Chapter 92

The tension in the air was palpable.

Dominic, ever the peacemaker, turned to Julian with a pointed question. "Even if Grandpa hadn't summoned you, would you have dared not to show up?"

Julian kept his head low, chastened. "Of course not. It's Grandpa's birthday. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Evelyn stifled a laugh. Only Dominic and Leonard had this effect on Julian.

By now, Leonard's anger had cooled.

"Support Evelyn well in the nanorobotics project," he instructed Elliot.

"Oh, Grandpa, you don't need to remind Elliot. He'll give it his all," Evelyn said with a smile, wrapping an arm around each of her brothers.

Elliot responded with a casual shrug. "Naturally."

Seeing Evelyn so committed to her work, Leonard felt a swell of pride.

"Grandpa needs his rest. We'll talk another time," Dominic said.

The call ended, leaving the room in silence.

Meanwhile, in the Delaney mansion, Alistair lounged in his study, sipping tea as he awaited good news.

Absentmindedly, he rubbed his thumb—only to remember his missing diamond ring.

His mood darkened, but the thought of reclaiming it soon had him humming again.

His butler, Walter, had been standing motionless for some time. When the men he'd sent out failed to report back, he discreetly stepped away to make a call.

After multiple attempts, someone finally picked up.

"Well? What's taking so long? Do you have the ring or not?" Walter demanded.

"This is the police. We've been looking for you. Come down to the station immediately," came the curt reply.

Walter's face paled. He dropped the phone and rushed back to Alistair.

"Sir, we have a problem. The men we sent—they've been arrested. The police want you to come in."

Alistair's teacup shattered against the wall, followed by the teapot.

He couldn't believe it. A woman who'd clawed her way up using men had the audacity to humiliate him? No one had ever dared.

"Summon every executive from the entertainment companies. I want her name dragged through the mud across Pamore!"

At that exact moment, Nathan Sterling arrived at the Delaney estate.

Isabella was due for a prenatal checkup. After escorting her inside, he'd intended to leave—until he spotted a gathering of familiar faces in the courtyard.

Approaching quietly, he overheard Alistair's orders.

"The information I'm providing is enough to fill headlines for weeks. None of it goes to print without my approval."

Alistair's voice turned icy. "Cross me, and you're declaring war on the Delaneys. You know what that means."

Nathan retreated swiftly to his car and dialed Evelyn.

The first call went unanswered.

He tried again, and this time, she picked up.

"Yes, Mr. Sterling?"

"Listen carefully. Return Alistair's ring. Now."

Evelyn's tone was glacial. "That's none of your concern."

"Why provoke him?" Nathan's patience frayed. She never listened.

A dry laugh escaped her. "You and I both know who started this, Nathan."

Isabella had struck first. Evelyn was merely retaliating.

"He's rallied the entire media against you. Is this really worth it over a ring?"

"Just a ring?" Her voice dripped with disdain.

"Cut your losses, Evelyn." Nathan's words were sharp. "Same deal as before. I'll cover the costs."

"Not happening."

His frown deepened. "You're picking a fight you can't win. Over what?"

"Because to you and Alistair, I'm just some woman who slept her way to the top." Her voice turned razor-sharp. "In your eyes, my dignity isn't worth the dirt beneath your shoes. All that matters is whether you get what you want."

A pause. Then, quieter: "If I didn't have this ring, would you even be talking to me right now?"

Nathan fell silent. She'd hit the mark.

Had she still been his wife, he'd have ordered her to surrender it.

Without it, he might have stood back and watched her burn.