Chapter 204

Evelyn let out a bitter chuckle. She wasn't sure whether she was laughing at Victoria Ashford's childish behavior or sheer stupidity. Tightening her grip on Isabella's arm, she spun on her heel and strode out of the café.

The afternoon sun bathed Montecito in golden light, the cloudless sky stretching endlessly above them. The weight in Evelyn's chest lifted as she inhaled the crisp air.

Isabella huffed the moment they stepped outside. "Victoria might be a brilliant businesswoman, but she's utterly clueless when it comes to men. No wonder she's still single."

Evelyn smirked. When the Ashford empire had been on the brink of collapse years ago, vultures had circled, hoping to manipulate Victoria into handing over control.

Yet against all odds, the steel-spined heiress had single-handedly saved her family's legacy. In the cutthroat world of business, Victoria was known for her ruthless efficiency - willing to cross any line if it meant securing victory.

No wonder she had so few suitors. Evelyn shook her head with quiet amusement. "I think she's serious about Nathan this time..."

Isabella gave a pitying look. "Sebastian would never go for someone like her. She's wasting her time." Evelyn merely arched a brow. "Don't be so sure."

Before Isabella could ask why, a sleek Range Rover pulled up beside them. The tinted window rolled down to reveal Nathan Blackwood's sculpted features. "Get in," he commanded, his deep voice smooth as aged whiskey.

Evelyn stiffened, deliberately turning away. She grabbed Isabella's hand and started walking in the opposite direction.

"First Victoria, now Nathan," she muttered. "This day just keeps getting better."

"Do you want that land parcel?" Nathan's question stopped her mid-step.

Evelyn turned slowly. "What do you mean?"

Hadn't Kingsley Tech already secured those rights? While she couldn't fathom why they'd overpay for the property, a corporation of their stature surely had plans to recoup their investment.

Nathan's gaze darkened. "Partner with me. If this project succeeds, Sterling Corporation's costs will drop by two-thirds."

Evelyn laughed derisively. Reduced costs meant slimmer profits. A three-way partnership? Clearly Nathan intended to bring Victoria into the fold.

What deal had they struck? The entire situation baffled her. Kingsley Tech had more than enough resources to develop the land independently. Why share the spoils?

She was about to leave when Nathan spoke again. "Evelyn, do you really think I'd go to such lengths just for a piece of dirt?" He gestured toward the horizon. "This parcel is surrounded by research institutes and elite universities."

"Fully developed, this won't just be land - it'll be the heartbeat of Montecito's future." His voice remained cool but carried an undercurrent of intensity. "Within five years, this district will become the city's economic, academic, and technological nucleus."

"Don't you want a seat at that table?" Nathan stepped out of the vehicle, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. Watching the flicker of interest cross her face, he pressed his advantage.

Evelyn clenched her fists, struggling to contain her rising excitement. His vision was compelling - this wasn't just real estate, but the foundation for what could become Montecito's version of Silicon Valley.

The potential profits were staggering. Yet she refused to let dollar signs cloud her judgment.

With deliberate calm, she met his gaze. "Your blueprint is impressive, Mr. Blackwood. But why include me?" Kingsley Tech could easily dominate this venture alone. If successful, Sterling Corporation would pale in comparison.

So why share the glory?