Chapter 279

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened, his voice cutting like ice. "What the hell are you implying? What does Isabella have to do with me?"

"Years ago, before you even knew me, you were the silent investor behind Starlight Media. That was when Isabella was rising to fame! The tabloids claimed you were her sugar daddy. You were even photographed meeting her in secret. Are you seriously denying there was anything between you?"

Every time Evelyn thought of Isabella, she couldn't help but bring it up, her emerald eyes burning with fury.

Back then, she chose Nathaniel not just because he was the heir to the Vanderbilt Group, but because rumors swirled that he was the man behind Isabella. She wanted to take everything Isabella had.

And if she couldn’t, she’d destroy it with her own hands.

Nathaniel frowned, anger simmering in his dark eyes. "There was nothing between Isabella and me."

Evelyn flinched under his glare, her confidence wavering.

"Let’s say, hypothetically, there was something between us. Do you think I would’ve left her to marry you? I’m not the kind of man who keeps a mistress hidden away, too cowardly to bring her home."

Evelyn’s breath hitched, her throat tightening as if strangled.

On the surface, his words seemed reasonable.

But they stung like a slap to the face.

It felt like she was just a replacement—that Nathaniel had settled for her.

"So you did have feelings for her back then," Evelyn accused, her voice trembling. "You still haven’t let her go, have you?"

She gripped his arm, tears welling in her eyes. "Nathaniel! That woman is trash! She slept her way through the industry, ruined her career with drugs—any man associated with her would be dragged down too! She’s nothing but a disgrace, fit only to be Adrian’s dirty little secret!"

Nathaniel’s chest tightened at her words.

Yes, he had met Isabella before Evelyn.

And at that time, in terms of talent, beauty, and reputation, Evelyn paled in comparison.

In his memory, Isabella wasn’t the vile creature Evelyn described. Even after the scandal that forced her out of the industry, he believed she’d been framed. He never looked down on her for it.

"I know the kind of person Isabella is. And if she was truly as terrible as you claim, do you think Adrian would’ve married her?"

Nathaniel’s expression turned colder. "Back then, I pitied her. She was bullied, ostracized—yet she never complained. As a shareholder and her boss, it was only natural to look out for her. I don’t understand why you’re dredging up old rumors now. I married you because you understood me, because you were supposed to be better than this. If you keep fixating on the past, maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe I made a mistake."

Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock, her face twisting in disbelief.

His words were daggers, each one carving deeper into her heart.

"Nathaniel. I’ve stood by you through everything. I carried your child, endured the humiliation of being your secret—all because I loved you. How can you say these things to me?"

When her tears began to fall, Nathaniel’s resolve softened. He exhaled heavily, gently patting her trembling back.

"Stop crying. I was too harsh. Forget it."

In the past, Evelyn wouldn’t have been so easily appeased. But times had changed. She knew when to retreat.

So she swallowed her rage, melting against him like a wilting flower. "Nathaniel, don’t be angry with me. I just love you too much—I’m terrified of losing you."

With that, she pressed her tear-stained lips to his in a desperate kiss.

Nathaniel was exhausted, and after weeks of tension, this moment of warmth was a fleeting comfort. The anger in his eyes faded, replaced by desire. Evelyn tugged at his tie, her robe slipping off as they stumbled toward the bed.

Meanwhile, at the Sinclair estate...

As winter tightened its grip, Arabella had stopped her morning swims in the estate’s lake. But discipline was in her blood—she never slacked when it came to fitness.

Now, clad in a sleek pink workout set, Arabella pounded the treadmill, her face flushed, sweat glistening on her skin.

Sebastian stood nearby, towel and water bottle in hand, his tone gentle as he reported, "Miss Arabella, Chairman Adrian and Nathaniel have finalized their guest lists for the dinner. I’ve compared them—there’s a fifty percent overlap."

Arabella didn’t react. "Expected."

"I’m concerned."

Sebastian’s brow furrowed. "Isabella’s birthday is at The Grand Chateau, while Evelyn’s is at the Vanderbilt Hotel. Unintentionally, we’re clashing again."

"Let’s be clear—we didn’t choose this. Evelyn’s the one with no shame. She could’ve picked any other day, but no, she had to share it with Isabella. Is she not afraid of karma?" Despite her rapid pace, Arabella’s voice dripped with disdain.

