Chapter 137

Evelyn's gaze locked onto Nathaniel the moment he approached. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his suit.

She was almost certain it was the same one she'd chosen for him months ago.

Back when Victoria hadn't reappeared in their lives. Back when divorce wasn't even a whispered possibility.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed instantly when he spotted the bidding number clutched in Evelyn's hand.

Victoria clung to his arm with a saccharine smile. "Nathaniel, what a surprise to see Ms. Carter here! Penelope and I found it quite... unusual, so we were just having a little chat with her."

Penelope eagerly piled on. "She must be sleeping with someone important. There's no way someone like her could afford to be here otherwise."

"Some people never learn their place," Victoria added with a mocking laugh. "Forever chasing fairy tales."

Evelyn's expression turned glacial.

Daniel's derisive snort came from behind her. "No wonder I caught such a foul stench from across the room. Not even that industrial-strength perfume can mask the rot coming from your mouths."

"You should consider gargling bleach before leaving the house," he continued smoothly. "Those innocent flowers outside don't deserve to wilt from your toxicity."

Penelope's face turned scarlet beneath layers of makeup. "Nathaniel! Did you hear how he spoke to me?"

Nathaniel's eyes turned arctic when he registered Daniel's presence. So this was Evelyn's companion.

The way Evelyn glanced over her shoulder at Daniel, her lips curving in amusement, sent an unfamiliar pang through Nathaniel's chest.

Daniel had always possessed a razor-sharp wit that never failed to delight Evelyn. Today, he'd voiced exactly what she'd been thinking.

He positioned himself casually beside Evelyn, sizing up Nathaniel with undisguised assessment.

Just days ago, Julian had mentioned Evelyn collapsing from illness—and how Nathaniel had rushed her to the hospital, even hiring private care.

As a man himself, Daniel recognized Nathaniel's actions for what they were.

But by Daniel's standards? Nathaniel Whitmore wasn't fit to lick Evelyn's boots.

Daniel flashed a dazzling, dangerous smile. "You should keep your rabid dogs on a tighter leash, Mr. Whitmore. Let them run loose, and one day they might turn on their master."

Nathaniel's lips thinned. "I don't require lessons from you."

The crackling tension between the men made Evelyn's pulse skyrocket.

This was Nathaniel freaking Whitmore! And Daniel was openly provoking him!

Touched by Daniel's defense but fearing escalation, she tugged his sleeve. "Let's go. The auction's about to start."

Daniel allowed himself to be led away, though not without throwing one last challenging look at Nathaniel.

Victoria immediately began damage control. "Don't let him get to you, darling. Daniel's always been like this—his mouth constantly writing checks his career can't cash."

"That's why he stays out of the spotlight in Nord City," she purred. "One viral video of his temper, and his precious reputation crumbles."

Penelope looked confused. "I thought he was that actor's stunt double?"

Victoria waved a dismissive hand. "Please. That's my cousin, Daniel Montgomery. The stuntman story is just PR smoke—his agency's way of shielding him from scandals."

Penelope's lips curled in disgust. "Typical Evelyn. Barely divorced and already climbing into Daniel Montgomery's bed. What could he possibly see in her? Unless..." Her suggestive smirk said the rest.