Chapter 18

The exclusive nightclub in Darai pulsed with energy as Olivia Sinclair threw an extravagant celebration for Evelyn Carter.

Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections across the dance floor where Olivia slung an arm around Evelyn, raising her champagne flute high.

"To my ride-or-die Evelyn - fresh out of hell and reborn like a damn phoenix!"

"Cheers!"

"To new beginnings!"

Evelyn drained her glass in one smooth motion before letting Olivia drag her through the glittering crowd.

"That's the heir to Titan Capital. Net worth? Let's just say he could buy this club ten times over."

"See the CEO of Veridian Holdings by the bar? That jawline could cut glass."

Evelyn followed as Olivia pointed out various VIPs. Turning abruptly, she collided with someone.

"Watch where you're going, you clumsy cow!" A familiar shrill voice pierced through the music.

Evelyn's lips curled in recognition. Vanessa Sterling - her ex-husband's spoiled sister.

Olivia immediately stepped between them. "Who the hell let this rabid chihuahua in here?"

Vanessa glared at her ruined designer heels before finally noticing Evelyn. "Oh look, it's my brother's discarded trash," she sneered.

She'd convinced Eleanor Blackwell to let her accompany Isabella Delaney to Darai, though not without considerable whining.

Olivia's fists clenched, but Evelyn restrained her with a calm hand. "Don't bother. She's not worth the energy."

The old Evelyn would've tolerated Vanessa for Nathan's sake. Now? The girl barely registered as a nuisance.

Her dismissive gaze slid past Vanessa to land on Isabella - noticeably pregnant in her loose designer tracksuit.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. Shouldn't the expectant mother be nesting instead of clubbing?

Isabella made no attempt to hide her hostility. She'd come to Darai specifically to discuss Evelyn with Nathan. Yet here stood the subject of their conversation - poised and unbothered.

Evelyn couldn't care less about either woman. She tugged Olivia's arm to leave.

Being ignored - especially by Evelyn - sent Vanessa into a rage. "You ruined Sterling Enterprises' expo deal! Fix it or I'll make sure you—"

Evelyn kept walking.

"You barren bitch! You must've already found your next sugar daddy to divorce Nathan so fast!"

Olivia wrenched free from Evelyn's grip, snatching a champagne flute from a passing server.

With perfect aim, she drenched Vanessa's designer outfit.

"This is my fucking party, sweetheart." Olivia leaned in, voice dripping venom. "Insult my best friend again and security will drag you out by your extensions."

The surrounding crowd erupted in laughter.

Humiliated, with mascara running down her cheeks, Vanessa turned desperately to Isabella. "Do something!"