Chapter 327

Margaret Blackwood froze when Nathan's grandfather reprimanded her. Her position in the family had always been precarious.

Ever since that incident where she'd helped Sophia steal the old man's emerald pipe, Margaret had lived in constant dread of being cast out.

With Sophia's whereabouts unknown, Margaret didn't even have anyone to confide in anymore.

When the elder Blackwood scolded her, Nathan simply stood there, watching coldly without uttering a word. His icy gaze made her skin crawl, fueling her resentment toward Evelyn Sinclair.

Nathan turned to his assistant, Harrison. "Escort Mrs. Blackwood back to Aspen Lodge. She won't be joining us for dinner tonight."

Margaret stiffened. Old Master Blackwood nodded in agreement. "Good. We can't afford any missteps in mending relations with the Sterling family tonight."

Neither of them cared for her opinion. Margaret seethed at Nathan's dismissive attitude. By the time she left, her expression was stormy.

The dinner was held in an exclusive private dining room, attended only by the Sterlings and the Blackwoods. William Sterling arrived with his son Alexander and daughter Evelyn.

Nathan and his grandfather had just taken their seats when the Sterlings entered. The occasion wasn't overly formal, so Evelyn had opted for a sleek gray-blue gown paired with Manolo Blahniks.

Her effortless elegance carried a hint of playful charm.

William and Old Master Blackwood exchanged pleasantries, carefully avoiding personal matters and sticking to business discussions.

Despite the polite atmosphere, tension hummed beneath the surface. Evelyn could feel a pair of eyes burning into her from across the table.

It was infuriating. When that intense gaze landed on her again, she couldn't take it anymore.

She lifted her head abruptly and met Nathan's stare head-on. He blinked, momentarily startled, before his lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. Evelyn clenched her jaw but refused to look away.

What game was Nathan Blackwood playing in front of their families? She hadn’t wanted to come at all, but William had reminded her that Nathan had saved her life. The least she could do was stay for a while before excusing herself.

Noticing the time, William gave Evelyn a subtle signal.

"Actually," he began smoothly, "Evelyn and I are deeply grateful for the Blackwood family's assistance. Beyond our business collaboration, Evelyn has prepared a small token of appreciation for you, Chairman Blackwood."

Evelyn smiled and retrieved a velvet box from her clutch, handing it to the elder Blackwood. "Chairman, I acquired this from a private collector in France. It was crafted by the same master who made your original emerald pipe."

"I heard you frequently visit the museum to admire it," she continued. "I understand how much it meant to you, so as a gesture of gratitude, I tracked this one down."

Old Master Blackwood's lips twitched.

She knows I visit the museum just to stare at my own stolen pipe? Is she mocking me?

When he opened the box, his breath caught. This pipe wasn’t identical to his lost treasure—it was superior. The emeralds were richer in color, more flawless in clarity.

Meticulously preserved, its value was indisputable—likely exceeding ten figures. Even if one could afford it, the collector might never have parted with it.

The Sterlings had somehow secured the impossible.

Excitement flared in the old man’s chest, but he hesitated to touch it, afraid his fingers might tarnish its brilliance. Then, realization dimmed his enthusiasm.

This extravagant gift was nothing more than repayment for Nathan saving Evelyn’s life.

By presenting it, William had made his stance clear: no marriage alliance. Money meant nothing to the Sterlings, and they wouldn’t sacrifice Evelyn’s happiness for business.

Old Master Blackwood saw through the maneuver instantly. He glanced at Nathan, whose darkened expression confirmed he understood too. A frosty aura enveloped him as he fixed Evelyn with a penetrating stare.

Evelyn, however, kept her head down, quietly eating her meal. She had no interest in their unspoken battle.