Chapter 209

Eavesdropping on Scandalous Thoughts

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn Sinclair's penthouse, casting golden streaks across her marble countertop. She sipped her lavender-infused tea, savoring the quiet before the storm of the day. But her peace was short-lived—her mind-reading ability, an inconvenient gift she'd long struggled with, buzzed to life like an unwelcome alarm.

Across the room, her assistant Lillian Graves fidgeted with a stack of contracts, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. "Oh my god, did Preston Whitmore really fire Seraphina Delacroix from the film? And after she publicly gushed about their 'creative synergy' last week? The tabloids are going to feast on this..."

Evelyn nearly choked on her tea. Seraphina Delacroix—the notoriously dramatic actress—had been dropped from Preston's upcoming project? That explained the frantic texts she'd ignored from her agent, Serena Whitmore.

Lillian's mental monologue continued, juicy details unfurling like a scandalous scroll. "Rumor has it Sebastian Hart threatened to quit if they kept her. Guess their breakup wasn't as amicable as she claimed. And now she's clinging to Adrian Cross for PR rehab—pathetic."

A smirk tugged at Evelyn's lips. The entertainment industry was a viper's nest, and she had front-row seats to its most salacious secrets.

Then, unbidden, Nathan Blackwood's face flashed in her mind—his sharp jawline, those infuriatingly perceptive eyes. She hadn't seen him since their explosive argument at the charity gala. But Lillian's next thought froze her mid-sip:

"Mr. Blackwood's assistant just called. He's rescheduling the merger meeting... again. Third time this month. Either he's avoiding Evelyn, or that 'business trip' to Monaco is really a cover for—"

The elevator pinged, cutting off the thought. Speak of the devil.

Nathan strode in, his charcoal suit tailored to perfection, a leather folio tucked under his arm. His gaze locked onto Evelyn, unreadable as ever. "We need to talk," he said, voice low. "Alone."

Lillian's eyes widened, her mind screaming: "Oh. My. God. This is about the pregnancy rumor, isn't it?!"

Evelyn's teacup clattered against the saucer.

Pregnancy rumor?!

Violet Carter would never admit anything. She quickly cut in, "Ms. Morgan, what's gotten into you? There's no need to be so emotional."

Even as she spoke, her stiff expression and guilty demeanor betrayed her.

What could possibly be wrong with Claire? She's been wounded by snakes like you! Evelyn Sinclair watched Violet's performance on the screen, utterly dumbfounded.

If things had gone as Violet initially planned, the Hampton family relatives would have pieced together the truth about Claire and Mason Hunter's past from their conversation. Without seeing their expressions, they would have only heard about Mason's heartbreak—never suspecting that the ex-girlfriend Violet referred to was actually herself.

Nathan Blackwood let out a cold chuckle. Flawless logic. But a truly intelligent person wouldn’t have even mentioned an ex to Claire in the first place. It seems jealousy has clouded Violet’s judgment, making her reckless.

"You… You people are despicable!" Claire could no longer hold back her scathing words.

Violet’s expression darkened slightly, her tone laced with warning. "Ms. Morgan, insulting your employer isn’t very professional, is it? After all, I did help you when you were in need. Shouldn’t you be thanking me instead?"

Claire trembled with fury, her glare sharp enough to cut glass. "If you called me here to do your makeup, then don’t drag me into your petty drama. I have zero interest in your disgusting affairs!"

With that, she turned her back on Violet, swiftly packing her makeup kit. She refused to waste another second on this conversation, preserving her dignity through her work.

The phone screen showed Claire’s silent tears—her pride the only thing keeping her from breaking down completely.

Violet smirked, finally dropping the act as she sneered, "Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’re only with Mason for the money. He’s just using you to get over me, anyway. But let me make one thing clear—don’t get greedy. Even if he’s promised you the world, it’s only out of spite. The reason I invited you here today? To show you the vast gap between you and this family."

Wow. The audacity. Evelyn’s jaw nearly dropped. Is she seriously deluding herself into thinking Mason’s every move revolves around her? If she’s so confident, why torment Claire? Poor girl, stuck between two lunatics.

Nathan’s expression darkened. So Violet’s doing all this because she’s noticed Mason’s growing feelings for Claire. She doesn’t want him, but she can’t stand the thought of anyone else having him either. Pathetic.

