Chapter 67

"Oh, really?" Victoria arched a perfectly sculpted brow at Evelyn. "Go on, then. Say whatever you want."

Evelyn kept her voice steady, though her words carried an edge. "You ordered the butler to remove the old décor, didn’t you? Nathaniel hates the new style, which means you don’t really know him yet. A mistress who can’t even grasp her man’s preferences will never be more than a side piece."

Victoria shot up from her seat, eyes blazing. "Did you just call me a mistress?"

"The law does," Evelyn countered coolly. "Nathaniel and I aren’t divorced yet. So, tell me—what exactly are you?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned to leave.

A sharp yank on her hair stopped her mid-step.

Victoria’s grip was vicious. "And who do you think you are? Some gutter rat who clawed her way up. Know your place. Who gave you the right to speak to me like that?"

Evelyn reacted instantly, twisting around to seize Victoria’s hair in return before digging her nails into the other woman’s waist. "Even with your silver spoon, you’re still just the other woman. Pathetic."

Victoria trembled with rage, her fingers itching to wrap around Evelyn’s throat.

"Enough!" Nathaniel’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Both women froze.

His gaze landed on Evelyn first, surprise flickering in his eyes at her uncharacteristic ferocity.

Victoria released Evelyn immediately, her demeanor shifting in an instant. "Nathaniel, you’re back! Look what she did to me—my head hurts, my hands hurt—"

Evelyn turned slowly, meeting Nathaniel’s cold stare.

"Let her go," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.

A bitter smirk tugged at Evelyn’s lips. Some things never changed.

She released Victoria, who immediately threw herself against Nathaniel’s chest, sobbing dramatically.

Evelyn straightened her spine, refusing to cower. "She attacked me first. But I already know you won’t believe me, so forget it."

She turned to leave again, but Victoria’s pitiful voice followed her. "It’s fine, Nathaniel. Just let me be the bigger person."

Evelyn clenched her jaw, refusing to look back.

"Stop." Nathaniel’s voice was sharp.

She halted, then turned to face them both. "What now?"

Victoria sniffled. "Really, it’s okay. Let’s not make a scene."

Regret coiled in Evelyn’s chest. She never should have come. Never should have agreed to help him.

The next moment, Nathaniel was beside her, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn held his gaze defiantly. "What? Going to hit me too?"

His frown deepened. "Does it hurt?"

She blinked. Was he… concerned?

Behind him, Victoria’s face twisted in disbelief.

Nathaniel quickly averted his eyes. "Don’t misunderstand. I couldn’t care less. Consider this a lesson—don’t start fights you can’t finish."

Evelyn scoffed. Of course. Just another warning. The sting on her lip was nothing compared to the ache in her chest. "Are we done here?"

"Not yet. Did you forget why you came? Or do you no longer care about the contract?"

"It’s already handled," she said flatly. "Ms. Sinclair signed it on your behalf. The design drafts are on the table. And congratulations in advance."

She didn’t wait for a response, bolting for the door before her composure shattered.

Inside, Nathaniel’s voice turned glacial. "Who gave you permission to sign that?"

Victoria smiled nervously. "Evelyn begged me to help her. Besides, her designs were excellent. I didn’t want to make things harder for her, considering she’s your ex."

"Is that so?" His gaze lingered on the empty doorway.