Chapter 38

The girls fell silent under Sophia Blackwood's icy glare.

The second floor of the grand ballroom maintained an elegant hush. When Alexander Sterling escorted Evelyn Sinclair upstairs, a rakishly handsome man in a designer black shirt rose to greet them.

Their handshake was brief but firm. "Mr. Kingsley," Alexander smiled, "it's been too long."

Dominic Kingsley's lips curved into a charming grin. "Alexander Sterling. Always a pleasure."

Without waiting for formal introductions, Dominic's appreciative gaze settled on Evelyn. His admiration carried just the right balance - appreciative without being inappropriate.

"Ms. Sinclair," he said smoothly, "your reputation precedes you. I hope you'll forgive my last-minute change of plans from dinner to this gala."

Evelyn's smile was polished. "Not at all. Congratulations on Kingsley Tech's fifth anniversary. I look forward to many prosperous years of collaboration."

Her words carried deliberate double meaning.

Dominic's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Alexander, might I steal Ms. Sinclair for a private conversation? After all, she'll be my direct counterpart if we proceed."

"Of course." Alexander gave Evelyn's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before descending to mingle with other guests.

Under the soft chandelier glow, the striking pair conversed by the balcony railing. Dominic swirled his merlot absently. "Tell me, Evelyn, what makes you so certain about this partnership?"

A loose curl escaped Evelyn's updo, framing her face as she met his gaze. "Mr. Kingsley, our offer speaks for itself. No other investor matches Sterling Corporation's terms." She leaned in slightly. "We have the capital, you have the technology. We're not looking for short-term gains - this is about shaping the next decade of AI development."

Her bold declaration made Dominic reassess the woman before him. The playful glint in his eyes gave way to genuine consideration. After a thoughtful pause, he asked, "Would you consider a three-way partnership?"

Evelyn's brow arched. "With whom?" She couldn't imagine a better fit than Sterling Corporation.

Dominic raised his glass toward the space behind her. The approaching footsteps made Evelyn's pulse stutter.

The air grew thick with tension as she turned, wine glass in hand. Her practiced smile froze when she locked eyes with the only man who could rival Sterling Corporation in this venture.

Nathan Blackwood.

Dressed in a tailored black suit with platinum cufflinks Evelyn recognized all too well, he exuded an aura of cool detachment. His gaze lingered on her just a beat too long before addressing Dominic.

"I see introductions aren't necessary," Dominic observed, eyes dancing between them. "Evelyn, I should have mentioned - regardless of our final partner, Blackwood Enterprises will be involved in this project."

At Evelyn's questioning look, Dominic chuckled. "Mr. Blackwood has been funding my research since day one as my angel investor."