Chapter 320

Evelyn averted her eyes, her silence speaking volumes.

Nathan pressed on, his voice strained. "I'm aware of the pain Isabella has caused you. She'll answer for every single thing she's done. You must be wondering why I intervened to get her released, but it was all leading to this moment."

At his words, Evelyn finally met his gaze.

"Mr. Sterling, I appreciate your efforts, but this changes nothing."

Panic flashed across Nathan's face. "That's not true, Evelyn! How can you say that?"

She didn't respond, but the truth burned in her chest. Even if nothing physical had occurred between Nathan and Isabella, the emotional betrayal had left scars too deep to heal.

The car accident had been her wake-up call, revealing Nathan's true colors. She refused to repeat past mistakes.

"Happiness can't be manufactured, Mr. Sterling," she said quietly. "Words can't mend a shattered heart. I've moved on from us. Please don't waste your time chasing ghosts."

Without waiting for a response, Evelyn turned on her heel and walked away.

Nathan reached out desperately, his fingers grasping at empty air as her sleeve slipped through them.

He stood frozen, watching helplessly as she disappeared from view.

Only then did the crushing realization hit him - he'd lost the most important person in his life.

Time blurred. Nathan remained motionless until his bodyguard finally approached.

"Mr. Sterling, what should we do with the woman waiting outside?"

Nathan's expression turned glacial. "Deliver her to Sebastian. Whether she lives or dies is no longer my concern."

"Understood, sir."

—

The car ride passed in a haze. Evelyn stared blankly out the window, her mind miles away.

The ringing phone startled her.

"Dominic?"

Her brother's voice carried concern. "I heard you took down Maximilian Blackwood's entire operation in Pamore?"

Evelyn forced a laugh. "News travels fast to you."

"Naturally. I keep tabs on my little sister. Though you don't sound like someone who just pulled off a major victory."

"It's nothing," she deflected. "Just tired. My mind's elsewhere."

"Evie," Dominic's tone softened, "you've been full of surprises lately. Kingsley Industries is thriving under your leadership. Profits are up thirty percent this quarter."

He continued, "There's a business summit in Frenda coming up. Why don't you come home for a while? Take a breather."

The idea appealed to her. "When is it?"

"Three days. Come if you can."

Frenda called to her like a siren's song. After so long away, home sounded perfect.

"I'll wrap things up here and fly back tomorrow."

True to her word, Evelyn and Maxwell boarded the Kingsley private jet the next morning.

The plane touched down smoothly on the family airstrip.

Elliot stood waiting, his face lighting up when he spotted her descending the stairs.

"Evie!"

She sprinted across the tarmac and launched herself into her brother's arms.

"Elliot, I've missed you so much!"

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Still such a drama queen."

Evelyn grinned and stuck out her tongue. "Only for you."