Chapter 413

Evelyn Sinclair had perfected the art of striking where it hurt most—especially when it came to Nathan Blackwood. The satisfaction was intoxicating.

Her fingers lingered on the doorknob as she flashed him a deliberately indifferent smile.

"Goodnight, Mr. Blackwood."

She didn't wait for his reply.

The message couldn't be clearer. If he chose to play dumb, she had plenty of other ways to shatter his illusions.

His tactics were so painfully outdated.

Nathan's stormy gaze followed her retreating figure.

Each word had pierced like shards of glass. The pain was excruciating, yet he couldn't blame anyone but himself. He deserved every ounce of this agony.

The Preston Sinclair project specifications had been finalized—an ambitious endeavor expanding their AI research. Kingsley Tech's involvement became essential after their groundbreaking medical AI announcement catapulted them to global acclaim.

Though Sterling Corporation and Blackwood Enterprises dominated the AI market, complacency wasn't an option. Competitors lurked at every corner, ready to pounce on any weakness.

Evelyn's proposal to accelerate development by sharing resources with Kingsley Tech made strategic sense. She'd discussed it with Alexander Sterling at dawn, receiving his immediate approval.

Wider distribution meant fewer enemies.

The inevitable involvement of Blackwood Enterprises? Merely an advantageous bonus given their formidable resources.

Morning mist clung to Highland Estates as Evelyn selected a fitted black dress adorned with pearl accents—professional yet striking, mirroring her razor-sharp confidence.

"Divine!" Theodore "Teddy" Winslow gasped as she descended the staircase. "You're absolutely radiant this morning! The sunlight makes you look like a masterpiece come to life!"

Evelyn nearly missed a step, gripping the banister. Marcus stood rigid nearby, his scowl telegraphing disdain for Teddy's theatrics.

Nathan sat at the breakfast table in black lounge wear, every inch the composed aristocrat. Last night's tension might as well have never happened.

"Good morning," he said warmly, watching her approach.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Morning."

How predictably mercurial men could be.

Teddy had outdone himself with breakfast—an extravagant spread spanning three continents. Everything smelled divine.

Since Nathan wasn't addressing last night's awkwardness, neither would she. Let him stew in his discomfort.

She sampled each dish with genuine appreciation before a thought struck her.

"Incidentally, I ran into Sophia Blackwood while shopping last night."

Nathan's expression remained unreadable. "I know. The boutique manager informed me."

His calm response begged the question—how had his mother appeared there so conveniently?