Chapter 220

The moment Evelyn Sinclair stepped into the glittering ballroom, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and hushed murmurs, a symphony of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Nathan Blackwood stood across the room, his piercing gaze locked onto her as if she were the only woman in the world. The way his tailored suit clung to his broad shoulders sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. Damn him.

Victoria Hayes, ever the serpent in silk, slithered up beside her with a saccharine smile. "Evelyn, darling, you look... interesting tonight."

Evelyn forced a laugh, her fingers tightening around her champagne flute. "Victoria, always a pleasure. Though I must say, your choice of accessories is... bold." She flicked a glance at the gaudy emerald necklace hanging around Victoria’s throat—a gift, no doubt, from some desperate admirer.

Victoria’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Oh, this old thing? Just a little trinket from an old friend."

Evelyn’s mind raced. Old friend? More like another poor soul she’s wrapped around her finger.

Before she could retort, Serena Whitmore materialized at her side, her agent’s sharp eyes scanning the room like a hawk. "We have a problem," she murmured under her breath.

Evelyn arched a brow. "What now?"

Serena discreetly nodded toward the balcony, where Marcus Donovan—Christopher’s ever-scheming agent—was deep in conversation with none other than Vincent Holloway, the notorious playboy with a reputation for leaving broken hearts in his wake.

Evelyn’s pulse quickened. What are those two plotting?

Nathan chose that moment to close the distance between them, his presence radiating dominance. "Enjoying the party?" His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it—one that told her he knew exactly what she was thinking.

She tilted her chin up. "Immensely. Though I can’t help but wonder why certain people seem so... cozy all of a sudden."

Nathan’s lips curved into a smirk. "Jealous?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Hardly."

But as she glanced back at the balcony, she caught Vincent slipping something into Marcus’s pocket—a flash of white that could only be an envelope.

Her stomach twisted. This isn’t just gossip. This is trouble.

And if there was one thing Evelyn Sinclair knew how to handle, it was trouble.

Her words struck like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky.

.

For over two years, aside from that single instance when she had borrowed money, Violet Carter had never asked Mason Hunter for a single cent.

At this moment, Mason stood utterly speechless.

Well done! That’s exactly how it should be!

While the others remained bewildered, Evelyn Sinclair was silently cheering. In her eyes, Violet had always been hopelessly devoted—who would’ve thought that once awakened, she’d suddenly know how to stand her ground?

"Y-You're demanding money from me?" Mason stammered, visibly shaken.

Hey, watch your wording, alright? She’s not demanding—she’s reclaiming what’s rightfully hers!

"Why shouldn’t I? You’re the one who swindled it from me in the first place. Morally and legally, I have every right to take it back. I’m not trying to exploit you or covet your wealth, but don’t think for a second you can keep taking advantage of me. I won’t accept a penny more than what’s mine," Violet stated calmly.

Ugh, why not ask for more? Emotional damages, at least! You deserve it!

Evelyn was practically vibrating with excitement. Amused, Nathan Blackwood gently patted her back, silently urging her to settle down. Unconsciously, Evelyn had grown so accustomed to his touch that she didn’t even register the gesture anymore.

Nathan understood Violet’s approach perfectly. She wasn’t demanding excessive compensation—just what she was owed. It was her way of reclaiming the dignity she’d sacrificed in that hollow relationship.

Naturally, Mason’s expression soured. Thanks to Claire Morgan’s warped influence on his perception of love, he’d convinced himself that a girl willing to spend money on him must truly adore him. He’d basked in her sacrifices—only for her to now demand repayment, as if erasing every trace of affection she’d ever shown him.

"All of that is trivial. I can give you so much more. My entire fortune could be yours if we just go back to how things were. You wouldn’t have to slave away as a makeup artist—you could stay home as my wife. I’d cherish you, love you, take care of you. I—"

"Mason, even now, you’re still looking down on me from your pedestal." Violet’s voice was sharp with realization. "I remember now. All those years I struggled as a makeup assistant, complaining about bad clients—not once did you use your connections to help me. So many people around you knew the truth. Was it really so hard to throw me a bone? To make my life a little easier? You wanted to test me, but all you did was watch me suffer while enjoying the benefits. You never once considered lifting a finger to help. Hah. Mason, you lied. You never loved me. Not even a little."

The realization hit her abruptly, like a minor detail suddenly thrown into glaring focus.

And with it came a wave of crushing disappointment.

For the past two years, Violet Carter had been nothing but the butt of jokes.

Testing someone's love by pretending to be poor was never right. But if Mason Hunter had truly cared, he could have used his influence to arrange small miracles for Violet whenever she struggled. That would have proven his love—a simple case of learning from past mistakes.

Given Violet’s romantic heart, even after everything, if she had discovered Mason had secretly helped her, she might have forgiven him with a sincere apology.

But Mason did nothing. He let life batter her down, even becoming one of the obstacles himself. Was that love?

Or was it just his own twisted way of punishing her?

No excuses could justify his so-called "test."

