Chapter 138
Evelyn Sinclair didn't so much as glance in Nathan Blackwood's direction.
Not only did she refuse to acknowledge him, she walked straight past him into Kingsley Tech's lobby with her designer bag clutched tightly in hand.
Every inch of her - from her stiletto heels to the way she tossed her hair - radiated deliberate indifference toward Nathan.
The security guard immediately sprang to open the glass doors for her.
"Thank you," she murmured politely before striding inside without hesitation.
Nathan's brow furrowed as he watched her. Her blatant disregard made his chest constrict painfully.
She truly doesn't give a damn about me anymore. I can't read her at all. The realization hit him like a physical blow.
As Nathan approached the entrance, a swarm of reporters suddenly materialized from the side of the building.
Dozens of journalists surrounded him, cameras flashing, microphones thrust forward aggressively.
"Mr. Blackwood, is it true you're planning to marry Vanessa Holloway this year?"
"Do you actually have feelings for your mistress?"
"How many women are you currently seeing, Mr. Blackwood?"
"Will the Blackwood family accept a homewrecker as your bride?"
"Why did you purchase trending topics to slander Ms. Sinclair? Don't you owe her an apology?"
Nathan's expression darkened dangerously as he stood frozen in place.
His piercing glare locked onto the most vocal reporter in front.
The man immediately shrank back under the intensity of that stare.
The chaotic scene continued as reporters shouted over each other.
Kingsley Tech's security team quickly intervened, creating a path through the media frenzy.
Nathan didn't move. His voice cut through the noise like ice. "If any of you dare approach me again, I'll ensure you never work in this industry again." His threats were never empty.
An eerie silence fell over the crowd. No one dared breathe too loudly, exchanging nervous glances. Even the reporter who'd accepted Lucas Sterling's bribe kept his mouth shut.
Up on the second-floor balcony, Evelyn leaned casually against the railing, observing the scene below. Nathan's reaction was predictable - always so composed, always so intimidating.
That overwhelming presence was exactly what made him such a formidable CEO.
The man could shake all of New York with a single step.
Evelyn's lips twisted downward.
No matter how much Nathan doted on Vanessa Holloway, the woman would always be branded a homewrecker.
And Evelyn had prepared a special surprise for her.
Nathan's gaze suddenly lifted, locking onto Evelyn's position. Their eyes met across the crowded lobby, an electric current passing between them.
Evelyn's frown transformed into a smirk. She raised one perfectly arched brow in undisguised amusement. Enjoying the show?
Nathan's dark eyes burned into hers. Evelyn straightened, clicking her heels against the marble floor. She silently mouthed three words before turning away.
No one else seemed to notice.
The reporters were finally ejected, restoring calm to the entrance.
Dominic Kingsley emerged from his office to greet them.
Nathan remained rooted in place, still processing what he'd seen.
She'd clearly mouthed: "Karma's a bitch."
Evelyn disappeared into the conference room. Nathan eventually followed.
Once seated across from each other, the project manager began presenting updates.
When the presentation concluded, Dominic Kingsley cleared his throat.
"With the preliminary phase wrapping up, we should discuss the pilot location. Urban setting or suburban? I'd like your thoughts."
"The suburbs," Nathan stated firmly. "AI technology still needs refinement. An accident would be easier to contain outside city limits."
Evelyn cut in sharply. "If the AI is meant for urban implementation, testing in an unfamiliar environment defeats the purpose."
"You seem determined to oppose me at every turn," Nathan observed dryly.
Why else would she consistently challenge his suggestions?
Evelyn gave a derisive laugh, meeting his gaze with icy detachment. "Mr. Blackwood, you can drop the 'seem to be.'"