Chapter 63

Evelyn Sinclair wasn’t the type to recklessly jump into situations where she might end up playing the hero—especially if it risked her own humiliation. What kind of twisted irony would that be?

Before making her move, Evelyn turned to Nathan Blackwood and lowered her voice. "You own this entire mall, don’t you?"

Nathan, caught off guard, hesitated before answering, "Yes."

Evelyn pressed further. "So that means I can do whatever I want here?"

Nathan gave a vague nod. "Within reason."

Her next question was bold. "Then I can take that dress?"

Nathan already had an inkling of what Evelyn was plotting. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and swiftly messaged his assistant.

Truthfully, Nathan suspected that if Evelyn didn’t act fast, the couple lingering behind them might lose their patience. Not that he blamed them—his family was notorious for their warm hearts, but even they had limits.

When Evelyn suddenly raised her voice, Nathan could practically feel the collective sigh of resignation from the people behind them. The onlookers ahead spun around, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief, as if they hadn’t expected anyone to disrupt the scene.

Vanessa Sterling, observing Evelyn’s confident demeanor, couldn’t immediately place her. It wasn’t until she spotted Sophia Blackwood—the kind-hearted hospital director who had comforted her during her lonely hospital stays—smiling and waving from a distance that realization struck. They had crossed paths earlier at a restaurant.

Though embarrassed to be seen in such a disheveled state by people she knew, Natalie Whitaker understood they were there to support her.

Vanessa, however, was baffled. Does she know Natalie? Is she here to help her?

"Are these your friends, Natalie?" Vanessa asked cautiously.

Natalie replied bluntly, "I don’t know them."

Vanessa turned back to Evelyn, scrutinizing her. Up close, recognition flickered—though all the online photos of Evelyn were heavily edited, glamorous model shots. In person, she looked strikingly different—fresh-faced, vibrant, more like a dazzling university belle than a polished celebrity.

Vanessa’s gaze then shifted to the man beside Evelyn. His striking features and composed demeanor, his dark eyes gleaming like polished black opals, radiated an air of effortless superiority. It was rare for Vanessa to encounter someone who exuded both charisma and breathtaking beauty.

Even Harrison Montgomery, the famous actor, would pale in comparison.

Noticing their high-end attire, Vanessa deduced their wealth and status. But that didn’t excuse Evelyn’s audacity to claim the dress she had reserved.

"Miss, I’ve already reserved this dress," Vanessa declared.

Evelyn merely smiled. "No payment’s been made. That means it’s still up for grabs. And frankly, I think it suits me better."

Vanessa stiffened. The words felt eerily familiar—too similar to a conversation she’d once had with Natalie.

"I’ve made my decision, and I can afford it. You’re too late," Vanessa snapped, turning to the saleswoman. "I’ll sign the bill. Wrap it up—"

Before the saleswoman could comply, a directive crackled through the earpieces of every staff member present. The saleswoman’s expression shifted, and she handed Vanessa’s supplementary card back.

Vanessa’s face darkened. "What is this?"

The saleswoman maintained a professional tone. "I’m sorry, but this dress is no longer available for sale, per the store manager’s orders. As an apology, we can offer you a ten percent discount on any other item."

"You’re refusing to sell it to me? You’d rather sell it to her?" Vanessa pointed at Evelyn in disbelief.

At that moment, Evelyn stepped forward, flashing the exclusive membership card Nathan had given her.

The saleswoman’s eyes widened. It was a rare, top-tier VVIP card—one that granted access to items not publicly available.

"Would you like this dress, Miss?" the saleswoman asked Evelyn eagerly.

Evelyn nodded.

"Absolutely. Would you like to try it on?"

Vanessa gaped. "What the hell—?"

The saleswoman clarified, "This is our store’s VVIP membership card. Even Mr. Montgomery’s main card wouldn’t suffice, let alone a supplementary one."

Evelyn smirked. "I do like it."

Nathan raised a brow, amused. So this was her idea of affection.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the mall...

"Natalie, you’ve changed so much I barely recognize you anymore," Harrison’s voice crackled through the phone, laced with frustration. "Don’t you trust me at all? There’s nothing inappropriate between Vanessa and me. We’ve already wronged her enough—I’m just trying to make things right on your behalf. Could you please stop attacking her? If this continues, we really should discuss divorce."

"Now, go apologize to Vanessa!" he demanded.

Natalie’s voice was quiet, heavy with exhaustion. "I don’t even recognize you anymore, Harrison. Fine. Let’s get a divorce."

A pause. Then Harrison’s tone turned icy. "I’m serious, Natalie. I’m not joking."

"Neither am I," she replied firmly.

Harrison exhaled sharply. "How long are you going to keep this up? You’re draining every ounce of love I have left. Fine. I’ll clean up your messes. Take some time to cool off. Once I’ve sorted things with Vanessa, we’ll talk."

Before Natalie could respond, the line went dead.

A suffocating tightness seized her chest. Her vision blurred, her legs buckling—

Two sets of arms caught her before she could collapse.

Turning her head weakly, she saw Sophia Blackwood offering a strained smile.

Sophia and Margaret had been lingering nearby, debating whether to intervene. They’d overheard the entire conversation—and it had ignited a quiet fury in both of them.

"Come on," Sophia said gently. "I’ll take you to the hospital."

Later that evening...

As Evelyn and Nathan prepared to leave, they found only Margaret and Theodore waiting. Sophia, they learned, had taken Natalie to the hospital.

Margaret, bursting with indignation, relayed everything they’d overheard.

Evelyn’s eyes widened in disbelief.

How could he so blatantly ignore his wife’s pain and defend his mistress? And then have the audacity to claim he still loves her?

Men like him deserved to be buried.