Chapter 64
Evelyn Sinclair didn’t opt for a heavy evening gown. Instead, she chose a sleek, custom-designed pantsuit that accentuated her commanding presence.
At her chest gleamed another masterpiece—this time from the legendary jeweler, Rose Emerson. A brooch crafted from rare yellow diamonds, catching the light with every step she took.
Her entrance was nothing short of breathtaking. Her style was understated yet striking, effortlessly eclipsing the gaggle of spoiled socialites around her.
They were pampered princesses. But Evelyn? She had always been a queen.
Vanessa Delacroix couldn’t tear her gaze away, resentment simmering in her chest as Evelyn became the center of attention.
Beside her, two women gasped, their whispers carrying through the crowd.
“Good heavens, who is that woman? She carries herself like royalty!”
“She’s so young, yet she commands the room better than any of these so-called tycoons!”
“That brooch—isn’t that Rose Emerson’s legendary piece, ‘Eclipse’? Someone offered a fortune for it years ago, but she refused to sell!”
Anyone familiar with high-end jewelry knew Rose Emerson. And everyone remembered the frenzy when “Eclipse” had first been unveiled.
Vanessa had been too consumed by bitterness to notice Evelyn’s attire. Now, as she took in the sight, jealousy twisted inside her.
“Hmph. Evelyn’s clearly leeching off Nathan Whitmore’s wealth,” she muttered under her breath.
Seraphina Delmar, her mother, shot her a sharp look, her voice laced with frustration. “I raised you to be perfect. Yet here you are, outshone by some nobody! If it weren’t for my connections—if you hadn’t gotten close to Sebastian—do you honestly think he’d have looked twice at you?”
“Mother!” Vanessa’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. “I already have him. Why are you undermining me now?”
Her eyes burned with fury. “So what if Evelyn is clinging to Nathan? The Blackwoods are just as powerful as the Whitmores! Besides, she’s already divorced—used goods. Sebastian would never go back to her. He’s mine!”
“Don’t be naive,” Seraphina hissed. “Until that ring is on your finger, nothing is certain.”
Her mother’s voice dropped lower. “Lately, Sebastian has been distant. Even I can see it. Something’s changed. Don’t think you’re safe just because Evelyn isn’t living at Blackwood Manor anymore.”
Vanessa knew it was true. Sebastian had been cold lately—barely seeing her, let alone showing affection.
Evelyn walked past the back row, the faintest trace of her perfume lingering in the air. Then she passed Isabella Montclair and Cassandra Blackwood.
“Mother, is that woman really sitting in the front?” Cassandra whispered nervously.
Isabella’s smile tightened. She had assumed Evelyn would be content with a seat in the back. Instead, she was heading straight for the first row—where the most influential guests were seated.
Sebastian Blackwood watched Evelyn approach, his pulse quickening. But she didn’t spare him a single glance. She walked right past him and took her seat beside Nathan Whitmore.
“Nathan sent Evelyn as his representative?” Lucian Ashford murmured, stunned.
Sebastian’s jaw tightened. His chest rose and fell with slow, controlled breaths as his gaze locked onto the woman across from him.
Evelyn smiled, radiant and untouchable. She carried herself with effortless grace, like a rare bloom on a distant peak—far beyond anyone’s reach.
She barely looked at Sebastian. As if he were nothing.
“Damn it!” Lucian smacked his thigh. “So ‘Eclipse’ is hers? Three years ago, I offered Rose Emerson a fortune for that brooch. I begged. I groveled. And she still refused.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “And now it’s on Evelyn’s lapel. Nathan must have pulled strings I couldn’t even dream of. I’m impressed.”
Sebastian’s chest ached. No one understood the lengths one would go for love better than he did. Years ago, he had traveled halfway across the world to commission “Crimson Heart” for Vanessa—enduring rejection after rejection to secure the piece.
In the three years Evelyn had been his wife, he had never given her a single gift.
Now, with Nathan, she wore diamonds like they were nothing.
A bitter taste filled his mouth. His fingers curled into fists.
With all guests seated, the auction began. Representing the Prescott family, Lucian took the stage in a sharp YSL suit.
He delivered the opening speech with effortless charm.
Cassandra sighed dreamily, her lips parted as she stared at the man she idolized.
Thunderous applause followed as Lucian stepped down. Then, with a roguish smirk, he winked—directly at Evelyn.
