Chapter 415

Evelyn Sinclair bit back her words, maintaining a polite smile.

Preston Sinclair noticed the subtle shift in her expression and offered a charming smile in return.

"Oliver asked me to give this to you," Preston said, his tone light. "He insisted you'd love it, though I have my doubts."

With a careless flick of his wrist, Preston tossed the bouquet of white chrysanthemums onto the edge of the table before extending his hand toward Dominic Kingsley.

What was I thinking, trusting that boy’s taste? Preston mentally scolded himself. Since when does Evelyn like white chrysanthemums?

Evelyn exhaled in quiet relief. Oh. So it was Oliver.

A pang of nostalgia hit her. It had been too long since she’d seen the boy.

Regaining her composure, Evelyn exchanged pleasantries with the others. Dominic took a brief phone call, murmuring a few words before hanging up.

"Let’s move to the conference room," Dominic announced. "Everyone’s waiting."

When Evelyn stepped inside, her breath caught.

Nathan Blackwood was here—in person.

Even seated in a wheelchair, his presence was commanding. The air around him crackled with authority, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room effortlessly.

Evelyn said nothing about his unexpected attendance. The meeting proceeded without a hitch.

This project was originally a collaboration between Sterling Corporation and Preston Sinclair. Though Kingsley Tech was involved, Dominic wouldn’t receive direct dividends. Still, the indirect benefits were substantial.

The meeting wrapped up swiftly.

Preston lingered afterward, wanting to discuss something privately with Evelyn. The two excused themselves to her office.

In the conference room, Nathan watched Evelyn’s retreating figure, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Dominic smirked. "Feeling threatened?"

Nathan shot him a glare. "Where’s the new assistant?"

Preston didn’t worry him—the man was still mourning his late wife and had returned to Montecito purely for business.

But that fresh-faced graduate hovering around Evelyn? That was a problem.

Earlier, when Dominic had called about the meeting, Theodore "Teddy" Winslow had warned him before he left: "Don’t give that kid an inch! Young, charming, knows how to sweet-talk—exactly the type women fall for. You need to put him in his place!"

Dominic leaned against the table, hands in his pockets, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Mr. Blackwood," he teased, "I never took you for the jealous type."

With a lazy wave, Dominic summoned Benjamin Carter into the room.

Benjamin had assumed Evelyn needed him. Instead, he found himself facing two of the most intimidating men in Montecito.

The atmosphere was icy.

A recent graduate with little experience, Benjamin approached cautiously, clasping his hands in front of him and dipping into a respectful bow.

"Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Kingsley," he said nervously. "How can I assist you?"

Since he was assigned to this project, he had no choice but to comply with their requests.

Nathan sat motionless, his expression unreadable. Yet the weight of his gaze was suffocating, pressing down on Benjamin without a single word.

After a long silence, Nathan finally spoke.

"Your name?"

"Benjamin Carter, sir."

Nathan gave a faint hum, then lapsed back into silence.

The tension thickened.

Benjamin’s youthful face betrayed his confusion. Why am I here?

Minutes dragged by before Nathan spoke again.

"New to the workforce?" His voice was low, deliberate. "Bennett didn’t accompany Ms. Sterling today."

Benjamin nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Bennett’s handling another project. I just joined last month."

His nerves made him overly compliant, answering every question without hesitation.

Nathan studied him for several seconds before his lips curled downward in disapproval.

"This project is critical," Nathan said coolly. "Don’t disappoint Ms. Sterling. You’re dismissed."

The dismissal carried the weight of a royal decree.

"Yes, sir."

Benjamin practically fled the room, his heart pounding. What was that about?

Dominic tapped his fingers against the table, grinning.

"That’s it?"