Chapter 423

The morning sun had barely risen when Evelyn Sinclair's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Lucas Sterling.

Newton & Co's bankruptcy had struck like lightning.

Could this be connected to Nathan Blackwood? Evelyn knew Alexander would find out eventually, but she hadn't expected him to catch wind of it so soon—especially while he was overseas. She steadied her voice as she explained that Gregory Thornton had orchestrated the car accident.

A heavy silence stretched between them for a full minute before Alexander's tone turned glacial.

"Keep Marcus by your side at all times. Don't let your guard down." His words were clipped, commanding. "Stay out of the rest. Just wait for me to return."

Evelyn agreed, exchanging a few more words before ending the call.

She threw herself into work, arriving at Kingsley Tech before dawn. Benjamin Carter, still green in his role, struggled with complex decisions, his inexperience glaringly obvious.

Evelyn spent the entire day guiding him, her patience unwavering. Before she knew it, the sky outside had transformed into a breathtaking canvas of crimson and gold as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Stretching her stiff muscles, she finally decided to call it a day. The moment she stepped out of her office, her gaze landed on the imposing figure seated in a wheelchair, his presence commanding the room.

Even seated, Nathan Blackwood exuded an aura of icy detachment, his sharp features unyielding. Dominic Kingsley, lounging beside him on the sofa, spotted Evelyn and exhaled dramatically.

"Ms. Sinclair! Finally off work?" His relief was palpable as he loosened his tie.

Nathan had insisted on waiting for Evelyn, and in the meantime, he'd combed through every project and account with ruthless precision. His scrutiny had uncovered flaws even their auditors had missed.

Dominic was on the verge of losing his mind.

The moment Nathan's eyes met Evelyn's, his expression softened, warmth replacing the frost in his gaze.

"Perfect timing," he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There's a new French restaurant nearby. Join me?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Why should I?"

Nathan's face fell, his wounded expression making her look like the villain.

"Didn't you promise to take care of me?" His voice was laced with accusation, drawing incredulous stares from those around them.

Evelyn couldn't bear the weight of their judgment.

With a sigh, she pushed his wheelchair forward, tossing her bag to Marcus. "Fine. Let's go."

A flicker of guilt nagged at her.

Marcus seamlessly took over the wheelchair at some point, a move Nathan noticed—and resented—but said nothing.

Just as they reached the car, a small figure barreled toward them.

"Pretty Lady!"

Evelyn turned just in time to see Oliver Sinclair sprinting toward her, his curls bouncing with each step.

He latched onto her legs, his voice a sweet, pleading whine. "I missed you so much!"

Her heart melted instantly.

Kneeling, she wrapped her arms around his plump little body. "Oliver, I missed you too. Your daddy told me you've been studying hard. Such a good boy!"

Oliver had been sulking for days, furious at his father for assigning a strict tutor to oversee his homework.

But now, hearing Evelyn's praise, his resentment evaporated.

"Pretty Lady thinks I'm good!" He beamed, nuzzling into her embrace.

"Yes! And when I grow up, I'll be even handsomer and richer than Daddy!" His eyes sparkled with determination. "Then no one can stop me from being with you!"

Nathan scoffed, shooting his son a withering glare.

"Enough," he said flatly. "We're leaving."

Oliver's grip on Evelyn tightened. "Where are you going? I wanna come too!"