Chapter 37
“Stop wasting your breath. This isn’t happening,” Evelyn said sharply, crossing her arms. “I won’t have dinner with you.”
Lucian clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. “Why the cold shoulder? Don’t forget—I helped you put Damien in his place. The least you could do is share a meal as thanks. Is that too much to ask?”
Evelyn’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “From what I recall, it was Sebastian who stepped in to help me. It’s rather shameless of you to take credit for your best friend’s actions.”
“Have I done something to earn your disdain, Ms. Sinclair?” Lucian met her gaze, unflinching. “Or is it because of Nathan? Does he even have the courage to claim you publicly? Because I would.”
“Mr. Ashford, timing means nothing in relationships. But integrity does.” Her words were a blade, slicing through his arrogance. Lucian paled. “I may not have been raised with silver spoons, but I know dignity when I see it.”
“When I was married to Sebastian, my heart belonged to him alone. Now that Nathan is in my life, he’s the only one I see. I don’t care if our relationship isn’t perfect, but I won’t tolerate anyone trying to sabotage it.” Her voice dropped to a warning. “Stay out of my affairs. And stay out of my life.”
The bitterness in her tone was unmistakable.
Even Lucian could sense the storm of emotions she was holding back—anger, heartache, defiance. His expression darkened briefly before Evelyn steeled herself again. With her chin lifted, she turned to leave—only to freeze mid-step.
…
“Sebastian?” Lucian’s eyes widened. How had he gotten here so fast? Had he teleported?
Sebastian stood at the restaurant entrance like a storm given human form. His presence alone turned the air glacial, overpowering the already frigid air conditioning.
Evelyn met his burning gaze. Those piercing eyes—once her undoing—now only reflected cold detachment. He had never looked at her with warmth, never smiled at her the way she’d once dreamed. All her efforts to melt his heart had been in vain.
His jaw clenched as he strode toward her. He’d canceled an important meeting the second he’d heard about Lucian and Evelyn being together. Now, standing here, he’d caught every word she’d said about Nathan.
An unfamiliar hollowness spread through his chest. It infuriated him. He never lost control—yet Evelyn Sinclair had a way of unraveling him completely.
“What are you doing here?” His voice was dangerously low.
“Working.” She averted her eyes.
“Did you forget what I told you? Until the divorce is finalized, you’re still my wife. A member of the Blackwood family. And you know damn well Blackwood Enterprises and Whitmore Holdings are rivals.” His tone sharpened. “Yet here you are, working at one of their hotels. Are you trying to provoke me? Humiliate me?”
A vein pulsed at his temple.
Lucian shifted uncomfortably, ready to intervene, but Evelyn beat him to it.
“So that’s what you think.” Her voice was ice. “Fine. Let’s settle this today. Sign the papers, and you’ll never have to see my face again.”
“Evelyn Sinclair.” His growl was lethal.
“Don’t tell me you’re unprepared. Call Nathaniel—have him bring what you need. I carry mine everywhere.” Her smile was razor-sharp. “After all, I’ve been waiting for this day.”
Sebastian saw red. His hand shot out, gripping her arm with bruising force—as if afraid she’d vanish the moment he let go.
Then—
“Ah!” A sharp gasp tore from Evelyn’s lips. Pain lanced through her arm, beads of sweat forming on her brow. Sebastian went rigid.
He’d dislocated her shoulder.
