Chapter 87

Nathan watched as Theodore walked away, exhaling a weary sigh. He was certain Theodore had already guessed who tomorrow night's special guest would be.

At the Velvet Lounge, Evelyn's mood was dark enough to summon Natalie for drinks.

Natalie, having heard about yesterday's events and today's tense conversation with Grace, clenched her fists in silent fury. "I'll never understand your mother's logic," she muttered, shaking her head. "She clearly loves you, but some of her choices cut deeper than any knife. A mother's support should be unconditional—just her faith in you should be enough. No grand speeches needed. And yet..."

Her voice dropped, laced with frustration. "Maybe she's just too afraid of facing Victor or Diana. But by backing down, she's dragging you down with her."

Evelyn stayed quiet, swirling her drink absently, lost in thought.

Minutes ticked by before she finally lifted her gaze, her eyes distant.

Natalie's chest tightened at the sight. She opened her mouth to offer comfort when Evelyn suddenly met her eyes.

"Natalie, sometimes I don’t know how to navigate my own mother," Evelyn admitted, her tone edged with bitter amusement. "She should be my safe haven, but instead, she suffocates me. And yet... she’s still my mother. I can brush off my father’s indifference, but with her? It’s different."

Natalie squeezed Evelyn’s shoulder gently. "She does love you. She just... apologizes with silence instead of words."

Evelyn’s lashes fluttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "The worst part? She doesn’t believe me. She chose Lila’s side—twice. That’s what breaks me."

Natalie sighed. "Lila’s a master manipulator. Even you were fooled once. Your mother just can’t see past her act. She thinks Lila would never hurt you intentionally."

A hollow smile touched Evelyn’s lips. "It all comes down to trust. And she doesn’t have enough in me."

Natalie had no rebuttal. The truth was too heavy to deny.

With a quiet clink, she raised her glass. "Tonight, we drink until the world makes sense again."

Evelyn chuckled, tapping her glass against Natalie’s. "Let’s not overdo it. Work tomorrow."

They both laughed, the sound a brief respite from the storm.

Upstairs, in a shadowed booth...

Theodore, freshly returned from a business trip, had arranged to meet Nathan and a few others. For now, it was just the two of them—Dylan and the rest hadn’t arrived yet.

Theodore studied Nathan over the rim of his glass. "Dylan told me about Evelyn’s situation."

Nathan’s expression flickered, but he said nothing, taking a slow sip of his whiskey instead.