Chapter 542

Nathan's expression shifted instantly.

The storm in his dark eyes cleared as he turned to Evelyn with hopeful anticipation.

But Evelyn simply pulled out her phone with practiced calm. She tapped open a messaging app, sent her current location to someone, then met their gazes evenly.

"My brother Lucas will be here shortly. You don't mind if I wait in the car for a few minutes, do you? It's freezing outside."

They expected her to walk back?

Were they trying to give her hypothermia?

Nathan remained silent, his heavy stare boring into Theodore.

Not only had their alone time been ruined, but he'd also lost the chance to drive her home!

Theodore was utterly useless!

Theodore ducked his head sheepishly, running his fingers along the car's interior. "This Rolls-Royce must cost a fortune to repair, huh?"

Less than ten minutes later.

Lucas's flashy sports car roared into view.

He stepped out lazily, gave the damaged Rolls-Royce a once-over, smirked, and sauntered over to rap mockingly on the window.

"All show and no go, huh? Couldn't even protect my sister properly."

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line as his icy gaze swept over them.

The unspoken challenge hung heavy in the air.

Lucas waved at Evelyn. "Time to go, little sis."

Evelyn exited the car without hesitation. She glanced back to see Nathan visibly restraining his anger, his expression bordering on wounded.

This man was becoming increasingly unpredictable.

"Have a safe trip back, Mr. Blackwood."

Her smile was glacial as she slid into Lucas's sports car. Immediately more relaxed, she draped her arm out the window, letting the wind rush through her fingers.

Lucas shot Nathan a wicked grin before they peeled away.

Inside the luxury Rolls-Royce, Nathan's face was thunderous.

He glared at Theodore. "What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation to drive?"

Theodore swallowed hard. "Sir, I genuinely broke the car!"

Early next morning at the Sterling Manor...

Alexander, freshly returned from his business trip, sat at the breakfast table.

"You want to acquire Ashford Group?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "I intend to."

Alexander's lips curved into an indulgent smile. His sister's bold declaration earned approving nods from others at the table.

William Sterling declared, "Excellent decision. We owe them no favors."

Alexander added, "Delegate the task. Your talents are better spent elsewhere."

Evelyn shook her head, her tone deceptively light. "I'll handle it personally. They brought this upon themselves by provoking me."

Alexander and William exchanged startled looks, but Lucas burst out laughing. "Using corporate warfare to settle personal scores?"

Three pairs of eyes immediately pinned him in place.

Lucas straightened instantly. "They absolutely deserve it!"

At Sterling Enterprises...

Bennett rushed in with breaking news.

The scandalous photos spread like wildfire online.

The headline screamed: "Heiress or Gold Digger? Assault Victim or Willing Mistress?"

Victoria Ashford lay disheveled on the floor beside an equally rumpled Vincent Moretti.

No one would believe their relationship was platonic.

Though neither were A-list celebrities, the story gained traction unnaturally fast—as if someone was deliberately fanning the flames.

Public outrage grew by the minute.

[That social circle is disgusting!]

[Some 'heiress'—just another rich man's plaything!]

[I recognize him! He's married!]

Evelyn looked at Bennett in surprise.

Bennett explained, "Word from Celestial Club is that Mr. Blackwood forced them to drink an entire crate of whiskey each before dumping them on the street. He sent the bill to both families. The photos and trending topics? Likely his doing too."