Chapter 731

Evelyn Sinclair and Natalie Beaumont stood frozen in shock.

Evelyn's brow furrowed as she turned to the man blocking their path. "Mr. Blackwood, I thought you'd left already?"

Nathan Blackwood's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

"I was waiting for you."

Her confusion deepened. The biting winter air made her eager to leave, not stand around exchanging pointless words. "Why?"

His gaze was sharp, his voice clipped. "Your cousin ruined my jacket—"

Before he could finish, Evelyn let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

"She's not my cousin. If you want to track her down, do it yourself. Don't drag me into it. I'm not footing the bill for anyone else's mess." Her tone was ice-cold. "And if anyone tries to scam you using my name again, call the police. Thanks."

She didn’t bother hiding her disgust.

Alexandra Montgomery was a stain she wanted nothing to do with.

Nathan hadn’t expected this reaction. If he hadn’t seen Alexandra at Sterling Manor himself, he wouldn’t have believed they were even related.

Evelyn didn’t wait for a response. She brushed past him and slid into the car.

Natalie shot Nathan a knowing look before following.

Once inside, she smirked. "Mr. Blackwood looked devastated."

Evelyn scoffed. "He’s just upset no one’s paying for that ridiculously overpriced jacket."

She’d rather burn money than waste it on Alexandra’s nonsense.

Their destination was Velvet Lounge, their usual haunt.

The moment they stepped inside, the owner greeted them warmly. "Ladies! You’re here to meet Mr. Hart, right? He’s in your usual spot."

Evelyn exchanged a glance with Natalie.

Sebastian Hart was already here?

That private room was theirs—reserved no matter how packed the place got.

But as they approached, the sound of muffled sobs stopped them in their tracks.

Evelyn frowned. "What’s wrong with him now?"

Two days ago, he’d been raving about his trip to see the Northern Lights.

Natalie shrugged, just as clueless.

Hesitant, Evelyn knocked. No answer.

She pushed the door open—

A bottle came flying straight at her head.

"Who said you could come in?! Get out!"

She barely dodged in time. Glass shattered against the doorframe, raining shards onto the floor.

Natalie’s voice cut through the tension. "Open your damn eyes before you kill someone!"

The crying stopped abruptly.

Sebastian blinked up at them, his usually striking eyes red and puffy.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Even Oscar winners can’t cry like that. What’s your tragic backstory this time?"

He wiped his face hastily. "I wasn’t crying—"

Natalie held up her phone. "I have video proof."

Sebastian glared. "You’re evil."

Evelyn sighed. "So? Did your charity project collapse? Or did your organic kale stop selling?"

She still remembered his grand philanthropic announcement last month.

His lips pressed into a thin line. "It’s nothing."

Evelyn straightened. "Fine. Keep your secrets. We’ll leave you to your dramatic breakdown."

She turned to go.

Sebastian’s jaw dropped. She’s really walking away?!

As she and Natalie reached for the door, his voice cracked.

"Wait! My family’s forcing me into an arranged marriage—"