Chapter 135

The moment Isabella Sinclair stepped into the lobby of The Regal Palace, all eyes turned toward her.

She wasn’t just any model—she was the woman who had taken the fashion world by storm.

Nathan Prescott stood near the elevators, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Victoria Sterling clung to his arm, her lips curled into a smug smile.

Isabella ignored them both.

Olivia Bennett, her ever-loyal manager, leaned in. "Don’t let them get to you," she murmured.

Isabella didn’t respond. She didn’t need to.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing Alexander Kingsley.

His presence alone commanded silence.

Nathan stiffened. Victoria’s grip on his arm tightened.

Alexander’s gaze locked onto Isabella. "You’re late."

She met his eyes without flinching. "Traffic."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face.

The tension in the lobby was palpable.

Nathan finally spoke, his voice dripping with false politeness. "Alexander. What a surprise."

Alexander didn’t even glance at him. "Isabella, we have a meeting."

She stepped forward without hesitation.

Victoria’s smile faltered.

As the elevator doors closed behind them, Olivia exhaled sharply. "That was intense."

Isabella smirked. "Just another day."

Upstairs, the real battle was about to begin.

Evadne froze, a shiver running down her spine as she slowly turned around.

Her gaze was ice-cold.

A few feet away, Thaddeus stood alone, his piercing eyes locked onto her and Avery. His rigid posture betrayed the slightest tremor.

When his gaze landed on her bandaged arm, his chest tightened painfully. Without thinking, he took a step forward, drawn to her.

"What happened to your hand?"

Evadne recoiled, instinctively putting distance between them, giving Avery the opening to shield her protectively.

Thaddeus's throat constricted as his eyes clashed with the other man's. The air between them crackled with tension.

"I won't let you get away with this again."

Avery adjusted his glasses, his gaze sharpening dangerously. "You already took her from me once tonight. Planning to do it again?"

"What's your relationship with her?" Thaddeus demanded, voice hard.

He'd been fooled by Evadne's brothers before. Was this man another of Emeric's sons?

But the way Evadne looked at him—soft, meaningful—wasn't how siblings regarded each other.

"Our relationship is closer than yours," Evadne said flatly, her words cutting deep. "And he means more to me than you ever did."

Avery glanced back at her, satisfaction curling his lips.

"Thaddeus, I already told you outside the karaoke bar. I don't understand why you're still hung up on this. What's the point?"

Thaddeus's eyes burned red. "Evadne, don't you know how to be grateful? You got drunk with some stranger. I was worried—"

"His concern makes me grateful," she interrupted, disgust twisting her features. "Yours makes me sick. I've already thrown up once tonight, Mr. Thaddeus. Spare me a second round."

Her words were a blade to his heart.

Thaddeus's lips paled, his chest aching.

Tonight had been one shock after another, leaving him unsteady. He felt like he was breaking.

They were over. So why did he still care?

Did he regret it? Did he regret the divorce?

Doubt gnawed at him.

Had he been wrong? Had he been wrong from the start?

"Mr. Thaddeus! Ms. Acacia is stable now!"

Gordon's voice shattered the moment as he rushed over, oblivious to Evadne's presence—until it was too late.

The tension between Thaddeus and Evadne was palpable. Gordon wished he could take back his words.

"Mr. Thaddeus, so you already have another woman," Avery mused, chuckling darkly. "Then why are you still harassing Ms. Evadne? What exactly do you want from her?"

Thaddeus's expression darkened. Even Gordon stiffened in surprise.

That was a low blow.

Evadne's eyes flickered with shock.

He knew who she was.

"If you're divorced, you should leave her alone. That's common decency."

Avery's gaze turned frigid as he assessed Thaddeus. "Seems you're not much of a gentleman."

"What did you just say?" Gordon bristled, stepping forward defensively.

"Enough. Let's go." Evadne tugged at Avery's sleeve, unwilling to make a scene.

"Of course." Avery's demeanor shifted instantly, his smile warm as he fell into step beside her.

Thaddeus watched them disappear, his emotions in turmoil.

So there was already someone else in Evadne's life.

His hand pressed against his chest, as if trying to stifle the ache.

Only now did he truly understand—they were really over.

In the parking garage, Jason hurried forward as soon as he spotted them.

"Miss, how's your arm?"

"I'm fine. What about the attacker?" That was all she cared about right now.

"Don't worry. He's been discreetly relocated to the Black Room." Jason lowered his voice.

"Good. We have work to do in the coming days." Evadne's eyes gleamed with quiet danger as she patted his shoulder.

Jason nodded firmly. "Ready whenever you are."

"Wait here. I need to say goodbye."

Evadne turned back to Avery, who stood beside his Bentley, effortlessly elegant.

"After tonight, you've seen how complicated things are between Thaddeus and me." She met his gaze, guilt lacing her voice. "I had no choice but to drag you into this. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. Being of use to you is an honor." His tone was smooth, charming.

Evadne bit her lip. His words only made her feel worse.

"If you ever need me again, just say the word." He smiled.

"You're joking." She sighed. "I hope there won't be a next time."

"Keep the wound dry for a week. Watch your diet." His gaze lingered, reluctant. "It's late. You should go home."

Avery knew when to step back. With a final glance, he slid into the car.

"Wait!" Evadne tapped the window.

It rolled down, revealing his expectant expression.

"How did you know to call me 'Ms. Evadne' in front of Thaddeus? How did you know my name? Did you recognize me from the beginning?" The questions tumbled out. She wouldn't sleep tonight without answers.

"Yes." His gaze held hers, unflinching.

"I rarely appear in public. Only a handful of people know who I am. How did you? Have we met before?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Avery smirked. "I'll tell you next time."

Before she could protest, his secretary and bodyguard ushered him into the car. The luxury vehicles sped off, leaving Evadne standing there.

She groaned. "Damn it! I forgot to ask his name again!"

The Bentley cut through the neon-lit night.

Avery stared out the window, the city lights blurring. But all he saw was Evadne's striking face.

His fingers traced the cool glass absently.

"Evadne. I never expected to run into you like this."

"Mr. Chambers, I looked into Thaddeus and her. There's no marriage record, but they finalized their divorce this month," the secretary reported, voice rising. "Which means Ms. Evadne is single now!"

"I don't care. She said I mean more to her than Thaddeus. That I'm closer to her heart." The memory sent his pulse racing.

"Congratulations, Mr. Chambers! You won this round!"

"Not enough." Avery's usually cool eyes warmed at the thought of her. "I want to be the only one in her heart."