Chapter 14

Vanessa Holloway begged in the car, but Nathan Blackwood felt like a volcano ready to erupt.

Had everything been a lie? Every moment of their three years together?

As Nathan strode down the sidewalk, the chilly wind biting at his skin, a sleek silver Porsche pulled up beside him. The window rolled down to reveal Tristan Whitmore's grinning face. "Get in, man."

Tristan had witnessed the entire scene at the gala. After Nathan stormed out, he'd grown bored and decided to leave too—only to find his friend wandering the streets like some heartbroken protagonist in a bad romance novel.

Nathan slid into the passenger seat and immediately lit a cigarette. The curling smoke reminded him of Evelyn Sinclair's elegant fingers holding her cigarette earlier, and his jaw tightened.

"So," Tristan drawled, "that was Evelyn, huh? What's her deal with Alexander Sterling from New York?"

The question made Nathan's grip tighten on his cigarette. These were exactly the questions he didn't have answers to—and didn't want to think about.

Thank God there hadn't been any reporters at the event. The Blackwood name carried enough weight to prevent private scandals from spreading, but still...

"We all thought you dodged a bullet divorcing that gold-digger," Tristan continued, oblivious to Nathan's darkening mood. "Did you see how she treated Vanessa? And now she's cozying up to Alexander Sterling? I never pegged her for that kind of social climber."

Nathan's knuckles turned white around the cigarette. "Shut up, Tristan."

Tristan raised his hands in surrender. "Just saying—at least she had the decency to sign the papers. Women like her should know their place."

Nathan stubbed out the cigarette violently and tossed it out the window. "Let's get a drink."

"Now you're talking." Tristan grinned and hit the gas.

Nathan needed something—anything—to drown out the storm raging in his chest.

Meanwhile, back at the gala, Evelyn had become the unexpected center of attention. Alexander took the opportunity to formally introduce her as the newly appointed Vice President of Sterling Corporation. The whispers about their relationship grew louder, but neither bothered to address them—they had more important things to focus on.

Before revealing Evelyn's true identity as the Sterling heiress, she needed to prove herself capable. Alexander had already assigned his most trusted assistant, Bennett, to support her. He'd also carved out time in his packed schedule for private mentoring sessions, which meant Evelyn now spent two extra hours in his office every evening.

"Honestly," Alexander teased as he caught her lounging in his office chair, "if you keep this up, I'll have Father personally oversee your training."

Evelyn bolted upright. "You wouldn't dare."

Alexander chuckled. "Kingsley Tech's anniversary is in two days. They're offering a major project—consider it your first test."

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with determination. "Consider it done."

"Don't get cocky. Every major company will be fighting for this contract. I'll be overseas during the negotiations, but Lucas should be back by then."

"Lucas is coming home?" Evelyn's face lit up. She hadn't seen her youngest brother in months—not since catching his latest blockbuster.

Alexander checked his watch. "Come on, let's get dinner."

But the moment they stepped into the upscale restaurant, Evelyn's smile vanished. Of all the places in San Francisco...

Margaret and Sophia Blackwood sat at a prime table near the window.

"Manager!" Sophia's shrill voice cut through the elegant ambiance. "Does this establishment allow just anyone to waltz in?" Her venomous gaze locked onto Evelyn.