Chapter 205

Nathan's dark brows furrowed deeply. His stormy gray eyes held depths as unfathomable as the midnight sea. A tense silence stretched between them as his gaze locked onto Evelyn.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. After what felt like an eternity, Evelyn finally broke eye contact, her expression carefully schooled into neutrality.

This deal was practically a guaranteed success. Unlike Kingsley Tech's risky AI venture, this project carried minimal risk. So why? Evelyn couldn't comprehend Nathan's sudden generosity. The man hesitated, his jaw tightening.

"There's no particular reason," Nathan finally said, his voice carefully controlled. "The choice is entirely yours." His words sent an inexplicable chill down Evelyn's spine.

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "Mr. Blackwood," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "is this your way of easing your conscience after our divorce?" She could think of no other explanation.

Evelyn's words hung between them like a challenge. If Nathan dared confirm her suspicion, she wouldn't hesitate to slap that arrogant face of his. Would Nathan Blackwood extend such courtesy to any ordinary woman? Was this his twisted way of making amends? Offering billions in profits to soothe his guilty conscience?

How utterly pathetic.

Isabella Montgomery, sensing the escalating tension, suddenly grabbed Evelyn's wrist. "Mr. Blackwood," she interjected smoothly, "surely there's no rush for an answer? For all we know, this could be some elaborate trap of yours." She flashed a diplomatic smile. "Why don't we let Evelyn consult with her board first?"

Evelyn shot her friend a questioning look, to which Isabella responded with a subtle wink. To everyone's surprise, Nathan simply nodded in agreement.

Once safely in the car, Evelyn turned to her friend. "Why did you stop me from getting an answer?"

Isabella rolled her eyes dramatically. "Do you honestly believe Nathan Blackwood would set up some childish trap for you?" When Evelyn remained silent, she pressed on. "Exactly. So why reject what's essentially free money?"

Evelyn's frown deepened. She cared about Nathan's motives. If this was indeed some sort of guilt offering, she wanted no part of it. Isabella sighed, reading her friend's thoughts effortlessly.

"Evie," she said gently, "why does his reason matter so much to you?" The unspoken question hung heavy between them: Had Evelyn truly moved on?

The question hit Evelyn like a bucket of ice water, shocking her back to reality.

"Whether it's compensation or not," Isabella continued pragmatically, "this is a golden opportunity literally falling into your lap. You're not stealing or doing anything unethical. Why on earth would you say no?"

Evelyn blinked, then burst into sudden laughter. "You mercenary little witch!" But she couldn't deny the logic in Isabella's words. What had she been thinking, nearly rejecting such an opportunity?

"Since taking over Sterling Corp," Isabella declared proudly, "I've learned never to let good opportunities slip away." She grinned triumphantly.

"You're absolutely right," Evelyn agreed, a new determination shining in her eyes. "If Nathan wants to throw money at me to ease his conscience, who am I to stop him?" It wasn't as if Sterling Corp wouldn't hold up their end of the bargain.

Though her decision was made, Evelyn chose not to respond immediately. Timing was everything. Later that evening, fresh from her shower, Evelyn's phone rang. The caller ID showed Sebastian Hart.

"Evie!" Sebastian's voice crackled with outrage through the phone. "How could you hand that precious land over to that bastard Nathan Blackwood?!"