Chapter 182

Nathan Sterling's jaw clenched as the green-eyed monster consumed him. The jealousy was eating him alive.

"Do you have feelings for him?" Nathan's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn, demanding an answer to the question tormenting him.

"That's none of your concern." Her voice was ice.

"Is that so?" In one swift motion, Nathan seized her wrist, dragging her toward his waiting car.

Evelyn fought against his grip. "Nathan, release me this instant!"

"Tell me you don't care for Harrison." His voice was raw with emotion.

"You've lost your mind! I can fancy whomever I please!" Her eyes blazed with defiance.

"Say it, Evelyn. I need to hear you say it."

With a sudden twist, she broke free. "I adore him! Completely! Madly! Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

Nathan's crimson-rimmed eyes reflected pure anguish. The pain was physical - as if a blade had been plunged into his chest.

Evelyn seized the moment to put distance between them, her wary gaze never leaving him.

"Listen carefully, Nathan. Whether it's Harrison today or someone else tomorrow - it could never be you. Never." Her voice cracked on the last word.

Nathan's bitter laughter filled the air as his fist connected with the car window. Glass rained onto the pavement.

Crimson droplets began their descent from his wounded arm, painting the concrete below.

Without a backward glance, Evelyn slid into her car and secured the seatbelt. The rearview mirror captured Nathan's motionless form until she accelerated away.

His phone's insistent ringing went ignored until the tenth call forced his attention.

"What?" Nathan barked into the device.

"Mr. Sterling, Ms. Delaney has attempted suicide again." The voice trembled.

Again? Nathan's lips curled in derision. "Can't she be more original?"

"Sir, this is serious! She's been in surgery for two hours. The doctors have issued three critical condition alerts."

Nathan's fists clenched. Every fiber wanted to ignore this melodrama, yet duty prevailed.

"The entire Delaney family is present, including Patriarch Alistair."

This changed everything.

"Which hospital? I'm on my way."

The tires screeched as Nathan sped toward the medical center, unaware that Evelyn was simultaneously arriving at Professor Whitaker's estate with her designs.

The mansion buzzed with industry elites - more seasoned professionals than last time, plus unfamiliar faces.

"Ms. Carter! You've arrived!" Lawrence Pembroke greeted warmly. "Cassandra's already inside."

Evelyn nodded, moving toward Edmund Whitaker.

"Three days for complete designs? Impossible!" A skeptical voice cut through the murmurs. Even veterans needed weeks.

"Ms. Carter," another voice declared, "as agreed, today's submission will be judged by these distinguished peers. The evaluation will be absolutely impartial."