Chapter 256

Eavesdropping on Scandalous Thoughts

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn Sinclair’s penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floors. She sipped her espresso, the rich aroma mingling with the crisp air, as her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications.

A smirk curled her lips as she scrolled through the latest tabloid headlines. "Seraphina Delacroix Caught in Love Triangle with Sebastian Hart and Adrian Cross!" The accompanying photos showed the second-tier actress in a heated argument with her ex, Sebastian, while her current flame, Adrian, stood frozen in the background.

Evelyn’s mind raced with the unspoken drama behind the images. Oh, Seraphina, darling, you always did have a flair for chaos. She could practically hear the woman’s frantic inner monologue—Why did Sebastian have to show up now? Adrian’s going to dump me, I just know it!—and the mental image made her chuckle.

Her assistant, Lillian Graves, breezed in with a tablet. "You’re in a good mood," she remarked, eyeing Evelyn’s amused expression.

"Entertainment news," Evelyn replied, waving her phone. "It’s better than reality TV."

Lillian arched a brow. "Speaking of drama, Nathan Blackwood’s office just called. His secretary, Victoria Hayes, insisted on confirming your lunch meeting today."

Evelyn’s smirk deepened. Ah, Victoria. Still pretending she isn’t desperately in love with Nathan. She could practically hear the woman’s internal meltdown—Why does he always prioritize her? I’ve been by his side for years!—and it was delicious.

"Tell her not to worry," Evelyn said airily. "I wouldn’t dream of monopolizing his time." At least, not in front of her.

Lillian snorted. "You’re evil."

"Observant," Evelyn corrected. She stretched, her silk robe slipping slightly off one shoulder. "Now, let’s see what other juicy thoughts I can uncover today."

As she scrolled further, another headline caught her eye: "Harrison Montgomery Spotted with Vanessa Sterling Amidst Divorce Rumors!"

Evelyn’s grin turned predatory. Oh, Natalie Whitaker must be seething. She could already imagine the woman’s mental tirade—After everything I’ve done for him, this is how he repays me?—and it was exquisite.

Lillian sighed. "You’re enjoying this a little too much."

Evelyn winked. "Darling, in a world full of secrets, someone has to listen."

And with that, she leaned back, ready to devour the next scandal.

Nathan's cheeks flushed crimson as he stammered out an excuse, "I—I noticed you were dozing off and worried you might catch a chill."

He then added in a hushed whisper, "You can hold me all you want when we get back."

Evelyn blinked, snapping out of her daze, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Since when did I think I could just cling to him whenever I pleased?

As usual, she swiftly deflected. "You're right, I might get sick. I should head up now."

Nathan didn’t mind her deflection. Truthfully, he wasn’t in any state to linger either.

Just a brief embrace from his wife had sent heat coursing through him, leaving him restless and tense. He’d thought he’d grown accustomed to her presence, but their closeness still unraveled his control.

The unfamiliar surge of desire left him mortified, as if he’d committed something shameful. Terrified Evelyn might notice, he had no choice but to retreat hastily.

Thankfully, he regained his composure soon enough.

When Evelyn returned to the lounge, she found everything arranged perfectly—no staff assistance needed. Nathan had ensured she could recline comfortably without lifting a finger.

Meanwhile, the others were questioning Deborah about Vivian’s sudden disappearance.

With Vivian unreachable, the conversation inevitably veered toward scandalous rumors—speculations of a love triangle.

Gwendolyn, likely wary of drawing suspicion, had kept her distance while Nathan and Evelyn were by the pool. Only after they left did she resume serving other guests.

The shift in everyone’s gazes didn’t escape her, but Gwendolyn remained unfazed. She focused solely on her duties, offering no unnecessary words.

Though Evelyn and Nathan knew the truth, they couldn’t reveal that Vivian was handling a critical matter.

Still, they already knew the outcome.

Just then, Grayson returned.

His expression was uncharacteristically grave as he immediately sought out Gwendolyn, intent on pulling her aside.

"Hey—" Evelyn couldn’t help but interject.

"It’s private. Stay out of it." Grayson’s tone was firm but not impatient, catching Evelyn off guard.

Gwendolyn rarely saw him this serious. After a brief hesitation, she said, "We can talk here."