Claire had clearly decided these people weren’t worth another word. She stayed silent, her back rigid.

Satisfied, Violet didn’t press further. "Oh, and since we’re done here, my cousin will be arriving soon for her makeup. I suggest you prepare yourself."

Someone else is coming?

Evelyn and Nathan locked eyes, trying to communicate through subtle glances. The situation was delicate—neither wanted to be caught in this compromising position.

Nathan signaled for a retreat.

Evelyn hesitated briefly, but the sound of Claire’s approaching footsteps forced her decision. She’s coming out. Guess the drama ends here.

The two swiftly slipped away from the scene.

Once safely back in the first-floor lobby, Evelyn scanned the room for the Blackwoods when Nathan suddenly pulled her into a secluded corner.

Her pulse quickened as she noticed Nathan’s intense gaze, his fingers lightly brushing his own lips.

For a moment, her mind blanked. What is he trying to say?

He tapped his lips again.

Slowly, realization dawned—and with it, a flush of embarrassment.

Wait… does he want me to kiss him?

Nathan froze.

Nearby, the Blackwoods—still reeling from witnessing Violet being humiliated by Mason and Claire—were jolted by Evelyn’s accidental thought.

Huh? What? Since when did Nathan become so bold? That’s… unexpected progress!

But shouldn’t there be some buildup? Just straight to a kiss?

Should we sneak a peek? They’re right around the corner…

No, no, we can’t intrude on something like this!

They mentally cursed Evelyn for making them so invested in gossip that they were now tempted to spy on intimate moments.

So… did they kiss yet?

Evelyn’s inner voice cut through their thoughts: Oh! Now I get it—my lipstick. He’s reminding me I haven’t fixed the excuse I used to come upstairs earlier. Ugh, what was I thinking? Why did my mind jump to kissing?

Nathan’s cheeks burned. Ever since I confessed, she’s been so jumpy.

The eavesdropping Blackwoods collectively sighed in disappointment.

Of course it wouldn’t happen that easily.

Evelyn pulled out her compact mirror, quickly wiping and reapplying her lipstick. Then, with a composed smile, she and Nathan rejoined the wine-tasting party.

The moment Nathan Blackwood and Evelyn Sinclair stepped into the venue, all eyes turned toward them.

Nathan had always been the center of attention—his striking looks and formidable status ensured that. But this time, Evelyn was no longer an unknown. Her recent appearance on the hit reality show had skyrocketed her fame. Even without a grand wedding announcement, people instantly recognized her.

The crowd quickly put the pieces together. So this is why the actress who caused such a stir in the entertainment industry was under the protection of the Blackwood family’s third son. She’s his wife.

No wonder… Some of them had tried—and failed—to interfere in certain matters before, unable to break through no matter how many connections they pulled. But now it made sense. She’s married into one of the most powerful families. Of course no one could touch her.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Did you hear? At that last gathering, they say the couple completely shut down some homewrecker trying to break them apart.

I admit defeat. But honestly, is this "Justice Upholder" thing real? Does she actually know metaphysics, or is it just a gimmick?

People were naturally curious, itching to ask questions—if only they were close enough.

Evelyn and Nathan, long accustomed to the weight of countless gazes, ignored the murmurs and made their way to where the Blackwoods were seated.

Surprisingly, Liam Bennett and Grace Collins were still there, clearly eager to maintain good relations with the Blackwoods.

Not that the Blackwoods needed the attention. They would’ve preferred to gossip about their hosts in private, but with the Bennetts hovering, they had to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Just as the couple was about to sit down, a group at a nearby table waved them over—Nathan’s close friends.

They headed over, only to realize Mason Hunter wasn’t among them.

Evelyn’s curiosity spiked. She was genuinely intrigued—would Mason and her cross paths tonight?

Then, as if on cue, she spotted him trudging toward them, his expression weary. A young woman, full of energy, clung to his arm, trying to loop hers through his. But then her phone rang. After a brief conversation, she hurried off.

Before Evelyn could even begin to speculate, Mason dropped into a seat.

Grayson Hart smirked. "So, both Blackwood brothers are marrying into the same family now? Isn’t she Claire Morgan’s cousin?"

A marriage alliance? Between Mason and Claire’s cousin?

The air thickened with unspoken implications.