Chapter 501

Preston Sinclair's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second. His dark eyes flickered with something unreadable before he regained his usual composed expression.

"Did Nathan send you to talk me out of this?"

Tristan Whitmore stiffened, immediately shaking his head. "No, of course not! We're just saying—there are plenty of eligible women out there. Why go for a divorced woman with a reputation for being ruthless?"

The moment the words left his mouth, a chill ran down his spine.

Before Gregory Thornton could elbow Tristan in warning, Evelyn Sinclair's icy voice cut through the air from behind him.

"Tristan Whitmore, didn’t anyone teach you to watch your mouth when badmouthing people?"

Tristan jolted violently, his face paling. A cold sweat broke out across his skin.

He scrambled to recover. "Oh, you and Ms. Sinclair are close? Well, she gets along with everyone—Ethan Caldwell, Julian Moreau, half the male celebrities in Montecito..."

Gregory nodded sagely. "Yeah, Evelyn and Ethan definitely have something going on—"

Preston's lips curved into a deeper, more dangerous smile.

"Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Thornton, what exactly are you implying?"

Tristan exhaled dramatically. "Look, you just got back to Montecito. Don’t mistake Evelyn’s kindness for interest. We’re just trying to spare you the heartbreak. She only ever loved Nathan Blackwood. When they were married, she was completely devoted—that was real love. They’re just going through a rough patch, but they’ll get back together eventually. And now she’s found Xavier Delmont? Please, she’s clearly just using him as a rebound."

Evelyn’s eyes darkened with disbelief.

"Is that so?"

Tristan bit his tongue. Damn it, I messed up.

Evelyn’s expression remained unreadable as her gaze slid past Tristan toward the entrance. A cold, mocking smile played on her lips.

"Mr. Blackwood, you heard it yourself. No one forced him to say it—your best friend just admitted everything."

Tristan’s blood ran cold. He turned stiffly, dread pooling in his stomach.

Nathan stood there, his face thunderous, his entire body radiating icy fury.

Tristan felt like he’d been struck by lightning—twice. His soul practically left his body.

Why now? Why did Nathan have to show up at the worst possible moment?!

Evelyn smirked and turned to Preston, her tone light. "I’ve lost my appetite. Shall we leave?"

Preston arched a brow. "Absolutely."

The two walked out side by side, brushing past Nathan, whose jaw was clenched so tightly it looked painful. His burning gaze followed Evelyn, but she didn’t spare him a single glance.

Nathan opened his mouth—to explain, to demand answers—but no words came out. His fists clenched at his sides, his entire body taut with frustration.

Once Evelyn was gone, Tristan swallowed hard and approached cautiously. "Uh… Nate, I think… they might actually be together."

Nathan’s head snapped up, his glare sharp enough to cut glass.