Chapter 360

Evelyn's words hung in the air between them. Nathan's expression froze momentarily.

The hesitation lasted barely a heartbeat.

A slow smile curved his lips as he reached up, fingers poised to tuck a windblown strand of hair behind her ear.

Evelyn jerked her head away before he could make contact. His hand dropped back to his side.

His voice came out rough and low, yet his gaze remained unbearably tender.

"Is that so? Well... That doesn't change my invitation to lunch."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Why did this man cling to her like gum on a designer shoe?

"I have no interest in dining with you, Mr. Blackwood. Show some dignity."

Nathan's eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile widening. The rich timbre of his voice wrapped around her like velvet.

"Dignity is overrated."

Evelyn's chest constricted with irritation. She spun on her heel, refusing to waste another breath on this infuriating man.

The shadows in Nathan's eyes lifted as he called after her, voice laced with amusement.

"Lunch?"

"Go to hell!"

Nathan's next words stopped her mid-stride. "I know exactly what Preston Sinclair and Lawrence Whitmore are hiding."

Evelyn turned back without missing a beat, her change of heart shamelessly immediate.

"Fine. Let's eat."

Nathan's slow, triumphant smile made her want to punch him. The way his dimples appeared when he was pleased was downright criminal.

She'd expected a quick meal at some corporate bistro. Instead, Nathan drove them clear across Manhattan to Le Ciel Bleu - the impossible-to-book private dining club with a three-month waiting list.

The host ushered them directly to the secluded terrace. Nathan pulled out her chair with exaggerated courtesy.

Evelyn sat stiffly as he handed her the menu.

"Order whatever you like."

She shoved it back without glancing at the pages. "The most expensive tasting menu."

Nathan didn't blink, simply nodding to the waiter before rattling off additional requests in fluent French.

Evelyn studied the tranquil koi pond beyond the glass walls. Delicate paper lanterns swayed beneath the eaves, their crimson glow painting the water with shifting patterns. Wind chimes sang a crystalline melody in the breeze.

Every detail whispered of meticulous craftsmanship.

"How did you know I'm investigating Preston and Lawrence?"

Nathan lifted the porcelain teapot, pouring with ceremonial precision. Jasmine-scented steam curled between them.

"Hardly a state secret. The boardroom gossip reached my office before your assistant's memo did."

Evelyn suppressed a groan. Of course.

"Let me guess - Blackwood Enterprises wants Preston too?"

Nathan's eyebrow arched. "Would I be here if we didn't?"

"I'll share what I know, but don't expect me to hand him over." Evelyn's fingers tightened around her cup. "If I lose Sterling Corporation, will you gloat?"

Nathan's lips twitched. "Why so defensive? You're acting like I've already won."

"If you lose," he continued, gaze softening, "it means you succeeded. I'd celebrate for you."

Evelyn snorted. "Bullshit."

"Seriously though..." He leaned forward. "If Sterling lets you go, come to Blackwood Enterprises. Any position you want."

Was this man actually trying to poach her?

Evelyn tilted her head. "What position outranks CEO?"

"The CEO's wife."

Her teacup clattered against the saucer. A bitter laugh escaped her.

"Three years of marriage and your receptionist still carded me at the elevator. Only starry-eyed interns fall for your lines now."

His words didn't stir her heart - they ignited her temper.

The cruelest irony? That same receptionist never questioned Vanessa Holloway's comings and goings. Vanessa had flaunted her access for years, each smirk another twist of the knife.

All those small indignities reminded Evelyn why distance was survival where Nathan Blackwood was concerned.