"Evelyn is deliberately provoking us. But this party isn’t at Skyrim—it’s at Sinclair Estate. I’m worried..."

"That the guests will prioritize Nathaniel over us?"

"You’re as sharp as ever, Miss Arabella." Sebastian couldn’t resist the compliment.

"You’re such a romantic, aren’t you?"

Arabella stepped off the treadmill, drenched in sweat. Sebastian, ever the gentleman, moved to wipe her brow—but she snatched the towel from him.

"I’ve got it."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, a pang of distance shooting through him. Since his confession, things had only grown colder between them. Was she pulling away even more?

"Adrian’s guest list includes the Chambers Group’s elite. I also sent an invitation to Lucas. He canceled his Vanderbilt plans immediately—confirmed he’ll be at Isabella’s party."

Arabella wiped her face, avoiding Sebastian’s gaze. "With the Chambers and Fairhaven families backing us, the fence-sitters will have no choice. The Vanderbilt-Chambers monopoly is ending. Once I’m President, power will shift. With Lucas’s support, no one will dare cross us."

Sebastian nodded. "It’s promising."

Arabella took a sip of water, still not looking at him.

"Miss Arabella," Sebastian hesitated, "have I... done something wrong lately? Is there anything I can improve?"

Arabella blinked. "No."

"There must be." His voice was strained, his handsome face flushing. "Just tell me. I’ll fix it."

"Sebastian, you didn’t do anything wrong. But you’re almost thirty. You should have your own life—a love life people envy."

"Miss Arabella—"

"My sister, Lillian, has always been close to you. I’ve seen the way you look at her."

Arabella’s eyes were sincere. "Why not give it a try? The Lockwoods are respected, and Adrian treats you like a son. There’d be no obstacles. It’d be perfect."

Sebastian’s heart pounded, but his voice was firm. "My care for Miss Lillian stems from her being your sister and Adrian’s daughter—my duty. I’ve watched her grow up. My feelings are purely brotherly."

Later that night, Alexander returned to Windermere after a grueling day.

Winter had come early to New York. Snow was forecast within days.

He’d suppressed his coughs the entire ride home, but the moment warm air hit him, the fit erupted violently.

"Mr. Alexander!"

Alva rushed over, horrified at how pale he was, his face flushed with fever. "You’re ill! Should I call the doctor?"

"Just hot water, Alva," Alexander rasped, unwilling to explain his injury.

"But sir, you look terrible!"

"It’s nothing. Just some medicine." He forced a smile.

"Mr. Alexander, Mr. Nathaniel wants you in the study," the butler announced.

In the study, Alexander barely suppressed a grimace.

Nathaniel and Evelyn were tangled on the sofa in matching robes. Evelyn’s makeup was smudged, her hair a mess as she littered kisses along Nathaniel’s jaw.

The sight made Alexander’s stomach turn.

"Alright, Alexander’s here," Nathaniel said, reluctantly pulling away.

"We’ll continue later," Evelyn purred, tracing his chest.

"You wanted to talk?" Alexander’s voice was flat.

"Your mother’s birthday is this weekend. How are the preparations?"

"My mother’s birthday?"

Alexander smirked coldly. "All these years, I’ve spent her birthdays at her grave. You never once celebrated her. Why the sudden interest?"

Nathaniel stiffened.

"If you mean Evelyn’s birthday, that’s not my responsibility. I haven’t lifted a finger."

Alexander’s smile vanished. "Evelyn is your wife and Lillian’s mother. The two of you can handle it. It’s not my place to interfere."

The word outsider ignited Nathaniel’s temper.

"Don’t you dare say you’re not a Vanderbilt! After everything the company’s given you—how dare you—"

A smug smirk played on Evelyn’s lips as she clung to Nathaniel.

"Are we done? If not, I’m going to bed."

Once, Alexander might’ve argued.

Now, he had no energy for this puppet and his manipulative wife.

"Alexander! I didn’t dismiss you!" Nathaniel shoved Evelyn aside, standing abruptly.

"Oh, one more thing."

Alexander paused at the door, his broad frame silhouetted against the light.

"I won’t be attending Evelyn’s party."

Evelyn’s face twisted in outrage.

"What do you mean?" Nathaniel demanded.

"You’re skipping your own family’s event? Going to the Sinclairs’ instead?"

"Yeah. Problem?"

"Really?"

"Is that so?"