Chapter 584

The entire room held its breath.

Vivian Lockwood shook off Tristan Whitmore's grip, her voice icy. "Since we're all here, I might as well make an announcement."

Every eye in the room fixed on her.

"I'm founding a law firm," she declared. "Specializing in divorce cases where mistresses are involved. My goal? To ensure justice for the women who've been betrayed, humiliated, and discarded like trash."

Her gaze swept the crowd.

"I was one of them. Trampled on, ignored, treated like I was nothing. But no more. If any of you need help, come find me."

Silence.

Even the music cut out.

Tristan's face drained of color. He stared at her like she was a stranger.

Then—

A single clap shattered the stillness.

Heads turned.

Evelyn Sinclair stood there, applauding without a care for the shocked whispers around her.

Natalie Beaumont joined next.

Then another.

And another.

Soon, the room erupted in thunderous applause.

None of these women had dared to expose the ugliest parts of their marriages before.

Divorce meant financial ruin for most of them.

That was why so many stayed silent, enduring their husbands' infidelities.

Not everyone had Evelyn's privilege.

Nathan Blackwood pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression darkening.

He moved to Evelyn's side.

"Stay out of this," he muttered. "It's already a disaster."

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile.

The look in her eyes made his chest tighten.

"Mr. Blackwood," she said, "the disaster was created by Mr. Whitmore, wasn't it?"

Before he could respond, she scoffed.

"I wish I'd thought of something this satisfying when I was in her position."

Nathan's face paled.

A sharp pain lanced through his chest.

Had he forgotten?

What was the difference between how he'd treated Evelyn and how Tristan had treated Vivian?

At least Vivian still had the Whitmore family's support.

But the Blackwoods?

They'd despised Evelyn from the start.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

His fingers tightened around her wrist.

Evelyn struggled briefly before giving up.

"Evelyn," he said, voice rough, "I've changed. Believe me."

On stage, Vivian smirked.

"Men don't change," she called out. "You can't train a dog not to eat shit."

Evelyn burst out laughing.

Nathan's jaw clenched.

"I love you," he said fiercely. "More than my own life."

Vivian rolled her eyes.

"And love from a man like you?" she countered. "Cheaper than dirt. Worthless."

Evelyn's laughter rang out again.

Nathan exhaled sharply, glaring at the stage.

He regretted coming tonight.

If Tristan and his mess ruined things with Evelyn, he'd make sure they paid for it.

Leaning in, he inhaled the familiar scent of her perfume.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Don't listen to her," he pleaded. "I'm serious about us. If you need proof, I'll get on my knees right now."