Chapter 36

The grand ballroom of the Blackwood estate shimmered under the glow of a thousand crystal chandeliers. Evelyn Sinclair adjusted her emerald-green mask, her heart pounding as she scanned the sea of masked guests. The masquerade was in full swing—an event orchestrated by Nathan Blackwood himself, though his motives remained as enigmatic as the half-hidden faces around her.

"Enjoying the spectacle?" A deep voice murmured near her ear.

Evelyn turned to find Nathan standing beside her, his black tuxedo accentuating his broad shoulders, his own mask a sleek silver that only heightened the intensity of his gaze.

"It’s... overwhelming," she admitted, her fingers tightening around her champagne flute.

Nathan smirked. "Then you haven’t seen the best part yet."

Before she could question him, the orchestra’s melody shifted—a haunting waltz that sent a shiver down her spine. Nathan extended his hand. "Dance with me."

It wasn’t a request.

Evelyn hesitated, but the challenge in his eyes was irresistible. She placed her hand in his, and in an instant, he pulled her onto the dance floor. The room blurred around them as he guided her effortlessly, his grip firm yet gentle.

"You’re full of surprises, Mr. Blackwood," she murmured, struggling to keep up with his commanding presence.

His lips curved. "And you, Miss Sinclair, are far too cautious for your own good."

The music swelled, and suddenly, Nathan spun her into a dip so low her breath caught. The crowd erupted in applause, but Evelyn barely noticed—her entire world narrowed to the heat of his body against hers and the unspoken promise in his eyes.

When he pulled her upright, she barely had time to steady herself before a familiar voice cut through the moment.

"Ah, there you are."

Victoria Hayes materialized beside them, her crimson gown and gold mask making her look every bit the predator she was. Her smile was sharp as she addressed Nathan. "Your mother is looking for you. Something about urgent family matters."

Nathan’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t release Evelyn’s hand. "Tell her I’ll be there shortly."

Victoria’s gaze flicked to Evelyn, her smirk widening. "Of course. Though I doubt she’ll appreciate being kept waiting... again."

The barb struck true. Nathan exhaled sharply before reluctantly letting go. "Don’t wander too far," he murmured to Evelyn before striding away.

Left alone with Victoria, Evelyn braced herself.

"Charming, isn’t he?" Victoria purred, swirling her wine. "But then, you already knew that."

Evelyn met her gaze evenly. "Is there something you wanted?"

Victoria leaned in, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Just a friendly warning. The Blackwoods play for keeps. And you, darling, are way out of your league."

Before Evelyn could retort, Victoria vanished into the crowd, leaving behind the faintest trace of her expensive perfume—and a gnawing sense of unease.

Evelyn exhaled, her fingers curling into fists. She wouldn’t be intimidated. Not by Victoria, not by the Blackwoods, and certainly not by whatever game Nathan was playing.

But as the music swelled once more, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the real masquerade had only just begun.

I never imagined Evelyn would be so skilled at managing social media accounts to spread gossip. Julian was utterly devastated.

Evelyn offered a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry! We're all family here, and they're just concerned about your situation with Celeste. Besides, think about it—if you and Celeste do end up together, this video might become a treasured keepsake."

Wow. Just wonderful. Julian was speechless.

Even though I know they won’t last, I’ll just tell a little white lie to get myself out of this mess.

Julian was furious. Damn it! She’s not even sorry!

"Right, about Isabelle..." Evelyn noticed Julian’s dark expression and quickly changed the subject. How do I explain this? It’s life or death. But how do I justify where I got this information?

Julian shot her an irritated glance but gave her an out. "There’s something off about Isabelle. Marcus just warned me to stay away from her in case she does something reckless."

He kept his thoughts to himself. Neither Marcus nor Evelyn would suspect anything.

Evelyn was surprised they already knew. A weight lifted off her shoulders.

She grinned. "Thank goodness you managed to... ahem... dodge a bullet."

