Chapter 326

Harrison followed Nathan to the CEO's office. His skin prickled under Nathan's glacial stare.

"President Blackwood, is this your idea of proper arrangements?" Nathan's voice was razor-sharp, devoid of any warmth.

Harrison swallowed hard. "Sir, for Young Master Adrian's reality show, not only has the Sterling family shown support, but even Old Master Blackwood personally contacted major media outlets—"

Nathan's eyes darkened like storm clouds. "In that case, Kensington Group will be the sole investor. Understood?"

"Absolutely, sir. Consider it done."

Nathan lifted his espresso cup with elegant fingers. "Since we're investing, I'll be making a personal visit. I want to experience this production firsthand."

Harrison's eyebrows shot up. He processed the bombshell in record time. "Of course! You'll appear as a mystery guest. This will generate tremendous buzz for our show."

Nathan gave a satisfied nod. "Dismissed."

Harrison barely exhaled before rushing back in. "Sir—Old Master Blackwood has arrived."

Nathan's jaw tightened imperceptibly. He waved a hand in silent permission.

Sophia Blackwood swept into the office like a hurricane, her designer heels clicking against marble. Margaret trailed behind, lips pursed in disapproval.

"Grandfather. Mother." Nathan's voice remained neutral. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Margaret's manicured fingers clenched. "Your sister's abroad, your father's in Tokyo—and you haven't set foot in Highland Estates in weeks! Are we not permitted to check on you?"

Old Master Blackwood cleared his throat. "We're dining with the Sterlings tonight."

Nathan's espresso cup froze mid-air. "The Sterlings?"

Margaret's gasp was theatrical. "Absolutely not! That Evelyn parades around with a different man every week! I showed you those scandalous photos—"

"Enough!" The old man's cane struck the floor with a crack. Margaret flinched.

Turning to Nathan, his grandfather's voice softened. "Son, we need to solidify things with Evelyn. You nearly started a war with those pirates for her."

Nathan's knuckles whitened around his cup.

"I know your feelings. But does she reciprocate? We lost three cargo ships, and the Sterlings bailed us out. A marriage alliance would benefit both families immensely."

Sophia Blackwood was no fool. He recognized Nathan's obsession with Evelyn Sinclair. With her connections and the Sterling fortune, any sacrifice would be worthwhile.

Nathan exhaled through his nose. "Fine."

Margaret looked ready to combust. "Father! Have you seen Evelyn's social media? The entire internet mocks her escapades! We'll become laughingstocks—"

"Silence!" The old man's roar shook the windows. "Who are you to criticize the Sterling heiress? The Blackwoods are fortunate they're even considering us after what we did!"

Nathan stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows, already calculating how to turn this dinner to his advantage. The game was far from over.