Chapter 325
Nathan Blackwood let out a mocking chuckle. Ethan Caldwell had just been dumped by his girlfriend who had also drained his bank accounts.
The woman had even cheated on him with a wealthy tycoon. That's why he claimed she was dead - the betrayal still burned fresh in his memory. Evelyn Sinclair could only shake her head in disbelief. How ruthless! The Kensington Group.
Inside the boardroom, executives trembled as department heads delivered their reports. Everyone feared displeasing President Blackwood and becoming his next example.
The atmosphere grew heavier with each presentation. When the Investment Department's turn came, their newly promoted director, Henry Yates, stepped forward with confidence.
Henry had yet to prove himself in this position. To secure his role, he needed to impress the formidable Nathan Blackwood.
Clearing his throat, Henry began with enthusiasm. "President Blackwood, our team has been analyzing entertainment industry trends, particularly reality shows."
"While the market is saturated with similar formats, we believe groundbreaking innovation could capture audiences' hearts."
Nathan's expression remained impassive. "What exactly do you propose?" His voice carried an edge that made others shift uncomfortably.
Henry eagerly inserted a flash drive and projected his findings. "This inspiration came from your nephew, Adrian. He's truly a credit to your family."
"The program has gained tremendous popularity recently. Adrian's charm, intelligence and bravery make him perfect for this concept." With a click, footage of Evelyn and Ethan parasailing filled the screen.
The speedboat sliced through turquoise waters, launching the parasail skyward. High above, Ethan steadied Evelyn in his arms as the drone camera zoomed in. Evelyn's radiant smile dominated the frame while enthusiastic comments flooded the screen:
[Relationship goals!]
[They look perfect together!]
[This is true love!]
"President, we could either license this format or develop something similar for our network," Henry concluded proudly.
Silence swallowed the room. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees as Henry continued praising Adrian and the show's potential.
He assumed complimenting Nathan's nephew would please the notoriously difficult executive.
Nathan's gaze remained locked on the screen, his expression darkening by the second. His jaw tightened visibly, the air around him crackling with restrained fury.
Why were viewers calling Evelyn and Ethan a perfect match? What nonsense! Were they all blind?
Harrison, Nathan's assistant, watched Henry's enthusiastic presentation with growing horror. As the video played, his expression turned increasingly pained.
He wanted to intervene but one look at Nathan's stormy countenance silenced him. This was going very, very badly.
Harrison shot Henry a pitying glance. The poor man had only held his position for weeks, yet now stood on career thin ice.
Henry finished his pitch and turned expectantly to Nathan, convinced his proposal would succeed. After all, who wouldn't invest in family?
The room held its breath. Nathan's glacial stare could have frozen lava.
Henry's confident smile faltered. Confused, he glanced at Harrison who only offered a sympathetic shrug.
Before Henry could attempt damage control, Nathan stood abruptly. "Meeting adjourned." His clipped words hung in the air as he strode from the room without another glance.