Chapter 59

Adrian's lavish display drew envious glances from every couple in the upscale restaurant.

Whispers rippled through the dining room as patrons speculated whether this was an elaborate proposal setup.

At a corner table barely fifteen feet away, Nathan Sterling sat stiffly beside his wife, their reconciliation dinner turning bitter.

It had taken Nathan three days of groveling to coax his furious spouse into this public outing. Now fate had cruelly placed Evelyn Carter directly in his line of sight - with another man.

Nathan's fingers flew across his phone, capturing Adrian's profile before texting Gregory. "Check this out. Your ex-wife's already hunting fresh prey. Not bad for a rebound, eh?"

Downtown at Sterling Tower, Nathan was mid-presentation when his phone vibrated. The CEO's expression darkened as he read the message, a vein pulsing at his temple.

The entire boardroom froze when Nathan suddenly slammed his phone onto the polished mahogany table.

"Carry on without me," he growled, snatching his suit jacket as he stormed out, leaving stunned executives exchanging bewildered looks.

Back at the restaurant, Adrian straightened his tie with theatrical solemnity. "Ms. Carter, I owe you an apology for my previous... misguided approach."

Evelyn swirled her merlot, lips quirking. "Apology accepted. Provided you never pull such a stunt again."

Adrian leaned forward, eyes burning with sincerity. "But you must understand - my feelings are genuine. When you outmaneuvered that fool into overpaying for that bracelet at auction, I was captivated."

His voice dropped. "Then seeing you vulnerable on that rooftop... Evelyn, I may play the playboy, but that night changed everything."

Evelyn remained unmoved, taking a measured sip. "You do realize I'm divorced?"

Adrian didn't hesitate. "That changes nothing. You're perfection."

A dangerous smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Don't you want to know who my ex-husband is?"

"Some idiot who didn't deserve you," Adrian scoffed, just as Nathan's imposing figure materialized behind him.

Evelyn's eyes glittered with mischief as she nodded toward the approaching storm. "That would be him."

Adrian whirled around, his confident smirk freezing when he recognized Nathan. "Sterling? What are you—"

Nathan ignored him, his smoldering gaze locked on Evelyn. Gregory chose that moment to saunter over, comprehension dawning as he took in the scene.

"Well, well," Gregory drawled, smirking at Adrian's confusion. "Didn't I mention? Your 'perfect woman' is Nathan's ex."

Adrian's face drained of color.

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn rose and thrust the crystal rose bouquet into Adrian's arms. "Keep these," she purred. "Or sell them to pay for your friends' eye exams."

Gregory spluttered indignantly, but one icy glare from Evelyn silenced him.

Adrian swallowed hard, looking between them. "Nathan... is this true?"

The restaurant held its breath as three lives teetered on the edge of revelation.