"Go to sleep!" Julian’s face darkened. The sight of Evelyn irritated him so much he wanted her to vanish.

Evelyn shrugged. Why is he so mad? Is being a virgin really that embarrassing? Both he and his brother are virgins. Nathan doesn’t seem ashamed. Oh, I see—it’s a family trait.

Julian stared at her, bewildered.

Did I hear that right? Did she just expose us? So that incident back then was fake? Wait—that’s not the point! The point is, Nathan’s a virgin too! Those exclamation marks in the group chat weren’t just about me?!

He felt a strange comfort knowing he wasn’t alone. At least Nathan was in the same boat. That was the only silver lining of that night.

Meanwhile, at the Blackwood estate, Nathan, who had just work, suddenly felt uneasy.

Then, he heard faint whispers in the usually silent mansion.

Is everyone awake at this hour?

Puzzled, he checked his phone before bed and found a video forwarded by his mother.

Curious, he clicked on it—and was rendered speechless.

By the time Julian, exhausted, returned to his room, Nathan called.

Julian suspected Nathan had seen the video, hence the late-night call.

He might be embarrassed in front of others, but not his brother, who was in the same predicament. Hah! He’s been a virgin longer than me, and he’s married!

Driven by smug satisfaction, Julian answered confidently.

Nathan had called to check on him, only to be met with complaints.

"Did you watch the video?"

"Yes."

"Nathan, your wife humiliated me."

"You sound fine to me."

"You’ve changed. Are we even brothers anymore?"

Nathan was speechless, wondering when his brother had become so dramatic after spending time with Evelyn.

"Wait—you are my brother. Evelyn just mentioned we’re both virgins, and it’s a family thing."

Nathan’s eye twitched. He was tempted to hang up. "I’m ending this call."

"Wait! I have something important to discuss." Julian dropped the virginity talk and seized the chance to bring up the investment.

"Evelyn mentioned it to me. How about this—I’ll pick you up tomorrow, and we’ll sort it out."

"No need. I can handle it."

"This is a completely new venture for Blackwood Group."

Julian panicked. "I’m serious! If you show up, you’ll steal my thunder. I wanted to impress Celeste with this!"

Nathan paused. "You can’t threaten her."

"Do I look stupid? Of course not!"

"So, you’re really not giving up?"

Nathan sighed as Julian’s dramatic voice crackled through the phone.

The next morning, Julian shamelessly arranged a meeting with the professor, acting as if nothing had happened. They agreed to meet at the hotel’s breakfast buffet.

So much happened yesterday. Celeste could’ve avoided me, been disgusted, or embarrassed—anything to show she still cares.

Deep down, he knew Evelyn was right. As blunt as she was, she spoke the truth. The chances of him and Celeste being together were slim.

But he’d rather live in denial. Just seeing her one more time was enough.

Meanwhile, Lillian, indulging in the lavish buffet, spotted them. A gossip enthusiast, she immediately texted Evelyn, who was still asleep:

Saw Mr. Julian and Ms. Cowell.

Evelyn jolted awake. Which Cowell?

Lillian: The gorgeous researcher.

Evelyn mentally facepalmed. Obviously not Isabelle. She quickly freshened up, eager to witness the drama firsthand. Save me a seat. I’m coming.

Lillian: They’re almost done eating.

No reply. Lillian kept watch, phone in hand.

After finalizing the investment, the professor hurried off to prepare the report, and the group prepared to leave.

Lillian texted Evelyn again.

Moments later, Evelyn called, panting.

"Stop them! It’s dangerous!" she shouted.

Lillian froze, then bolted toward the exit. But the hotel was massive—she had no idea which way they’d gone.

Evelyn dashed out of the elevator, face pale. She spotted them heading toward the lobby.

Just as she relaxed, a dark figure lunged at them from behind.

Evelyn couldn’t see who it was. "Celeste, behind you!" she screamed.

Everyone turned—but only Julian reacted fast enough, throwing himself in front of Celeste.