Chapter 213

A question as sharp as a dagger's edge pinned all eyes in the room on Nathan.

Nathan, under Isabella's smiling yet penetrating gaze, felt an icy shiver down his spine. Still, he maintained his composure. "It's common knowledge in our circles now. The Vanderbilt Group had prior dealings with us, and Evelyn got caught in the middle, torn between you and Mr. Alexander. But your undeniable expertise secured you the wedding contract. Now that we've faltered, and with Evelyn's wedding approaching, isn't it natural she'd turn to the Vanderbilts?"

His words were meticulously crafted, leaving no room for rebuttal.

Isabella's eyes crinkled with amusement as she reclined in her chair. "Your reasoning is sound, but you've missed one crucial detail. To my knowledge, the Vanderbilts and Evelyn haven't signed any formal agreement yet."

Gasps filled the room. "What? It's been a week without a contract?"

Nathan's expression remained neutral, but tension flickered across his face.

"If they'd signed, wouldn't the Vanderbilts be shouting it from the rooftops? Their silence suggests negotiations are still ongoing. Which means we still have a shot."

Isabella spun her chair lazily. "I'm stubborn by nature—I don't back down until the final bell. So, I've drafted a new proposal to present to Evelyn in the coming days. Let's see if we can catch the Vanderbilts off guard."

The room erupted in applause. "That's our CEO! Relentless!"

Nathan forced a smile and joined the clapping.

"But, Ms. Sinclair," he interjected, "we were the ones who breached contract first. Evelyn likely holds a grudge. Won't you be wasting your time trying to negotiate again?"

"True. Some things can't be forced." Isabella's lips, painted a bold crimson, curved into an unapologetic smirk. "But just because life disappoints doesn't mean we stop trying. Even if it's a long shot, I'm taking it."

After the meeting, only Isabella and Daniel remained in the expansive conference room.

Accepting the coffee Daniel handed her, Isabella stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, surveying Elmsworth's skyline. She took a leisurely sip. "Daniel, when I mentioned the new proposal earlier—was I lying?"

His eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Were you?"

"I was. And I caught something."

Daniel leaned in. "Who?"

"I have suspicions, but no proof yet." Her gaze darkened. "Follow Nathan after work tonight. Report back on who he meets and any unusual activity."

The next morning, Evelyn awoke in her own bed, personally escorted home by Alexander the previous night.

His intimidating presence had silenced Elspeth, who dared not protest in front of Frederic. As for Glynnis, she stayed quiet—she was the guilty party, after all. Elspeth might cover for her, but Frederic wouldn't hesitate to reprimand her if he knew.

That evening, Evelyn hugged her reclaimed teddy bear, replaying the previous night's events. Her pulse quickened; her cheeks warmed.

Truthfully, she'd blacked out and couldn't recall how she'd gotten home. Only fragments remained: the moment the lights died, the weight of a kiss on her lips, teasing, intoxicating. And those smoldering eyes, piercing through her, as if reading her soul.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, rose, and settled at her desk.

Sketchbook open, pencil in hand, she closed her eyes briefly before letting her hand glide across the paper. Ten minutes later, a strikingly handsome face emerged—sharp features, devilish charm, eyes brimming with mischief.

Her fingertip traced the drawing's jawline. "Sebastian, you're dangerously beautiful."

Unbeknownst to her, the real Sebastian was already speeding toward Windermere Estate in his crimson Ferrari.

"Who did you say is here?" Elspeth, strolling the gardens with Frederic, froze at the butler's announcement. "Madam, it's the eldest son of the Fairhaven family."

"At this hour?" Frederic checked his watch, frowning. "Alexander isn't home. He knows that. And it's nearly dinnertime. Why come now?"

Elspeth squeezed his arm. "Frederic, Mr. Fairhaven rarely visits. Don't overthink it. Perhaps he's here to see Glynnis."

"Are you suggesting Sebastian and Glynnis...?" Frederic's brows shot up.

"You're too busy to notice our daughter's feelings." Elspeth tapped his chest playfully. "Glynnis has adored Mr. Fairhaven for years."

Frederic gaped. "Glynnis likes Sebastian? How did I miss this?"

"Girls don't announce these things, Frederic." Elspeth feigned embarrassment. "But this isn't trivial. Glynnis's marriage impacts the Vanderbilt Group's future."

Frederic sobered instantly. "Glynnis is my heir. Her spouse must be exceptional—not just in Elmsworth, but nationally."

"The Fairhavens are among Elmsworth's elite. Sebastian is Barry Fairhaven's sole heir. With Barry aging and no other successors, Sebastian inherits everything." Elspeth's eyes gleamed. "Plus, he's Alexander's closest friend. A marriage would bind our families twice over. Ideal, no?"

Frederic's expression softened. True, Sebastian's reputation wasn't spotless, but what young heir, raised in luxury, didn't sow wild oats? Frederic himself had been reckless in youth. Marriage—and the weight of the Vanderbilt empire—would tame him.

Sebastian lounged in the mansion's parlor, sipping coffee he'd poured himself. Having grown up here alongside Alexander, he moved with the ease of family.

"Sebastian, what brings you by?" Frederic and Elspeth entered. Normally, Frederic wouldn't greet guests personally, but Elspeth's scheming had piqued his interest.

"An urgent matter. I hope I'm not intruding."

"We're about to dine. Join us?" Elspeth offered warmly.

"No need." Sebastian set his cup down. "Is Glynnis home? I'd like a word."

The couple exchanged glances.

When Glynnis heard Sebastian had asked for her, her heart nearly burst. Remembering her mother's advice—"Men chase what retreats"—she'd resisted rushing out. Now, he'd come to her!

Flushed, she entered the tea room. "Mr. Fairhaven, you wanted to see me?"

Sebastian took a slow sip. "About last night at Sapphire Nights—anything to say?"

"Last night? What happened?" Her chest tightened.

"How did Evelyn's teddy bear—a girl who barely leaves home—end up discarded at a nightclub?" His cup clinked sharply against the saucer. "Glynnis, jokes have limits. You crossed one."

Her face paled. "You misunderstand—" Tears welled up.

"Evelyn didn't cry after your little stunt. Why are you?" His glare could freeze fire. "Two things. First, if you bully Evelyn again, remember who's watching her now. Second, stay away from my sister. She's innocent. Don't corrupt her."

He stood and strode out without a backward glance.

Glynnis collapsed onto the couch, staring blankly at the door, her spirit shattered.