Chapter 601

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Every face showed varying degrees of contemplation and shifting emotions.

Evelyn Sinclair didn't shy away from the question. Her expression resembled that of a poised CEO at a press conference - composed yet commanding.

"My marriage to Mr. Blackwood made headlines, but that was never my intention." She paused deliberately. "Public displays of marital discord are ugly. We've agreed to remain... acquaintances."

As Evelyn spoke, Nathan Blackwood's hands clenched into fists on his knees, veins protruding beneath his skin. His jaw tightened visibly.

Her casual dismissal of their relationship made her stance painfully clear. No one noticed how the arrogant billionaire beside her suddenly deflated, his proud demeanor crumbling.

Nathan's gaze dropped to the floor, his expression twisting with barely concealed anguish. Each time she spoke like this, it felt like someone had reached into his chest and ripped out his still-beating heart.

She had no regrets. But him? He was the only one fighting to salvage what remained of their shattered marriage. Exhausted but terrified to stop. If he let go now, Evelyn might disappear from his life forever.

Seraphina Devereux saw an opportunity to intervene. She'd always relied on her beauty to manipulate men, having chosen a prominent director among countless suitors. But when his infidelities became public, she'd divorced him to save face.

Clearing her throat dramatically, Seraphina drew all attention. "Ms. Sterling, you're younger than us, but shouldn't ex-lovers remain friends? Divorce just returns you to your original status. Who's to say you won't reconcile?" She flashed a practiced smile. "They say it takes ten years to share a boat, but a hundred to share a bed. After overcoming so much together, isn't divorce such a waste over temporary disagreements?"

The reactions around the room were mixed - shock, amusement, disbelief. Only Nathan remained stone-faced, though the slight lift of his eyebrows betrayed his approval. Perhaps this woman could be useful after all.

Giselle Fontaine glanced at Seraphina before lowering her eyes without comment.

But Cassandra Blake couldn't suppress a derisive laugh. "Tell me, Seraphina, if your ex-husband came crawling back tomorrow, would you remarry him without hesitation?" The challenge hung in the air - anything Seraphina said on camera would be permanent.

Seraphina's carefully constructed mask faltered. Her face flushed an unbecoming shade of purple. She'd overplayed her hand.

That greasy director had beaten her multiple times before she'd finally returned to her wealthy patron. Why would she ever go back to that humiliation?

"You misunderstand," Seraphina backpedaled stiffly. "We divorced wishing each other happiness. If he's moved on, I wouldn't interfere."

Cassandra snorted and turned away. At least she was honest about her ambitions. A few years younger than Seraphina, she understood the entertainment industry's cutthroat nature. Her own wealthy husband had gone bankrupt, forcing her back into the spotlight.

But Nathan Blackwood? Even his table scraps could fund decades of luxury. If she played her cards right...