Chapter 424

"Believe me or don't. That's entirely up to you."

Evelyn's voice was calm, but her gaze held a glacial edge.

Diana let out a sharp laugh. "You're awfully confident, Evelyn. Aren't you afraid I'll destroy everything you've built?"

A cold smile played on Evelyn's lips. "That depends entirely on whether you're capable."

Diana's expression hardened with determination. "If that's how you want to play this, consider this your warning."

"Sterling Enterprises won't let Kingsley Industries win a single contract. I'll personally ensure your downfall."

Evelyn lifted her chin, meeting Diana's challenge head-on. "Are you declaring war, Ms. Delaney?"

Diana shrugged with feigned indifference. "What if I am? And let me remind you—I won't just take your business. I might just take your man too."

"Do you know why Nathan always protected Isabella and divorced you for her?" Diana's smirk grew smug. "Because I asked him to look after my family. He chose my family over you. That must sting, Evelyn, considering how deeply you loved him."

Evelyn's expression remained impassive. The years with Nathan had been her darkest, most painful period.

But now, Diana's words couldn't touch her. They felt like someone else's story.

Evelyn actually laughed. At first, Diana's challenge had sparked her competitive spirit. But now...

"If you want Nathan so badly, you're welcome to him."

"What did you say?"

Diana gaped when she saw no trace of emotion in Evelyn's eyes regarding Nathan. This wasn't the reaction of a woman still in love.

"Need me to repeat myself?"

Diana scoffed. "You fought so hard to marry him. Can you really let go that easily?"

Evelyn's smile was serene. She had let go—completely. From the moment she'd faced death in that car crash and witnessed Nathan's betrayal, her heart had turned to stone.

Love couldn't be forced.

And perhaps... she'd found someone who truly mattered now.

"Ms. Delaney, the future is what matters. I owe you no explanations."

With that, Evelyn rose to leave.

Diana grabbed her arm. "How do you think Nathan would feel hearing you say these things?"

Evelyn didn't look back. "That's his concern, not mine."

She walked away without a backward glance.

The moment Evelyn disappeared, Diana turned toward a shadowed corner. "You can come out now."

Nathan emerged, his face stormy. Diana waited eagerly for his reaction.

"Nathan, you saw for yourself. Evelyn doesn't care about you at all. Why waste your time on her?"

Nathan ignored her question. "Stop this, Diana."

Diana's grin turned predatory. "Why would I? Evelyn destroyed my family. Did you think I'd let that slide?"

"The Delaney family's troubles have nothing to do with her. If Isabella hadn't—"

"You've changed, Nathan," Diana interrupted, shaking her head. "Even now, you're still defending her."