Chapter 73

The game was far from over.

Gregory Thornton's expression brightened at Evelyn's words. Just as he was about to respond, she added, "He really isn't worth my time. Worrying over every little thing from unimportant people would be exhausting."

Dylan Reeves' face darkened instantly. Unimportant?

Gregory's jaw tightened, but he suppressed his irritation, remembering their purpose for being there. He turned to Olivia Sinclair with a hopeful smile. "Mrs. Sinclair, since Mrs. Black holds no grudge against Dylan, perhaps we can discuss reviving our business partnership?"

"Mr. Thornton," Olivia replied coolly, "Evelyn's forgiveness comes from her kindness, not because this matter should be overlooked. Your son accused her of seducing a married man without proof! If we ignore this, others might think it's acceptable to disrespect her."

Her gaze hardened as she continued, "As for your proposal, consider it rejected."

The shock on Gregory and Dylan's faces was immediate. Before Gregory could respond, Serena Cole, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.

"Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Black, please accept my apology as well. I share responsibility in this matter. Could you show some leniency toward the Thorntons? I'm willing to take full accountability."

Her voice was soft but firm.

Olivia almost laughed. She looked at Serena with disdain. "You? I doubt you have any right to ask for leniency. Miss Cole, there’s one simple thing you can do—stay away from Evelyn’s husband. As we’ve established, Nathan is married. Your closeness to him might give people the wrong idea. Wouldn’t that be… inappropriate?"

She threw Dylan’s earlier accusation back at Serena with a smirk.

Serena’s expression froze. Dylan, visibly agitated, cut in, "Mrs. Sinclair, you don’t understand the full story! Nathan and Serena were once deeply in love! If not for—"

"Once being the key word," Olivia interrupted sharply. "Why dwell on the past?"

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh. She tilted her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Even if they were together, that’s long over. Now, Nathan is married. Yet, Miss Cole called him late last night, asking him to come over. Doesn’t that seem… questionable?"

Olivia’s eyes widened in shock. "What? Evelyn, did that really happen?"

Not just Olivia, but Gregory and Dylan also looked stunned. Dylan shot Serena a glance, his expression resigned. He knew exactly why she had done it.

With a sharp bang, Olivia slammed her palm on the coffee table, fury flashing in her eyes. "This is completely unacceptable!" She turned to Gregory, her voice icy. "Mr. Thornton, you need to control your son and niece better. As for any business between our families—forget it."

"Mrs. Sinclair, I just wanted to—"

But Olivia had already dismissed him with a wave of her hand.