Chapter 210

Ignoring Bianca, Evelyn retrieved her credit card from her clutch.

Just as she extended it toward the boutique attendant, Harrison smoothly intercepted. "Use mine."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her card. "No, Harrison. This is my purchase."

His lips curved into that charming smile that made women swoon. "Consider it an investment in your future success. May this dress bring you luck at your upcoming fashion showcase."

Her breath caught. "What?"

Before she could protest further, Harrison handed his black Amex to the wide-eyed sales associate.

Twenty million dollars. Gone in a single swipe for that breathtaking floral bodycon masterpiece.

Evelyn bit her lip, overwhelmed by his generosity.

When the attendant presented the packaged dress, Evelyn's pulse quickened. The intricate embroidery shimmered under the boutique lights—each stitch a testament to the designer's genius.

"Thank you, Harrison."

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Worth every penny to see that spark in your eyes."

The tender moment shattered when Nathan Sterling materialized beside them, his stormy gaze locked on the garment bag.

"Evelyn." His voice dripped with disapproval.

She stiffened. "Mr. Sterling."

Nathan's jaw clenched as he noted her immediate shift in demeanor—warmth for Harrison, ice for him.

"Accepting such an extravagant gift seems...reckless." His eyes darkened. "Men don't spend twenty million without expectations."

Harrison stepped between them, his posture protective. "Careful, Sterling. That sounded dangerously close to an accusation."

"Take it however you like." Nathan's stare was a challenge.

Evelyn's laugh cut through the tension. "How amusing that my ex-husband suddenly cares about my financial decisions."

Nathan flinched. "Three years together, and you can move on this easily?"

The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken history.

Evelyn's smile turned bittersweet. "Some of us prefer to face forward rather than dwell on dead-end roads."

"But I can't forget." His whisper was raw.

Her chest ached at the irony. When she'd loved him desperately, he'd looked right through her. Now that she'd walked away, he suddenly remembered what they'd had.

"Then I hope you find peace, Mr. Sterling." She adjusted the garment bag on her arm. "Because this chapter is closed."

Nathan's hand twitched as if to reach for her, then fell limp at his side. The finality in her voice struck deeper than any blade.

As Evelyn turned away, Harrison's fingers brushed the small of her back—a silent promise of support.

Nathan watched them go, the hollow ache in his chest spreading like poison. Some losses, he was learning too late, were permanent.