Chapter 370

"Evelyn, let's go in." Sebastian Orlando's deep eyes brimmed with tenderness.

Evelyn Roland's lips curved slightly. The feeling of being protected warmed her heart. "Alright."

The trio walked side by side toward the banquet hall.

Madame Macmillan and her husband stood greeting guests at the entrance.

Her eyes flickered when she spotted Evelyn's group.

Why was Evelyn here?

"Mr. Aldridge, Mr. Orlando, thank you for coming." Madame Macmillan forced a smile. "Though I must ask—why does Mr. Aldridge always bring Miss Roland along? Surely Sterling Manor has other assistants?"

Her pointed glance at Nathan Aldridge carried unspoken implications.

Nathan smiled coolly. "The invitation clearly stated plus-ones. Who I choose to bring hardly requires your approval, Madame."

Madame Macmillan stood regal in her crimson cheongsam, hair elegantly coiled. Yet her gaze toward Evelyn dripped with disdain.

Evelyn merely nodded in silent acknowledgment.

"Of course Mr. Aldridge may bring whomever he pleases," Madame Macmillan sniffed. "But some freeloaders tarnish company reputations. I merely find it...unbecoming."

Beside her, Mr. Macmillan frowned.

Evelyn said nothing.

As if the Roland heiress needed free meals.

The warmth drained from Sebastian's eyes.

Nathan's smile turned razor-thin. "Can the Macmillans not afford an extra plate? My mistake—I assumed Mr. Macmillan headed this household. Since you've made your stance clear, we'll leave after presenting our gift."

Madame Macmillan blanched.

She simply loathed seeing this provincial girl at elite gatherings.

Who did Evelyn think she was?

Mr. Macmillan's gaze sharpened. "Was terminating our Sterling Manor contract your doing?"

He knew exactly why his father favored this daughter-in-law—she was his first love's child.

Madame Macmillan turned ashen.

Her husband didn't love her, but business always came first.

Nathan's words struck the Macmillan pride.

"Mr. Aldridge, let's discuss business matters later. Please, come inside." Mr. Macmillan offered an apologetic bow.

Nathan inclined his head, then paused mid-turn.

"Oh, Madame Macmillan—your loyalty to Mrs. Valentine is truly touching. Sacrificing family interests for her whims? Admirable devotion."

Madame Macmillan looked ready to collapse.

Evelyn watched Nathan's retreating back with quiet approval.

Mr. Macmillan glared at his wife. "You'd dare offend Sterling Manor's standing in the Nine-City Alliance? Do you think they need the Macmillans?"

Madame Macmillan lowered her head.

Hadn't she succeeded? What could Sterling Manor possibly do to them?