Chapter 86

"As the fiancé of the Delaney heiress or as my ex-husband?" Evelyn's words were measured, each syllable dripping with icy precision.

"Think carefully. Which role gives you the right to ask?"

Nathan stiffened, the weight of his own audacity crashing down on him.

He had no standing here—not when he was currently shopping for an engagement ring with another woman.

Without another word, Nathan turned to Isabella. "Let's go."

Her eyes glittered with smug satisfaction. "But we haven't chosen a ring yet."

"We'll find one elsewhere."

Isabella hurried after him, looping her arm possessively through his. "Wait for me," she murmured.

The moment they disappeared, the mask of indifference slipped from Evelyn's face.

"Still upset?" Julian studied her carefully.

"Say one more word, and I'll tell Dominic you're harassing me," she warned.

Julian immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Don't. He tasked me with looking after you. If you complain, I'm dead."

When they returned to Kingsley Manor, Adrian was already lounging in the living room.

Seeing them laden with shopping bags, he pouted dramatically. "Evie, why didn't you invite me? Shopping with Julian instead of me?"

Julian and Adrian had been childhood rivals, though it was mostly Julian who tormented Adrian.

The grudge stemmed from Adrian once calling Evelyn unattractive as kids—forcing Julian to spend years convincing her she was stunning.

"I only found out about your little stunt because it's trending. Came straight here after my flight." Adrian sprawled across the couch, exhaustion evident.

"How's the project?" Evelyn shifted to a professional tone.

Adrian had been buried in an overseas venture, his workload brutal.

"Relax, Ms. Kingsley." He grinned. "I'm home now. No shop talk."

"If she doesn't discuss work with you, what else is there?" Julian lobbed a cushion at Adrian's head.

"We could talk about dreams. Life. Though neither compares to your spectacular public proposal at the jewelry store."

Adrian flashed his phone screen. "Look. It's everywhere. Multiple hashtags."

"Aren't your fangirls going to attack Evie?"

"Please. They'll adore her." Julian rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, Adrian's expression shifted. "Wait—is Nathan really getting engaged to Isabella?"

He clicked his tongue. "My entire circle's buzzing about him landing a wealthy bride this time."

"But honestly, the man's blind. Letting go of a billion-dollar goldmine like you? Pathetic."

He'd never tell Nathan the truth. Some secrets were best saved for maximum impact.

"You're the blind one." Evelyn's smile was razor-sharp, sending a chill down Adrian's spine.

He'd forgotten how long his cousin held grudges.

Of all the topics, he'd picked this one.

The only reason Nathan had ever gotten close to Evelyn was because Adrian had missed his chance first.

Julian smirked, tossing Adrian's words back at him. "Pathetic."

After dinner, Adrian leaned against the doorway with a cheeky grin. "You've got so many rooms. Mind if I crash here tonight?"

"Get out." Before Evelyn could respond, Julian planted a firm kick on Adrian's backside.

At Sterling Enterprises, Nathan was summoned to Alistair Delaney's office.

"Isabella said you refused to pick a ring. Is that true?" Alistair's tone was laced with disapproval.

Calmly, Nathan replied, "I need to reconsider this engagement."

His mind was still tangled in the remnants of his failed marriage.

Agreeing to marry Isabella had been impulsive. Just like his divorce.

Alistair slammed his desk, face darkening. "You've already announced it publicly! You can't back out now!"