Chapter 566

Lucas entered carrying an ebony box, his movements unusually careful.

Natalie wasn't in the mood for visitors. She gave Lucas a brief greeting before signaling the housekeeper to prepare tea, then moved listlessly to the sitting area.

Her distance from Lucas was palpable compared to her usual warmth with Evelyn. Oblivious, Lucas placed the box before her with a hopeful smile. "Nat, look. This jade matches 99% of your pendant's quality. Same origin, same veining. I'll carve you a new one - same design or something different?"

Evelyn sipped her tea, barely suppressing an eye roll. Had Lucas been kicked by a mule? The jade wasn't the point. No replacement could mend Natalie's broken heart. Idiot.

Natalie examined the stone. Not top-grade, but remarkably similar to her shattered keepsake. Finding such a match must have cost considerable effort and money.

She met Lucas's eager gaze with a tired smile. "Don't bother. Similar isn't the same. I won't deceive myself."

Lucas froze, shooting Evelyn a helpless look.

Evelyn stood abruptly. "Just remembered a conference call. I should go." She recognized Lucas's silent plea for privacy instantly. Something was definitely brewing between them.

The housekeeper discreetly exited.

Lucas tried again. "It's about sentiment. Does authenticity really matter if the meaning remains?"

Natalie's icy stare could frost glass. "It matters." Her discomfort was visceral.

Lucas rubbed his temples. "Understood. I'll find another solution. Rest well." He departed without another word.

Meanwhile, Nathan returned to his office and issued crisp orders. "Bring him to me." He'd promised Evelyn not to remove that damned lookalike from the production, but made no promises about leaving him untouched. Nathan's patience had limits.

The night hung heavy with impending rain when Nathan's security team confirmed the target's location. Nathan left his office, selected an unremarkable vehicle from his private garage, and drove into the gloom.

At the hotel, Xavier Delmont was escorted to a dim chamber. Too many prying eyes on set - this required discretion.

When told Evelyn Sinclair requested his presence, Xavier had practically sprinted from filming. A wealthy socialite summoning him? He wouldn't keep her waiting. The hotel location stoked his fantasies - surely this meant romantic interest.

Instead of the heiress, five hulking bodyguards surrounded him. Xavier's excitement curdled into fear.

The door opened to synchronized footsteps. A guard nodded deferentially as Nathan Blackwood entered.

Xavier's pulse spiked. He attempted to rise, but an iron grip forced him back down.

Nathan surveyed his doppelgänger with a predator's smile, eyes glacially cold. "Mr. Ferguson— I mean, where's Ms. Sinclair? She asked to see me—" Xavier's voice cracked.

Nathan's expression darkened dangerously at the slip. "You're desperate to see Ms. Sinclair?" The threat in his tone was unmistakable.

Xavier suddenly understood - one wrong word, and he might never leave this room alive.