Chapter 180

Blackwood Enterprises.

Nathan Blackwood stared at the trending gossip online, his brows knitted tightly together.

Even Harrison hadn't anticipated this twist.

Logically, Nathan should have been pleased—one less rival in the game. Yet, Harrison detected no trace of satisfaction on his boss's face.

"Mr. Blackwood?"

Nathan's expression darkened.

"I should have seen this coming. Lucas never had any scandals in the entertainment industry before. The only person he ever showed public affection toward was Evelyn."

His lips curled into a bitter smirk.

"Turns out Lucas is also William Sterling's son. If Evelyn and I hadn't divorced, he would've been my brother-in-law. What a surprise."

The realization eased some of the tension in his chest.

But then he remembered how coldly he had treated Lucas yesterday.

A pang of regret struck him.

If Harrison could read Nathan's thoughts, he would have choked on his coffee.

Nathan's voice dropped to an icy timbre. "What else?"

"Reginald Sinclair, Chairman of Sinclair Group, is here to see you. He says it's urgent."

"Let him in."

Harrison nodded and stepped out to escort the visitor in.

Despite being older than Nathan, Reginald Sinclair carried himself with cautious deference in the younger man's presence.

"Nathan, I came to discuss the Pacific Heights Project. Have you reconsidered?"

Securing that project would guarantee Sinclair Group's profits for an entire year.

Nathan remained impassive. "I've done my research. Sterling Corporation has been eyeing it for months."

A sly smile spread across Reginald's face as he adjusted his tie.

"Nathan, if you're willing to collaborate, I can guarantee we'll secure it. Consider it done. You won’t need to lift a finger."

Nathan's gaze sharpened. "Where does this confidence come from, Mr. Sinclair?"

Reginald hesitated. Clearly, Nathan wouldn’t bite without proof.

"I approached Maxwell Thornton, the developer behind this project. Sterling Corporation has been working with him, but I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse."

His eyes gleamed with triumph.

"Once Thornton pulls out, Sterling Corporation will have no choice but to abandon the project—or sell it at a loss."

He leaned forward, voice dripping with persuasion.

"Alexander Sterling is overseas. A woman like Evelyn won’t be able to hold Sterling Corporation together. This is your chance to strike back."

His tone turned venomous.

"Don’t forget how merciless she was when she dismantled your family’s reputation. Now’s the time to reclaim what’s yours."

The air around Nathan turned glacial.

Mistaking his silence for consideration, Reginald pressed on.

"If our companies join forces, no one else stands a chance."

He smirked.

"I believe Old Master Blackwood has already mentioned the marriage alliance—"

"Mr. Sinclair."

Nathan's voice cut through like a blade.

Reginald froze.

"You should know by now that whatever Old Master Blackwood says holds no weight with me."

The sheer disdain in Nathan's tone sent a chill down Reginald’s spine.

The ruthless authority in Nathan’s gaze left no room for argument. The fact that he openly dismissed his own grandfather’s influence in front of Reginald spoke volumes.

"The Blackwood family doesn’t need marriage alliances to survive."

Nathan’s words were laced with ice.

"I married Evelyn when she had nothing. The next matron of the Blackwood family will be whomever I choose."

His lips curled in contempt.

"And it will never be Penelope Sinclair."

Each syllable was a death knell to Reginald’s ambitions.

Old Master Blackwood had praised Penelope multiple times in Reginald’s presence, leading him to believe the alliance was all but guaranteed.

Now, Nathan had shattered that illusion with brutal clarity.

"Blackwood Enterprises will not be involved in the Pacific Heights Project. Proceed with your plans without us."

Nathan’s dismissal was final.

Reginald had expected to leave with a deal. Instead, he walked out empty-handed.

"Mr. Sinclair, this way." Harrison gestured politely.

Reginald’s face was taut with barely concealed frustration.

The moment he stepped outside, his phone rang.

"Dad!" Penelope’s panicked voice crackled through. "Sterling Corporation is suing me! You have to help—!"