Chapter 300

Nathan's gaze flashed with dangerous intensity, a momentary glimpse of steel beneath his usual aristocratic composure. The raw dominance in his eyes eclipsed all other emotions.

This was the true Nathan Blackwood - ruthless, unyielding, and utterly in control. As he released Evelyn's wrist, the Sterling family butler appeared at the worst possible moment.

"Miss Sinclair! Mr. Blackwood!" Archibald's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Nathan's expression smoothed into perfect neutrality, while Evelyn's face betrayed her agitation.

Her complexion had paled, lips pressed into a thin line of barely contained fury. The tension between them was palpable enough to make the butler hesitate.

Noticing Nathan's jacket draped over Evelyn's shoulders, Archibald quickly produced the cashmere wrap he'd brought. "Miss, your father is expecting you in the study."

Evelyn inhaled sharply. She shoved Nathan away with enough force to make him stagger back, then tore off his jacket and flung it at his chest.

Snatching the wrap from Archibald, she wrapped it around herself with jerky movements. One last scathing look at Nathan, and she stormed off without a backward glance.

That two-faced bastard! Playing the perfect gentleman all evening only to show his true colors at the last moment. Threatening me? Going after Adrian? He's nothing but a cowardly bully!

Archibald hurried after her, casting nervous glances back at Nathan.

Nathan watched Evelyn's retreating figure, the sharp angles of her shoulders telegraphing her rage. His own anger dissipated, replaced by something more complicated.

Had he gone too far?

Pulling out his phone, he dialed Harrison. "Shut down Adrian's studio. Transfer him to our Seattle branch immediately."

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood."

Evelyn returned to Sterling Manor in a foul mood. William had come home early to discuss business matters with Alexander in the study.

Lucas was attempting to bathe Leo in the sunroom, much to the AI tiger's vocal displeasure.

"You're back already?" Lucas looked up in surprise as Evelyn slammed the front door.

The commotion brought William and Alexander downstairs. William's expression softened when he saw his daughter. "Didn't enjoy the party?"

Seeing her family, some of Evelyn's tension eased. "Dad, Alex... We need to send the Blackwoods an appropriately extravagant thank-you gift for saving my life."

Her voice dripped sarcasm. "Otherwise Nathan might accuse us of being ungrateful. Wouldn't want him using that as leverage, would we?"

William exchanged a glance with Alexander. "Your father and I were just discussing that. We've reached out several times, but Nathan keeps refusing monetary compensation."

His lips quirked. "Seems money can't solve this particular debt."

Evelyn's jaw clenched.

If not for Donovan's interference, that bastard would never have gotten close enough to play the hero! "Then what does he want?" Lucas asked absently, toweling off a sulking Leo.

Alexander's smile turned wry. "Isn't it obvious? Marriage would be the most advantageous solution. Nathan Blackwood doesn't let opportunities like this slip through his fingers."

He gestured around the lavish manor. "All this means nothing compared to what he really wants - you."

Evelyn stiffened.

Nathan's behavior tonight had made his intentions painfully clear.

The remorse, the marriage proposal - all empty gestures that meant nothing to her. Whether he was sincere changed nothing.

"You think saving my life entitles him to my feelings?" The words tasted bitter.

William shot Lucas a warning look before comforting Evelyn. "Don't worry, sweetheart. The Sterling family doesn't need marriage alliances to survive."

"If he won't take money, we have nothing else to offer. Let him keep waiting." He squeezed her shoulder. "I'd never force you to marry that man again."

Lucas quickly backtracked. "I'm on your side! Evie can marry anyone except Nathan Blackwood! That bastard belongs on our family's permanent blacklist!"

Evelyn stood abruptly. "He can try all the blackmail he wants. Worst case scenario, I'll just deny he saved me at all."

The Sterling men exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Some battles required unconventional tactics.