Gwendolyn didn’t want to be alone with Grayson, so she subtly shifted away, lowering her voice to a whisper.

Grayson didn’t protest.

Once he was certain they were out of earshot, his tone turned grave. "Gwendolyn, I’ve made my decision. You occupy a special place in my heart."

Gwendolyn blinked, stunned. "Excuse me?" No way. My delusional ex-boss is in love with me? That can’t be right. What does he even see in me? Didn’t he pick me because I look like Vivian? Is this some twisted consolation prize because he couldn’t win her back? Is he seriously trying to hire me as his rebound again? Absolutely not. That’s not a respectable arrangement, and I only agreed last time because I had no choice. I don’t need that kind of money now.

She cleared her throat. "Mr. Hart, if this is like before—"

"It’s nothing like before," Grayson cut in firmly. "This time, it’s real. Be mine."

Gwendolyn nearly choked. Oh, I see. Last time, he paid me. Now he wants my services for free? That’s even worse.

Nearby, Evelyn discreetly activated her system to eavesdrop. Holy hell, is this for real? Is he seriously falling for the replacement and aiming for a cliché happy ending with her?

Nathan, overhearing, was equally shocked. He had genuinely expected Grayson to choose Vivian.

Even Gwendolyn was baffled. Her lips twitched as she prepared to reject him outright—until Grayson dropped another bombshell.

"However, I will still reconcile with Vivian. I might even marry her. I hope you won’t obsess over formal titles."

Gwendolyn’s jaw dropped. "What? Run that by me again?"

Grayson frowned, as if pained by her reaction. "This is the best solution I could devise. But we must keep this from Vivian. She has a temper, and I doubt she’d accept our arrangement. For your sake, I’m sacrificing her happiness. As long as you behave, I’ll provide for you—financially and emotionally. If you want children someday, that’s possible too. You’ll lack a title, but I won’t let you feel neglected."

Gwendolyn’s expression went blank. She recalled Vivian’s kindness earlier and couldn’t help but ask, "So you’re saying you’ll marry Vivian while keeping me as your mistress—and hide it from her?"

"Don’t phrase it so crudely. There’s no alternative." Grayson truly believed this was the perfect compromise. If both women adore me, why should I choose? High society operates like this. My father has mistresses; my mother has her distractions. Yet our family remains harmonious. Gwendolyn’s an orphan—ideal for this role. She’s always known her place, aware a future with me is impossible. That’s why she’s so insecure, desperate to leave. Her behavior today is erratic—clearly panic over Vivian’s return. She fears losing my affection. Well, I’ll reassure her.

His gaze softened with rare tenderness as he reached for her face, concerned by her frozen shock—

Tears of pure joy streamed down Gwendolyn's face.

Just as Grayson reached out to wipe them away, a sharp smack shattered the lively atmosphere of the party.

The entire venue froze. Every head turned toward the source of the sound.

Evelyn was already sitting up, her fists clenched. Damn it, why didn’t she slap him harder? What kind of delusional nonsense is this man spouting?

Nathan’s expression darkened as he studied Grayson. After all that time to think, Grayson had somehow arrived at the worst possible conclusion.

Grayson glanced at his stinging hand, the back of it already flushed red.

But instead of anger, he merely shot a warning glare at the onlookers. The crowd immediately scattered, pretending they hadn’t been eavesdropping—though, in truth, they hadn’t caught a word.

Then, his gaze returned to Gwendolyn. "I know you don’t want to accept this, but it’s the best offer you’re going to get."

Gwendolyn’s eyes burned with fury, her fingers trembling at her sides.

Hit him again! I’ll back you up. A man like this won’t learn unless you knock some sense into him. Who does he think he is, making demands like that? Evelyn was practically vibrating with the urge to intervene. Even if she couldn’t speak, she at least wanted to pull Gwendolyn away before the poor woman burst a blood vessel. But Nathan held her back.

Evelyn shot him an irritated look, but he subtly gestured toward the entrance.

Vivian was striding toward them, clutching a thick stack of documents, her face alight with excitement.

The moment she spotted Gwendolyn—trembling, red-eyed, and clearly on the verge of exploding—her smile vanished. Instinctively, she rushed forward, yanking Gwendolyn behind her and squaring up to Grayson.

"Grayson," she snapped, her voice sharp as a blade. "What the hell are you doing?"