Chapter 301

Evelyn Sinclair finally understood the situation, and a weight lifted from her shoulders.

The clock showed nearly 11:00 pm. She drew a steaming bubble bath, applied a revitalizing face mask, and prepared for bed.

Her phone buzzed with a new notification. A friend request with a painfully familiar black-and-white profile picture - Nathan Blackwood.

The attached message read: "Let's reconnect." Evelyn's lips curled in a humorless smile.

This man had just threatened her hours ago, demanding she stay away from Adrian. Now he had the audacity to send a friend request?

Her finger hovered for only a second before rejecting it without hesitation.

Exhaustion finally claimed her. She powered off her phone and surrendered to sleep. Across town, Nathan stared at his screen where the notification glared back: "Friend request declined."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Damn it, I pushed too hard." All night's efforts had backfired spectacularly. The frustration gnawed at him like a physical pain, leaving him staring at the ceiling until dawn.

The night stretched endlessly - peaceful for some, torturous for others.

Morning arrived at Blackwood Enterprises.

Harrison knocked tentatively before entering. He approached his boss with caution; Nathan's mood had been volcanic lately. One look confirmed today was no exception.

Clearly, things hadn't gone well with Evelyn Sinclair.

"Sir," Harrison began carefully, "the $100 million for the von Strauss painting has been transferred to Ms. Sinclair's assistant, Bennett."

Nathan barely acknowledged with a grunt. Harrison continued his report. "We've also frozen all funding to Young Master Adrian's production studio."

"Every one of his current projects has been pulled from distribution. The three upcoming collaborations? I've personally contacted the partners to terminate their contracts."

"By noon, his studio will be insolvent." For the Blackwood empire, crushing a fledgling production company required less effort than snapping fingers.

Adrian had chosen this path - the rebellious heir pursuing artistic dreams against family wishes. Building his studio from scratch had been his pride. Now? Reduced to ashes in hours.

Nathan checked his watch impatiently. Noon felt too generous. His phone vibrated - Adrian calling. He rejected it without blinking.

The phone rang again. And again. With each ignored call, Nathan's expression darkened further until he finally blocked the number entirely.

Harrison's phone lit up next. Adrian's name flashed on the screen. He glanced nervously at Nathan before silencing it.

"Get out," Nathan ordered. Harrison practically fled the office. Then the landline rang - the private line reserved for one caller.

Nathan hesitated before answering. "Grandfather."

"I hear you've dismantled Adrian's little venture?" The elder Blackwood's voice carried through the receiver.

Nathan loosened his tie. "I'm transferring him to manage our Pacific division. No more of this reckless filmmaking nonsense."

"As a Blackwood, he'll learn responsibility." The old man hummed approvingly. "Quite right."

"Grandfather! Don't side with him!" Adrian's indignant voice crackled through the speaker as he snatched the phone. "Uncle Nathan's destroying me! You canceled all my contracts? I'm drowning in debt!"

Nathan didn't hang up. His glacial stare could have frozen hell over. When he spoke, each word carried lethal precision.

"This is what happens when you covet what isn't yours."

Blood relation meant nothing when crossed. With that final warning, Nathan ended the call.