Chapter 110

Evelyn's heart leapt when she spotted Nathan approaching through the crowd.

"Nathan-" Her greeting died on her lips as he strode past without so much as glancing her way.

All eyes followed him as he moved straight toward Vivian.

Penelope froze in shock.

Mr. Goldmann? Here? How was this possible?

"Mr-Mr. Goldmann, who is this woman? Why are you-"

Nathan's icy gaze cut her off. "Since you dared lay hands on my woman, I assume you no longer wish to remain in this industry."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

His woman?

Nathan Goldmann had never publicly acknowledged any romantic relationship before today.

A dozen socialites' hearts shattered simultaneously.

Vivian's face drained of color. Her nails bit into her palms as she glared daggers at Evelyn.

Why? How could Evelyn enchant Nathan into publicly claiming her?

After six years by his side, Vivian had never received such recognition. The injustice burned like acid.

The PR manager stammered, "Mr. Goldmann, please forgive us, we didn't realize-"

Nathan swept Evelyn into his arms and leveled a glare at the organizers. "Send your director to see me immediately." Then he carried her away.

Penelope's knees buckled. She would have collapsed if bystanders hadn't caught her.

As the crowd dispersed, whispers swirled like autumn leaves.

"Ms. Santiago just signed her professional death warrant."

"La Pe Group has gravely offended Mr. Goldmann this time."

"I doubt we'll see Penelope at any society events next season."

Nathan carried Evelyn into the VIP lounge.

She kept her eyes downcast, squirming slightly. "You can put me down now."

He deposited her gently on the sofa. The sight of the cut on her arm darkened his expression. "Stay here."

When he returned with a first aid kit, she murmured, "It's just a scratch. Don't make a fuss."

"Quiet." Nathan knelt before her. "Give me your arm."

She extended it gingerly.

His grip tightened slightly, pulling at the wound. A soft whimper escaped her lips.

Nathan's gaze snapped up. "Does it hurt?"

"Do I look like a robot to you?" She studied him suspiciously. "Why are you here anyway?"

He applied antiseptic with surprising gentleness. "If I hadn't arrived, they'd have thrown you out by now."

Evelyn chuckled. "You don't know that."

His fingers stilled. "Since when do you tolerate bullies? Why were you playing along with those vipers?"

"I wasn't playing along." She withdrew her bandaged arm. "If I had been, there wouldn't have been a scene."

Originally she'd only intended to provoke Vivian, but when Penelope inserted herself so eagerly into the drama... well, Evelyn couldn't resist teaching the spoiled heiress a lesson.

Nathan's eyes narrowed. "So you let yourself get hurt on purpose?"

"Penelope is La Pe's pampered princess. Someone needed to remind her the world doesn't revolve around her." Evelyn's casual tone made Nathan's jaw tighten.

The dangerous glint in his eyes betrayed his disapproval of her reckless methods.