Chapter 172

If Evelyn Sinclair had ever considered a marriage of convenience, she wouldn't have hidden her true identity all these years. What she sought was far more than just a contractual union.

Old Master Blackwood scoffed bitterly. "Would you stand by and watch her marry someone else? Think of what our family stands to lose!" His wrinkled fingers tightened around his cane. "There's no better match for Evelyn than you, Nathan."

No matter who Evelyn chose in the future, the Blackwood name would become a laughingstock. The damage to their reputation would be irreparable.

Though Old Master Blackwood didn't particularly like Evelyn, he couldn't ignore the immense power and influence of the Sterling family behind her.

Nathan's expression darkened at his grandfather's words. The mere thought of Evelyn with another man made his jaw clench involuntarily. He'd never allowed himself to consider that possibility.

Even with countless suitors surrounding Evelyn, Nathan had always assumed she wouldn't seriously entertain any of them. But what if she did? The thought sent an unfamiliar pang through his chest.

"Unacceptable," Nathan growled through gritted teeth.

Old Master Blackwood studied his grandson with piercing eyes. "If Evelyn refuses to reconcile with you, we must arrange another advantageous marriage. Someone from a family that can rival the Sterlings."

Only then could they counter the Sterling family's growing influence. Nathan's entire body tensed, his knuckles turning white with suppressed anger.

The suggestion filled him with visceral disgust. His gaze turned glacial as he met his grandfather's stare. "I don't need an arranged marriage."

"This isn't your decision to make—"

"I'll handle my affairs with the Sterlings myself." Nathan cut him off sharply, already turning toward the door. His relationship with Evelyn was complicated enough without introducing another woman into the mix.

Sophia Blackwood waited downstairs, anticipating fireworks. But after the initial sound of shattering glass, the study had fallen eerily quiet.

She jumped when Nathan suddenly appeared at the staircase. "Brother! That witch Evelyn is nothing but trouble," Sophia blurted. "She's the reason grandfather's angry, isn't she? You shouldn't—"

Nathan's dangerous glare silenced her mid-sentence. "How many times must I warn you, Sophia? Stay away from Evelyn." His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Apparently my warnings mean nothing to you."

Sophia paled, shrinking back against the wall. "I-I didn't—"

"Did you ever apologize like I ordered?" Nathan's question hung in the air like a guillotine.

Sophia's mouth opened and closed soundlessly.

One last withering look from Nathan sealed her fate. "One more transgression against Evelyn, and you'll find yourself disowned." The threat left no room for negotiation.

As Nathan strode out of Aspen Lodge, Sophia remained frozen, a cold sweat breaking across her brow.

Inside his car, Nathan replayed his grandfather's words. The image of Evelyn in another man's arms made his stomach churn. An invisible weight pressed against his chest, making each breath feel labored.

Before he realized what he was doing, his fingers had dialed Evelyn's number. The word "Wife" still displayed on his screen—a relic from happier times. To his relief, the call connected. She hadn't blocked him again.

That small mercy eased some of the tension in his shoulders.

Evelyn answered after three rings, her voice thick with sleep. "Hello?"

No trace of their usual animosity colored her tone. For a fleeting moment, it felt like old times.

"It's me," Nathan said quietly.

The change was instantaneous. Evelyn's voice turned to ice. "Have you calculated the repair costs? Just tell me how much I owe you." Her eagerness to sever all ties cut deeper than he expected.

Nathan's grip tightened on the phone. "Wrong number," he lied smoothly. "My apologies."

He heard her sharp intake of breath before she hissed, "You absolute lunatic!" The line went dead.

Nathan stared at his phone, an unexpected chuckle escaping his lips. Only Evelyn could hang up on him and leave him smiling.

The mighty CEO of Blackwood Corporation, reduced to finding amusement in being dismissed by a woman. The business world would never believe it.