Chapter 253

Evelyn Sinclair, the famous actress, glared daggers at the pair. Her face twisted with barely concealed envy.

She had set her sights on Nathaniel Blackwood long before her acting career took off. Back then, she vowed to climb high enough to catch his attention—and eventually become his wife.

But before she could make her mark, he married someone else.

Years of waiting, hoping for his marriage to crumble, seemed wasted now.

"Who knows? All I know is my cousin despises her, so I bet she's the one clinging to him!" Charlotte sneered, shooting Vivian Lockhart a scornful look before patting Evelyn's shoulder.

"You're too reserved, Evelyn. Now that he's divorced, you should make your move! Do you have any idea how many women are after him? How can you stay so passive?"

Evelyn clenched her fists. "It's not that simple. My career is at its peak right now. My new film's about to premiere—I can't afford a scandal."

"But Nathaniel's single now! The public would adore you together. How is that a scandal?"

Charlotte sighed dramatically. "Just watch out for that witch, Vivian. Don't let her innocent act fool you. She's ruthless."

"Remember Cassandra Delacroix? When she was pregnant with Nathaniel's child, Vivian destroyed her. I avoid that woman like the plague."

Ever since Cassandra fell from grace, Charlotte had been searching for a suitable replacement in her social circle. Evelyn was her top choice.

A smug smile curled Evelyn's lips. "Please. Her tricks are amateur compared to what I've faced in Hollywood. I clawed my way up—do you really think I'd lose to her?"

To avoid further gossip, Vivian quickly stepped away from Nathaniel and headed straight for the dessert table. After their seashell hunt, she was starving.

Seeing her retreat, Nathaniel frowned but didn't stop her. Instead, he turned toward the backstage area to meet Dominic Harrington and the others.

A figure in white suddenly blocked his path—Olivia Sinclair, still in her wedding gown.

Nathaniel's expression cooled. "Why are you here?"

Olivia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Nate, please... can we talk somewhere private?"

"Say it here." His tone left no room for argument.

"It has to be in private. I'm begging you. Otherwise, this wedding won't happen—"

Nathaniel hesitated. The Harrington wedding was packed with high-profile guests. A scandal would humiliate the family.

"Stop overthinking. Do this for Dominic. After we talk, I'll walk away for good."

Biting her lip, Olivia grabbed his arm and pulled him toward a nearby VIP room.

For the sake of appearances, Nathaniel reluctantly followed.

The moment the door shut, Olivia collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Nate, I regret everything! I never loved Dominic. It's always been you!"

"After we broke up, I dreamed of reuniting. I never thought you'd marry so soon. Thank God you're free now..."

Tears streamed down her face as she gazed up at him, voice trembling. "What if I said I want us to start over? Would you take me away from this wedding?"