Chapter 728

Natalie paused mid-sentence and cut Evelyn off.

"Eve, I won't lie to you. I still have feelings for Lucas, but..." She hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's like standing on the edge of a storm, waiting for lightning to strike. The uncertainty terrifies me. I can't survive another heartbreak, so I'd rather not risk it."

This wasn't like her past with Adrian.

With Adrian, Natalie had always been guarded, knowing their relationship was temporary. But with Lucas? Her heart had actually dared to hope.

Evelyn stayed silent for a long moment before finally nodding with a small, understanding smile.

She got it. For Natalie, a life partner wasn't just a lover—it was family. The only family she'd ever truly have.

But who could guarantee that a man like Lucas, charming and reckless, would stay devoted forever?

People who had been abandoned before didn't trust easily. Natalie refused to set herself up for another fall.

Evelyn exhaled sharply just as the elevator doors slid open.

They stepped out.

"Whatever you decide, I'm with you, Nat. Just follow your gut."

No one else's opinions mattered.

Natalie nodded, and the two women exchanged a knowing smile.

Then, Natalie's expression froze. "Mr. Blackwood?"

Nathan stood there, tall and impossible to miss, his presence icy and commanding.

Evelyn turned.

Nathan was already looking at her, lips curved in a smile as he approached. "What a pleasant surprise."

Surprise? Please.

Their social circles overlapped. Running into each other was inevitable. Avoiding him would only make things more awkward.

Evelyn forced a polite smile. "Quite the coincidence."

Nathan's gaze darkened with something unreadable. "I prefer to call it fate."

Her smile stiffened.

Natalie choked back a laugh. This man is delusional.

Evelyn grabbed Natalie's arm and steered her around Nathan. "Let's go greet the others."

Nathan's eyes flickered with disappointment before hardening into their usual cold indifference as others approached to exchange pleasantries.

The shift was instant.

Tristan noticed the crowd and sauntered over.

"Blackwood, don't look so defeated. I've got your back."

He winked. Only after losing Vivian did he truly understand regret.

His ex-wife had built a name for herself, becoming the poster child for independent, divorced women.

Vivian was thriving. Meanwhile, he was... well.

Tristan turned to Evelyn. "Ms. Sinclair, long time no see."

The crowd parted for him instinctively.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Mr. Whitmore. Need something?"

"We're friends—acquaintances, at least. Can't I just say hello?"

His shameless, overly familiar attitude hadn't changed a bit.

Evelyn smirked.

"Of course. I still have those photos of you on my phone. They're quite entertaining to revisit."

Tristan's face drained of color. The smugness in his eyes evaporated instantly. Shit. I'm screwed.

"Ms. Sinclair, you're joking..."

He hunched his shoulders, hesitated, then swallowed his pride.

"Look, could you put in a good word for me with Vivian? I swear, I've changed."

Evelyn sipped her wine, elegant and unreadable. "Do you really think that's possible?"

Tristan's shoulders slumped. He already knew the answer.

Evelyn chuckled. At least he's self-aware.