Chapter 37

The phone rang abruptly just as Nathan Evans raised his glass in toast to Vincent and Margaret Lowell.

"Uncle, Aunt, I promise—"

His words were cut off by the shrill ringtone that shattered the intimate atmosphere of the private dining room.

Vincent's brow furrowed as he slammed his chopsticks onto the bowl with a sharp clatter.

Nathan fumbled for his phone, his face paling when he saw the caller ID: "Sebastian Valdemar."

"Answer it," his father hissed under his breath.

The moment Nathan connected the call, Sebastian's icy voice sliced through the receiver: "You're fired, effective immediately."

Nathan froze as if struck by lightning, nearly dropping the phone.

"Mr. Valdemar, please let me explain—"

"The penalty fee has been transferred to the company account," Sebastian interrupted. "And regarding your embezzlement, Legal will contact you shortly."

The dial tone echoed harshly in the stunned silence.

Vincent shoved his chair back with a screech, rising to his feet.

"Embezzlement?" He glared at Nathan, whose face had turned ashen. "This is your so-called reformation?"

Victoria grabbed her father's arm in panic. "Dad, there must be some mistake—"

"A mistake?" Vincent shook her off. "Is this how you raised your son, Mr. Evans?"

Beads of sweat formed on Nathan's father's forehead as he opened his mouth to speak—when another notification chimed.

A bank alert flashed on Nathan's screen: "Your account has been frozen..."

His legs gave out, sending him crashing to his knees.

As Victoria rushed to help him up, Vincent yanked her away.

"We're leaving!" he barked, storming toward the exit. "The engagement is over!"

Margaret hesitated, but a sharp look from her husband silenced her.

The door slammed shut behind them.

Nathan's father backhanded him across the face.

"You disgrace!"

Nathan clutched his cheek, eyes glazed with shock. "It's over... Everything's over..."

Meanwhile, in the Valdemar Group executive office...

Theodore Ashcroft placed a document on Sebastian's desk. "It's done, sir."

Sebastian skimmed the file, his gaze lingering on the final figure.

"Contact the press."

Theodore blinked. "Sir?"

"I want every headline tomorrow to feature Nathan Evans' embezzlement scandal."

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, twilight deepened.

Sebastian stood silhouetted against the skyline, fingertips tapping the glass.

"Evelyn Roland... I hope you appreciate this gift."