Chapter 414

Nathan Blackwood ate his sushi with deliberate slowness. His long fingers moved with refined precision, each motion carrying an understated elegance.

His voice held a chilling detachment.

"I'm simply showing her the fastest way to learn humility."

Evelyn Sinclair frowned, not comprehending his meaning.

Nathan elaborated patiently. "She used to look down on everyone. Never imagined she'd be serving others one day. This is character building."

Evelyn's eyebrows arched in sudden understanding.

Though for Sophia Blackwood, this punishment seemed excessively harsh.

Unlike ordinary people struggling to make ends meet, Sophia had been coddled since birth.

Evelyn sighed inwardly. If Nathan could be this ruthless to his own sister, she shouldn't trust his occasional displays of vulnerability.

Then again, spoiled brats like Sophia were a dime a dozen. The Blackwood fortune could support her indefinitely - Nathan was only doing this because of Evelyn.

Finishing her meal quickly, Evelyn headed to the office.

Only Nathan and Teddy Winslow remained at Highland Estates.

Teddy's eyes sparkled as he asked excitedly, "Mr. Blackwood, how did last night go?"

At the mention, Nathan lost his appetite entirely.

His gaze turned glacial as he glared at Teddy. With a cold snort, he wheeled himself back to the study.

Sterling Corporation.

Evelyn instructed Bennett to contact Preston Sinclair to confirm Kingsley Tech's involvement before coordinating with Dominic Kingsley for follow-up arrangements.

To avoid running into Nathan at Highland Estates, Evelyn decided to handle this personally.

The three parties agreed to finalize details at Kingsley Tech. Preston wanted to better understand their new partner, so he took the opportunity to tour their R&D department.

For the afternoon meeting, Evelyn arrived early with her new project assistant, Benjamin Carter.

Benjamin was a fresh graduate still doing his internship, chosen over more experienced candidates precisely because he had no connections. His clear, ambitious eyes showed no trace of greed.

Most importantly, Benjamin would treasure this opportunity - a fast track compared to climbing the corporate ladder step by step.

Thus, he was perfect for this project.

Dominic Kingsley prepared a temporary office. Upon arrival, Evelyn and Benjamin met with Preston's team.

The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Noticing Benjamin behind her, Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Bennett didn't come?"

He'd assumed Evelyn wouldn't trust such an important project to anyone else, especially a newcomer.

Evelyn replied smoothly, "He's handling other matters. This is my new assistant, Benjamin Carter."

Dominic nodded. "Mr. Blackwood still holds shares in Kingsley Tech, so a representative from Blackwood Enterprises will attend."

Exactly as Evelyn expected. She nodded calmly.

After all, Nathan was recuperating at home - no chance he'd show up.

A knock interrupted them. Preston Sinclair stood at the door.

"Ms. Sterling, Mr. Kingsley. Am I interrupting?"

Evelyn smiled. "Welcome-"

Her greeting froze mid-sentence when she saw the bouquet of white chrysanthemums in Preston's hands.

Dominic looked equally startled.

Preston carried himself with aristocratic poise and mysterious elegance. The funeral flowers looked grotesquely out of place.

What fresh hell is this? Evelyn thought. First the father, now the son bringing me mourning flowers. Do they want me dead?