Chapter 328

Old Master Blackwood smiled warmly. "We deeply regret how we treated Evelyn in the past. If there's any chance, we'd love to make amends." William Sterling waved his hand dismissively.

"Think nothing of it. Young people often act without thinking. What's done is done, and Evelyn has moved on. There's no need to dwell on it."

"Just interact normally," William suggested.

"Normal interactions," Nathan Blackwood repeated under his breath. His dark eyes flickered with some unreadable emotion before curving into a slight smile. "Yes, we should interact normally."

Nathan lifted his gaze to meet Evelyn's, giving her a knowing smirk.

Feeling the intense stare from across the table, Evelyn instinctively looked up to find Nathan watching her with an annoyingly charming expression.

Why is he smiling like that? Evelyn nearly choked on her drink, her appetite suddenly vanishing.

She set down her fork with deliberate care and rolled her eyes at him. Strangely, instead of anger, this only seemed to amuse him more.

Nathan's smile widened as he observed Evelyn's barely contained irritation. He found her exasperation oddly endearing. Even her eye-rolling seemed charming - how had he never noticed that before?

While William and Old Master Blackwood continued their animated conversation, Alexander Sterling discreetly observed his sister and Nathan.

The charged atmosphere between them was... peculiar.

"By the way, Mr. Blackwood," Alexander smoothly interjected, "I heard several of your cargo ships encountered issues recently. Sterling Corporation's fleet would be happy to assist with transportation if needed."

Evelyn was about to exhale in relief when Nathan simply said "Noted" without breaking eye contact with her. His persistent attention was driving her crazy.

Is he serious right now? What game is he playing? Evelyn turned to her father abruptly.

"Dad, I just remembered I promised to meet Isabella. I should get going." Honestly, she'd already fulfilled her social obligations by thanking the Blackwoods. Staying for the full dinner was unnecessary.

William nodded. "Of course, darling."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Goodbye Dad. Chairman Blackwood."

She gathered her things and made her swift exit, only to be intercepted by Nathan mere steps from the door.

"Evelyn."

She spun around impatiently.

Since when did Nathan Blackwood become so persistent? Did someone switch his medication?

"Mr. Blackwood, is there something else you need?" Her tone could freeze molten lava.

One polite dinner didn't mean they were suddenly best friends.

Nathan seemed momentarily taken aback by her icy demeanor. He approached slowly, carefully controlling his expression. His dark eyes held hers with unsettling intensity.

"Your father suggested we interact normally," he said calmly, though his presence felt anything but calm. "You should comply."

Evelyn frowned at him like he'd grown a second head. "That's not what he meant."

"Then what did he mean?" Nathan's lips quirked.

Evelyn nearly choked on her response. "How should I know?"

Suddenly, her phone was no longer in her hand.

In one fluid motion, Nathan had taken it, his elegant fingers navigating her contacts. He unblocked his number with practiced ease.

"From now on, no more blocking me. Or I'll have to tell your father."

Evelyn stared in disbelief.

He actually said that with a straight face? Her father clearly meant for Nathan to keep his distance! Was this man deliberately misunderstanding or just being obtuse?

Evelyn felt her sanity slipping away.