Chapter 60

After an afternoon filled with juicy gossip, Evelyn Sinclair found herself with nothing new to uncover. She could only wait with bated breath for the drama to unfold.

When she returned to the Blackwood manor that evening, the entire family was already buzzing about their upcoming appearance on a live variety show together.

"This will be Evelyn's first time on a live show! I'm definitely watching from start to finish," Margaret exclaimed excitedly.

Sophia Blackwood, holding little Theodore's hand, chimed in, "We'll be cheering for you too!"

Julian Blackwood crossed his arms, feigning offense. "I don’t remember getting this much enthusiasm when I was on a show."

Margaret rolled her eyes. "That’s because you’re not as charming as Evelyn."

"Don’t worry about a thing, darling," Richard reassured Evelyn. "If things get uncomfortable, just walk out. Julian can handle the fallout."

Julian opened his mouth to protest, but Richard added, "And yes, the penalty fee comes out of your paycheck."

Am I adopted? Julian thought bitterly.

Evelyn smiled sweetly at each of them, but her inner monologue betrayed her excitement. No way I’m backing out! This is going to be legendary drama! Two male idols feuding? A secret wife versus the mistress? A scandalous affair? I’ll be front-row for all of it!

The Blackwoods froze.

Did… did Evelyn just—?

Margaret’s eyes sparkled. That sounds delicious. Why can’t we hear her thoughts on live TV?

Suddenly, everyone turned to Julian with expectant stares.

"Julian!" Genevieve piped up. "I’ve nearly my latest painting. I could come help on set!"

Julian’s eye twitched. "…Sure. Whenever you’re free."

"Perfect!" Genevieve grinned, victorious.

"Can we visit the set?" Margaret and Richard asked in unison.

Julian narrowed his eyes. His parents had never visited him on set before. "Fine. But not every day."

Margaret and Richard high-fived.

Sophia, still holding Theodore, pouted. "I wish I could go too…"

Margaret and Genevieve exchanged a knowing glance. Don’t worry. We’ll report back.

Nathan Blackwood, silently sipping his coffee, was once again relegated to the role of the family’s overlooked moneymaker. He sighed. Why do I feel like an outsider in my own home?

Shopping for Drama

"By the way," Julian said, "Marcus mentioned no brands have offered you outfits yet, so you’ll need to bring your own."

Evelyn shrugged. "I have plenty in my closet. The stylist can just pick from those."

Margaret gasped. "Absolutely not! For an event like this, you must wear the latest designs. I’ll have all of Blackwood Group’s partners send over their best pieces."

Sophia perked up. "I’m taking Theo shopping tomorrow. Want to join us?"

Evelyn’s eyes lit up as she turned to Julian. "Guess I’m skipping class tomorrow!"

Her thoughts echoed through the room. YES! A free pass to ditch school!

Julian sighed but relented. After all, she had been working hard lately.

Genevieve pouted. "I wish I could go, but I have to finish my painting."

Margaret patted her hand. "Next time." Then, she turned to Nathan. "Nathan, dear, why don’t you join us tomorrow?"

Nathan nearly choked on his coffee.

Evelyn’s inner voice grumbled. Why bring a man to a girls’ shopping trip?

Nathan’s lips twitched. An irrefutable argument.

A Shocking Encounter

The next day, Margaret and Sophia headed to the children’s section with Theodore, leaving Nathan to accompany Evelyn through the women’s boutiques.

Evelyn wasn’t complaining—having a handsome, wealthy man footing the bill was never a bad thing.

But the moment they stepped into the first VIP lounge, they froze.

There, in the middle of a heated argument, stood Natalie Whitaker—Harrison Montgomery’s secret wife—facing off against Vanessa Sterling, his very public mistress.

"Vanessa, I need that dress for the show!" Natalie hissed.

"It’s mine," Vanessa snapped. "I reserved it first."

Evelyn’s jaw dropped. No. Freaking. Way.

Nathan leaned down, his voice low. "That’s Natalie Whitaker—Harrison Montgomery’s wife—and Vanessa Sterling, his mistress."

Evelyn whipped her head toward him. "How do you know that?"

Nathan’s expression remained unreadable. "I make it my business to know who you’re working with."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. Even Marcus might not know about Natalie. What aren’t you telling me, Nathan?

Before she could press further, the argument escalated.

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed. This is it. The drama I’ve been waiting for.

She grabbed Nathan’s arm and pulled him closer.

Time to get front-row seats to the scandal of the year.