Chapter 492

Sadie gasped. "Madam!"

The waiter bowed repeatedly, his face pale with panic. "I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"

Evelyn swiftly pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing at the spilled wine on her sleeve. A calm smile curved her lips. "It's nothing serious. You may go."

Nathan observed her with an unreadable expression. "I anticipated such an incident and had a gown prepared. It should suit you perfectly, Ms. Vanderbilt. The banquet is far from over, after all."

His words held an unspoken command—she wasn’t leaving yet.

Wesley chuckled, stepping closer. "Indeed, Ms. Vanderbilt is my honored guest. I can’t have her attending in stained attire. It would reflect poorly on my hospitality."

Evelyn met his gaze, then inclined her head. "Then I’ll take you up on your offer, Mr. Donovan."

She motioned for Sadie to accompany her to the guest room. She trusted no one else to stand guard.

Sadie remained outside, arms crossed, as Nathan’s assistant delivered the gown. She passed it through the door without a word.

Inside, Evelyn unclasped the ruby pendant and shrugged off her burgundy suit.

Her mind drifted to Nathan’s appearance—frail, confined to a wheelchair. Edmund’s warning echoed in her ears: He’s gravely ill. A shadow flickered in her eyes.

She unfolded the gown from its purple box.

Her breath hitched.

Dark green silk, delicate tulle overlaying the back—almost identical to the dress she’d worn to the Bouchers’ gala three years ago.

How did he—

Her fingers tightened around the fabric.

As she slipped it on, the lights abruptly died.

Not just the room. The entire corridor plunged into darkness.

"Sadie!" she called.

"Checking the circuit!" Sadie’s voice faded as she hurried away.

Evelyn’s eyes adjusted quickly. She stepped out—this was no accident.

A figure materialized from the shadows, yanking her against a solid chest.

She froze.

The scent of Gi cologne—warm, intoxicating, achingly familiar—wrapped around her.

Then his lips crashed onto hers.

The kiss was feverish, desperate, leaving no room for resistance.

For a heartbeat, she melted into it.

Then reality snapped back.

She shoved him away, arm swinging—

Crack!

The slap echoed in the darkness.

Light flooded the hallway.

A red mark bloomed across Nathan’s pale cheek.

Evelyn’s hand trembled. She hadn’t struck with full force. She couldn’t.

"Madam!" Sadie sprinted back, gaze sharpening at the sight of Nathan. She positioned herself between them, a human shield. "Sir, step back."

Her tone left no room for argument.

To Evelyn, she murmured, "Someone tampered with the main switch. Are you hurt?"

Sadie had gambled by leaving—Evelyn wasn’t one to cower in a dark room.

But seeing Nathan here? The trap became clear.

Lure the bodyguard away. Get to Evelyn.

Nathan’s lips quirked. "Mr. Vanderbilt chose well. Your protector is... thorough."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Resorting to cheap tricks, Mr. Goldmann? I expected better."