Chapter 275

The spotlight loved Eric Montclair.

Whenever he stepped on stage, his mere presence could captivate thousands.

That night, Evelyn Thorne drove Wesley Ashford to the venue Nathan Cross had mentioned.

They exited the car outside the Oceanview Grand Hotel.

"Wesley, everyone here tonight is either my friend or Nathan's, so don't feel restrained," Evelyn said with a bright smile. "We're celebrating Sebastian Whitmore's arrest. It's been weighing on me for ages."

"I know. You've mentioned it before." Wesley studied her face. "You're glowing today."

They entered the grand event hall as directed. The moment they stepped inside, Evelyn's smile vanished.

"What the—? Why are there so many unfamiliar faces? Did we get the wrong hall?" Her gaze landed on Nathan's unmistakable golden hair.

Spotting her, Nathan hurried over. "Evelyn! You made it! And Wesley!"

Evelyn yanked Nathan outside. "Explain."

"Well... When I invited Lucas, he mentioned Blackwood Group was hosting their corporate event here tonight. He suggested we merge gatherings... Save costs, right?" Nathan's eyes gleamed with mischief.

Evelyn's temper flared. "I'm in a celebratory mood, and you think I'd cheap out on food?"

"Relax, Dominic never attends these things," Nathan assured. "Blackwood Group holds biweekly gatherings—he can't possibly show up every time. Lucas swore Dominic only appears for special occasions... and tonight's just routine! I guarantee it!"

Nathan placed a dramatic hand over his heart.

Just then, polished leather shoes clicked against marble. Evelyn turned to see Dominic Blackwood approaching, dressed in his signature black.

She immediately smacked Nathan's arm.

Nathan inhaled sharply. "What now? Our guests are already inside... We can't exactly kick them out."

Dominic stopped before them, his stormy eyes locking onto Evelyn. "Congratulations."

She glared.

"...On securing three hundred million," he added smoothly.

Evelyn arched a brow. "I thought you avoided company mixers."

"I attend when it suits me. No fixed rules," he countered, then smirked. "Drinking tonight?"

"I drink when I please. No fixed rules," she shot back.

Dominic's lips quirked before he strode past them into the hall.

Nathan pulled Evelyn along. "We're staying. Leaving now would look like we're scared of him!" He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "We'll feast on their dime—order the priciest wines!"

Evelyn scoffed. "Have you no shame?"

Nathan flashed his most charming grin. "He's not my ex-husband. The embarrassment's all yours."

Evelyn vowed never to organize another gathering.

Then she noticed Wesley's absence. "Where's Wesley?"

The question hung in the air as her gaze swept the crowded hall.