Chapter 82

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The crowd had believed Alistair Delaney to be a man of principle, but now they saw him for what he truly was - no different from any other schemer.

"How shameless! Retracting his words after being caught cheating!" someone muttered.

"If Evelyn hadn't exposed him, Ms. Carter would've been publicly humiliated for no reason."

"To force someone to admit being the other woman when she was the legal wife? That's beyond despicable."

"We may be tabloid journalists, but we have standards. Mr. Delaney Senior must be losing his touch in his old age."

"All bark and no bite - how pathetic."

Alistair's veins bulged at his temples as the insults grew more vicious.

"Take it!"

He yanked off the thumb ring violently, nearly slamming it onto the table before thinking better of it. With trembling hands, he placed it gently into Evelyn's palm instead.

His voice dripped with menace. "Guard it well. I'll be reclaiming it soon enough."

Evelyn tilted her head, her smirk widening. "We'll see about that."

She glanced at Natalie, signaling their departure.

"Ms. Carter, allow me to find a proper case for your ring," offered an awestruck waiter who'd witnessed the entire exchange, clearly impressed by Evelyn's gambling prowess.

"No need. A plastic bag will suffice." Evelyn waved dismissively.

"It's not worth special treatment. Just something to toss it in."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

This was a priceless artifact comparable to national treasures! Alistair treated it as more precious than life itself!

Yet here she was, treating it like disposable trash!

Alistair's face twisted in agony. Having surrendered the ring, he could only vent his fury by kicking over a chair before storming out, his face purple with rage.

"Mr. Delaney," Evelyn called sweetly, "don't forget about Isabella's kneeling apology!"

"Hmph!"

Alistair quickened his pace.

Natalie giggled. "Pity Isabella didn't show. Would've loved to see her knees hit the floor right then."

Evelyn's lips curved. "Patience. There's plenty of time for that."

"How are you so good at gambling?" Natalie asked curiously.

"Julian and I used to sneak into casinos for months at a time," Evelyn confessed. "After watching professionals daily, you pick up a few tricks."

"Julian's even better at cheating than I am. I'll have him give you a private demonstration sometime."

Natalie's eyes sparkled with the perfect headline: "Pop Icon's Secret Gambling Mastery."

It would trend for weeks.

But she'd never betray the Kingsley family's secrets.

Their laughter trailed behind them as they exited.

Nathan Sterling's imposing figure leaned against a car, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. His chiseled features remained impassive, the picture of aristocratic detachment.

Natalie had to admit - the man's looks justified the hysteria he caused among Pamore's women.

Pity about his personality.

Living with that temper would drive anyone insane.

Evelyn pretended not to see him, scanning the parking lot for her vehicle.

Nathan's gaze locked onto Evelyn's emerald dress - a color he'd never seen her wear. Under the golden entrance lights, she glowed like some ethereal woodland spirit, her bare shoulders luminous.

Every laugh, every gesture tugged at something primal within him.

He approached. "Where's the ring?"

Evelyn arched a brow, her expression dripping with disdain. "How obedient. Always fetching things for others."

"You don't need it." Nathan's voice turned icy. "Name your price. Will a check suffice?"

He'd wanted no part in this, but Alistair had dangled Alexander's name yet again.

No choice but to intervene.

"Sent you to collect his prize?" Evelyn's slender neck straightened, her chin lifting defiantly. "What makes you so certain I'll surrender it?"

"You'd gain millions effortlessly. Consider it compensation for our marriage."

"Are you mentally deficient?" Evelyn's disgust was palpable.

"I won this fairly. If you want it, pay properly. How dare you frame this as compensation?"

Nathan faltered. The words had slipped out unbidden.

Despite their severed ties, he kept referencing their marriage whenever they met.

Even he recognized the absurdity.