Chapter 510

Evelyn's fingers hovered over her phone screen before she typed a message to Dominic Kingsley. "Does Xavier have any work scheduled tonight?"

Dominic's reply came seconds later. "He's playing a supporting role in Director Prescott's film. It's an overnight shoot."

Everything clicked into place.

She had the flowers disposed of, said a quick goodbye to Ethan, and turned to leave.

Adrian watched as his carefully laid trap for Nathan slipped away. He rushed after her.

"Evelyn, you've been drinking. It's not safe for you to leave alone. Let me arrange a ride for you."

She didn't even glance back. "No need."

"I insist—"

She stopped, turning just enough to pin him with a look. "Adrian, your show's ratings have been tanking, yet suddenly you're flush with cash. Why is the Blackwood family suddenly so generous with you?"

His expression flickered. She knew. She knew he'd been working with Nathan.

Damn it.

Being looked down on by the woman he once loved stung. But money was money.

"My uncle isn't as bad as you think. If you just got to know him—"

Evelyn cut him off. "Hard pass."

Adrian had nothing left to say.

She pressed the elevator button and descended.

A nondescript van idled by the curb.

The moment she stepped outside, the door slid open. Xavier jumped out, grinning.

"Ms. Sinclair!"

Upstairs, Nathan stood at the balcony, watching through the glass as Evelyn climbed into the vehicle.

And he saw him.

That bastard, Xavier.

His jaw clenched.

Tristan appeared beside him. "Nathan, that guy's nothing compared to you. Don't let it get to you. She's just trying to provoke you."

Nathan's voice was ice. "Send him back to whatever hole he crawled out of. Or make him disappear."

Tristan hesitated. "Bad idea. He's signed with Horizon Media—Dominic Kingsley's company. He's riding your coattails for clout. And Horizon belongs to Lucas Sterling."

The unspoken implication: Lucas's company meant Evelyn's involvement.

Nathan's eyes darkened. His chest burned.

He had to just take this?

Nathan cursed under his breath.

This was torture.

Evelyn slid into the van. Two staff members greeted her respectfully.

Xavier beamed like her presence was proof of his importance.

"Ms. Sinclair, where would you like to eat?"

She arched a brow. "Don't you have a shoot tonight?"

Before he could answer, she continued, "Let's go to the set. I've never seen it."

Xavier's heart leapt, though he kept his expression carefully neutral.

"Of course."

If the director and producers saw Evelyn with him, he wouldn’t need to explain his connections anymore.

Leading roles. Better contracts. Everything handed to him.

Other rookies had to hustle, but he only needed to please one woman.

"Anywhere you want!"

Xavier's face was all cool charm, but the eagerness beneath was unmistakable.

Disgusting. Evelyn nearly scoffed. If Nathan saw this, he’d probably punch Xavier’s teeth in.

The thought amused her.

She turned away, unwilling to humor him further.

Xavier didn’t notice. He was too busy dreaming of stardom.