s blessing.

Julian teased: You should’ve knocked her up sooner. Would’ve saved you years of drama.

Daniel sighed. I never listened to them about my career—why would I need their permission to marry? The real issue was Amelia. She’s always been cautious. She wanted their approval before saying yes. Even after the pregnancy, she panicked a few times, debating whether to keep the baby. It’s my fault for not making her feel secure enough.

The group erupted—some laughing at him, others praising his self-awareness. Either way, they agreed he and Amelia would make a happy couple.

Evelyn had already pieced together their love story from Daniel’s perspective. It was a classic redemption arc.

High school sweethearts. He was the bold, justice-driven leader; she was the quiet girl who’d lost her parents and endured relentless bullying.

Now, years later, their story was finally getting its happy ending.

And Evelyn? She was more than ready to enjoy the show.

Daniel Wright had always been Evelyn Sinclair's knight in shining armor. Time and again, he'd swooped in to rescue her, even throwing himself into brutal fights on her behalf—some so vicious they'd landed him in the hospital.

During one of Evelyn's gossip sessions with Nathan Blackwood, she'd learned that Daniel's childhood dream had been to join the Air Force.

The Wright family had deep military roots, so Daniel's future was always destined for either the battlefield or the boardroom. But a violent high school brawl left him with scars—both physical and emotional—shattering his dreams of becoming a pilot.

Proud and stubborn, he refused to settle for any other military role. The corporate world didn’t suit him either—too cold, too calculating. So, he chose the police force instead. Over time, he grew to love the job, and the sting of his lost dream faded.

But that brutal fight had bound them together. Through shared pain and whispered confessions, their hearts aligned, and they began dating.

Even when universities pulled them apart, their love endured. Years of long-distance struggles had finally led them here—to the brink of their happily ever after.

Through the flurry of messages in the group chat, Evelyn discovered the girl's name was Amelia Bennett. Sympathy twisted in her chest. Amelia had been through enough; digging into her past felt cruel. So Evelyn resisted the urge to pry.

Meanwhile, in Daniel and Amelia's cozy apartment, Amelia—ever the doting partner—carried a bowl of freshly cut fruit toward him. The moment he spotted her, Daniel dropped his phone and rushed to her side.

"Amelia, I told you—let me handle this," he chided gently, guiding her to the couch. His fingers brushed over the gentle swell of her stomach, his touch featherlight.

Amelia's eyes shimmered with something fragile, something that made Daniel's chest ache.

"Were you talking to your friends?" she asked softly. "About the wine tasting?"

Daniel sighed. "I didn’t mention it earlier because you were resting. But honestly..."

He hesitated before confiding in her about Mason Hunter and Claire Morgan's messy situation. Then, thinking of Amelia's pregnancy, his voice turned bitter.

"Claire is heartless. How could she just—well, not exactly—but people are saying she might’ve planned to pin the baby on Mason all along. What kind of woman does that?"

The words barely left his lips before Amelia's face drained of color.

"Amelia?" Daniel's concern spiked. "What's wrong?"

"I—I just feel a little sick again," she whispered, pressing a hand to her stomach.

Daniel immediately dropped the subject, too worried to notice the shadow of unease flickering behind her eyes.

In the days that followed, Amelia's "illness" kept her bedridden, leaving Daniel to handle the wedding preparations alone. Between venue visits and guest lists, he was too busy to notice the way Amelia flinched at sudden noises—or how often she checked her phone when she thought he wasn’t looking.

But on their wedding day...

Margaret's perfectly manicured fingers tightened around her champagne flute as her gaze landed on an unexpected guest. "Well, well," she murmured under her breath, "if it isn't Sophia Reed gracing Roland's wedding. Since when did the Nox family rub elbows with the Fords?"

The grand ballroom of the Reed estate glittered with crystal chandeliers and the elite of high society. Margaret adjusted her emerald-green satin gown, her sharp eyes tracking Sophia's movements through the crowd. The younger woman moved with practiced grace in her blush-pink Valentino, laughing at something Daniel Wright whispered in her ear.

"Interesting," Margaret commented to no one in particular, watching how Sophia's hand lingered on Daniel's arm a second too long. The former fiancé of Amelia Bennett certainly seemed cozy with his new companion.

Nearby, Lila Carter nearly choked on her canapé. "You didn't know?" she whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer. "Rumor has it Mason Wright pulled strings to get her an invitation. Something about business connections between their families."

Margaret's perfectly arched brow lifted. "Business connections? Or personal ones?" Her gaze flickered to where Mason stood near the groom, his expression unreadable as he watched Sophia across the room.

The string quartet transitioned into a waltz as waiters circulated with trays of Dom Pérignon. Margaret tapped her designer clutch thoughtfully. "This wedding just got infinitely more fascinating."

Lila smirked, pulling out her phone. "Shall I add you to our little group chat? We've been discussing this exact... situation all morning."

Margaret's crimson lips curved into a smile as she accepted the invitation. Some weddings were about love. Others? Pure entertainment. And this one promised to be the social event of the season.