Chapter 521

The phone line went dead for two heartbeats.

Nathan's voice cut through like ice.

"Fall out? Explain yourself."

Evelyn Sinclair's gaze locked onto Margaret Blackwood. The older woman was already unraveling.

"Mrs. Blackwood brought your fiancée here to humiliate me and Mr. Sinclair. Was this your idea, or your father-in-law's?"

The chill radiating through the phone was palpable.

"Where are you?"

Evelyn didn’t answer. She ended the call.

Her goal wasn’t to summon him.

She wanted the Blackwood family to rein Margaret in.

Evelyn was no longer Nathan’s wife. She owed Margaret nothing.

Margaret hadn’t expected Evelyn to call Nathan.

Truthfully, Margaret feared her son.

Sophia’s disappearance should have been a lesson, but she’d nearly forgotten.

Victoria Ashford noticed Margaret trembling and rushed to steady her.

"Aunt Margaret, let’s sit down."

Margaret opened her mouth, but Evelyn’s piercing stare stole her voice.

The restaurant fell silent.

Evelyn resumed eating as if nothing happened. Preston Sinclair studied her, lips pressed tight.

"Ms. Sterling, you—"

Was she truly unbothered?

Evelyn smiled. "I’m used to it. I only regret dragging you and Oliver into this. Why waste energy on people who don’t matter?"

Oliver Sinclair darted forward, grabbing Evelyn’s hand. His wide, earnest eyes met hers.

"Pretty Lady, my heart hurts for you. I’ll protect you. When I inherit everything, I’ll take you far away from these awful people!"

Preston’s expression darkened. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

This boy and his obsession with inheritance.

He sighed, then turned to Evelyn, voice solemn. "I’m not angry. Just heartbroken for you."

Evelyn had endured so much pain for loving Nathan.

How absurd was that?

Preston’s sympathy struck a chord. Evelyn’s breath hitched.

She looked down, smiling faintly.

Her phone buzzed again.

She glanced at the screen—unknown number—and answered after a beat.

"Ms. Sterling, it’s Victoria Ashford. Please, speak up for Mrs. Blackwood!"