Chapter 70
The admiration on Bianca’s face vanished in an instant.
“I can’t be completely certain, but I’m at least eighty to ninety percent sure,” Tristan continued, his tone casual. “I never mentioned it before because we were on decent terms. Besides, I figured his achievements might make up for it.”
A cold shiver ran down Bianca’s spine. It took her a moment to steady her trembling hand enough to lift her wine glass to her lips.
“He’s impressive, no doubt, but he has a major flaw. You shouldn’t idolize someone like him. If you married him, I’d fear for your safety,” Tristan remarked coolly as he sliced into his steak.
“He must have had a reason… I refuse to believe he’s a bad person,” Bianca murmured after a long pause. “I’ve spent years by his side—I know him better than anyone.”
Tristan chuckled at his sister’s naivety.
“Remember that serial killer caught last year? He evaded justice for over a decade. All his coworkers swore he was the kindest, most hardworking man they knew.”
“Enough, Tristan Chamberlain!” Bianca snapped. “I can form my own opinions. Stay out of it!”
“I knew you’d react like this—that’s exactly why I kept quiet all these years,” Tristan said with an innocent shrug. “Fine, cling to your illusions. When you finally wake up, the family will welcome you back with open arms.”
“I don’t need your charity. I have my own assets.”
“Ah, so Dominic Blackwood pays you well,” Tristan teased.
As the Chamberlain heir, Tristan had never needed to worry about money, but Bianca had built her own fortune after leaving home.
“Regardless of anything else, he’s an incredible boss. Even if he’ll never be mine, I’ll stay by his side,” Bianca declared before raising her glass. “Good luck pursuing Evelyn Thorne. You’ve never failed before—let’s see if that streak holds.”
“It will,” Tristan said smugly, clinking his glass against hers.
A week later, Lucas strode into Dominic’s office at Blackwood Group, eager to share the latest gossip about Veritas Capital.
“So, Tristan Chamberlain is interested in investing in Thornfield Industries, right? Rumor has it Evelyn hasn’t given him a definitive answer yet,” Lucas said with a grin. “And apparently, he’s been relentless—dinner invitations, hiking trips, even an art gallery visit. He’s pulling out all the stops, but Evelyn’s been brushing him off.”
“Mr. Chamberlain’s finally met his match!” Nathan chimed in. “The man’s a professional charmer. Every ex still adores him. Who would’ve thought Miss Thorne would be immune?”
Dominic’s expression darkened. He didn’t find this amusing in the slightest.
The idea of Tristan Chamberlain pursuing his wife under the guise of “business” was infuriating—disrespectful, shameless, and utterly unacceptable.
“She hasn’t left the house in a week,” Dominic said tersely. “Her face was injured.”
Lucas and Nathan exchanged startled glances.
“How did that happen?”
After a tense pause, Dominic muttered, “My mother struck her.”
“What? Because of the situation with Julian?”
“Yes.” Dominic set his coffee down, his jaw tight. “She hasn’t spoken to me since.”
“Did you at least try to comfort her afterward?” Lucas pressed.
Dominic shook his head.
“No gifts? No apologies?” Nathan added.
Another silent denial.
Both men exhaled sharply.
No wonder Evelyn had been ignoring him.
“She wants a divorce,” Dominic said bitterly. “If I ask what she needs, she’ll say divorce papers. If I try to make amends, she’ll accuse me of faking concern.”
He was paralyzed—every move he made only pushed her further away.
Lucas and Nathan exchanged a sympathetic look.
Dominic outshone Tristan Chamberlain in every way, yet his love life was a disaster.
Experience mattered. Some things only got easier with practice.