Mason seemed to realize it too, his face paling as he stared at Violet.

With a cold smirk, she said, "So all those sweet promises—spoiling me, loving me, taking care of me, telling me to quit my job and just be your wife—were nothing but charity from someone with power. I don’t need your pity. Those bills weren’t small to me. All I want now is to settle everything and never see you again. Don’t come looking for me."

It was as if she had ripped open his deepest thoughts—ones he hadn’t even admitted to himself. Mason’s expression went blank.

Holy hell. The hopeless romantic has finally woken up. Violet, you’re the queen.

"Ms. Carter, don’t worry." Ethan Carter’s voice cut through the tension. He had dealing with other guests and now approached them. "If my idiot brother doesn’t return your money, I’ll reimburse you myself."

He gave Violet an apologetic nod. "I’m sorry. Whether it’s my brother or my wife, they’ve both caused you pain. Our family will make it right."

Violet opened her mouth to protest, but Ethan continued smoothly. "You want to cut ties with Mason, right? It’s only fair you’d want all debts settled. The Hamptons don’t owe anyone, and I’ll make sure he never bothers you again. You have my word."

At this point, Violet had nothing left to say.

"Mason—" The man in question snapped out of his daze, desperate to salvage things. He didn’t want his brother ruining his last chance.

But before he could speak, Ethan backhanded him across the face. The force sent Mason stumbling back, landing hard on the grass.

Well, that settles it. I’m satisfied.

The Quirk family members nearly burst into laughter in the middle of the tense moment.

Some things never change. Mason was always destined for that slap.

Mason Hunter froze, his expression twisting with indignation. "Ethan, I swear I never laid a finger on your wife! I had no clue about the secrets she kept—I didn’t—"

He wanted to add that he had never betrayed his older brother, not once.

But Ethan Carter’s jaw clenched so tightly it looked painful. "Then why stay silent? From the very beginning… why didn’t you say a damn thing?"

Mason faltered. Truthfully, he didn’t have an answer. Back when Claire Morgan had chosen Ethan with such finality, Mason had wanted to see if she could truly sever her heart from her past. He had waited, watching, wondering if being with Ethan would bring her happiness—or regret.

He had wanted her to regret it. So he had said nothing.

Now, realization crashed over him like a wave. His silence had shattered more than just Claire’s facade—it had torn through Ethan’s family like a storm.

All he could do was bow his head, murmuring apologies.

Yet his gaze flickered toward Violet Carter, stubborn reluctance burning in his eyes. He wasn’t ready to let go.

Ethan’s outburst seemed more like an exhausted release of pent-up frustration than genuine anger.

With the tension thick enough to choke on, the guests quickly dispersed.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Sinclair eagerly offered Violet a ride home.

Inside the car, Genevieve Blackwood—the one closest to Violet—couldn’t hold back. "Violet, you should’ve demanded triple the compensation from Mason. Letting that bastard off so easily? Unacceptable. He deserves worse."

"Absolutely," Evelyn agreed. "The money you wasted on him could’ve earned interest in the bank. What a colossal waste."

Violet, still reserved around the Blackwood family, hesitated. "Mr. Ethan said he’d handle—"

"They framed you. Ruined your reputation. The compensation Ethan’s giving you is separate from what that scumbag owes you," Evelyn cut in sharply.

Their fierce defense made Violet laugh despite herself. "Interest? Please. I’ll just consider it payment for dating a ridiculously handsome man. Honestly, I got the better deal."

The moment the words left her mouth, she stiffened. The elders were right there. Heat flooded her cheeks. Nerves had made her reckless.

Truthfully, she just couldn’t admit how much time, money, and heart she’d wasted on him.

Evelyn patted her shoulder approvingly. "Good mindset. When you first fell for him—a man with zero redeeming qualities—it was his looks that hooked you, wasn’t it?"

Violet winced but nodded. Mason’s face was unfairly perfect.

Yet when everyone remembered how swollen Mason’s cheeks had been when they left, they couldn’t help but—

Violet couldn't help but burst into laughter, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Let's pray this is truly the end of it," she mused, recalling Mason's shameless, never-ending tantrums before he finally stormed off. It had felt like the drama would drag on forever.

"It will end," Evelyn stated firmly.

Violet merely smiled, assuming Evelyn was just trying to comfort her. She had no idea that Evelyn wasn’t offering empty reassurance—she was stating a cold, inevitable fact.

Because it had to end.

Ethan was about to start cleaning house.

Mason? Claire?

None of them would escape what was coming.

And as for the rest...

Well.

Let’s just say the Blackwood family was watching closely, intrigued by how Ethan intended to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, back at the Hampton estate, Ethan refrained from laying another hand on Mason.

But Liam Bennett?

Oh, he had no such reservations.

A cane in hand, he made sure Mason understood the consequences of his actions.

Only after Liam had vented his fury, and Grace had cried herself hoarse, did Ethan finally reveal his decision regarding Claire and Mason’s fates.