Chapter 106

Alexander and Evelyn exchanged glances as their father ended the call. Old Master Blackwood had been insistent on contacting William Sterling immediately after Nathan had left the meeting.

Nathan Blackwood scoffed. "There's no need. My family is in chaos right now. I'm not in the mood for drinks."

Old Master Blackwood chuckled. "It's just over a woman. Why let it ruin your mood?"

He leaned forward, his tone shifting. "Actually, I have a favor to ask."

"Chairman Sterling, Kingsley Tech's anniversary gala is coming up. Why don't I invite your entire family? We can discuss matters then."

There was a pause on the other end before William replied, "Very well. I'll see you then."

The moment the call ended, Nathan's eyes darkened with cold fury. "Just wait. I'll make sure those Blackwood snakes regret everything."

Alexander smirked. "I'll spend these next few days restructuring our company shares. We'll weed out the useless directors so Evelyn can take over without interference."

William nodded approvingly. "Good. That'll save us trouble later."

Evelyn sighed dramatically, twirling a strand of her hair. "Oh no, what a tragedy. I might have too much money to spend now. Whatever shall I do?"

William paused, suddenly remembering something. "Speaking of spending, the bank president called me yesterday. Lucas spent $800 million in one afternoon. Not on investments or stocks—just gone. He was worried it might be fraud. What is that boy up to?"

Alexander burst out laughing. "Dad, that was Evelyn's doing."

William exhaled in relief. "Ah, then it's fine."

"If Lucas ever finds out, he'll lose his mind," Evelyn mused.

When Evelyn returned home, her phone buzzed with an unknown number. She ignored it at first, assuming it was spam, but the relentless ringing forced her to answer.

"Evelyn?"

Tristan Whitmore's voice sent a chill down her spine.

She arched a brow. "Mr. Whitmore. To what do I owe this... unpleasant surprise?"

Silence stretched for two seconds before Tristan spoke again, his voice tight. "Evelyn, I didn't take advantage of the situation this time. You can't use me as your scapegoat."

Evelyn let out a mocking laugh. "Oh? So now you're afraid?"

"Mr. Whitmore, have you forgotten how you insulted me that night?"

Tristan's breath hitched, but his pride refused to let him back down completely. "That was a misunderstanding. I've... reflected on it. Just let it go this once."

The panic in his voice was new. Those leaked photos had clearly traumatized him.

Evelyn smirked. "I'll think about it. Don't call me again. Your voice is grating."

She was about to hang up when Tristan suddenly blurted, "Wait! Someone wants to talk to you."

Evelyn froze. Then, a familiar, icy voice cut through the line.

"Evelyn. It's me."

Nathan Blackwood.

Her fingers tightened around the phone. A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

"Mr. Blackwood. Here to warn me too?"

Nathan sounded taken aback. "Did my grandfather contact you?"

"Wasn't this entire mess orchestrated by Chairman Blackwood to teach me a lesson?"

He’s playing dumb.

"Evelyn, just return the pipe. I'll handle the rest."

She forced a laugh, her eyes stinging. "Oh? You'll handle it? How generous."

The line went silent.

"Nathan Blackwood, I know this good cop, bad cop act. Do you think I'm stupid?"

Her voice dripped with venom.

"Your family slings mud at me, twists the truth, and expects me to kneel and beg for forgiveness? And then what? Thank you for your mercy before you stab me in the back?"

Her chest burned.

Three years of love, erased in three days.

She finally saw it clearly—their arrogance, their condescension.

No matter how impressive she became—Vice President of Sterling Corp, surrounded by powerful allies like Alexander and Sebastian Hart—none of it mattered.

To the Blackwoods, she would always be that powerless, gold-digging nobody.

And they would keep crushing her until she broke.

Nathan's voice was strained. "Evelyn, I didn't do this."

"So what? You're still a Blackwood. Does that make you innocent?" Her laugh was hollow. "Do you think every insult hurled at me has nothing to do with you?"

The air grew heavy.

Tristan interjected weakly, "Evelyn, Nathan really didn't—"

"Save it." Her voice cracked. "I'm done."

She hung up.

Tears threatened to fall, but she blinked them away.

Weakness was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

Not anymore.