Chapter 476

Evelyn remained indifferent, never touching the coffee with milk froth.

Nathan, seated across from her, noticed and slid his untouched cup toward her.

Evelyn raised a questioning brow. Nathan's lips curved slightly. To outsiders, his flirtatious gaze appeared tender. "Haven't touched it yet. This one's black."

Dominic chuckled, eyeing his own cup. "Oh, Ms. Sterling's cup is actually mine. This isn't Kingsley Tech's oversight, is it?"

Victoria's heart pounded like a boulder crushed her chest. She'd assumed preferences without asking.

She had to admit she'd made a poor assistant.

Evelyn smiled faintly, twirling her pen carelessly. "Fine. My assistant's mistake. As apology, I'll invite you to my brother's yacht launch tonight. Interested?"

Dominic clicked his tongue. "Absolutely! Lucas's events are impossible to get into. Can I bring a plus one?"

"No, just you," Evelyn said.

Nathan's clear voice cut in. "I'm attending too."

Evelyn nodded and began packing her things as if nothing happened. "Let's pause here. We'll continue the listing discussion when Mr. Sinclair visits next. Excuse me."

Dominic called after her. "Join us for lunch?"

"No, thanks." As Evelyn moved to leave, she glanced at Victoria. "Benjamin's traveling, so you'll accompany me tonight."

She didn't ask for Victoria's opinion.

Victoria instinctively looked at Nathan, equal parts cautious and delighted. "Yes, Ms. Sterling."

Opportunities were presenting themselves. Sooner or later, Nathan would notice her.

Evelyn exited without another glance.

In the now-empty conference room, only Dominic and Nathan remained.

Dominic studied Nathan's stormy expression and couldn't resist needling him. "Mr. Blackwood, I thought your reconciliation was going splendidly. Seems there are still... complications?"

Nathan's sharp gaze could pierce steel. His face showed no warmth. "Curiosity killed the cat."

Dominic paused, then stood with an amused smile. "Tsk tsk. Do you think Ms. Sterling kept that assistant around intentionally?"

Nathan's exact thought. Yet he remained impassive, raising one brow. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

Dominic got no reaction - exactly as expected. Few had the privilege of witnessing Nathan's private dramas, let alone seeing him lose composure.

Nathan calmly rose, leaning on his cane as he limped out, radiating unapproachable authority.

In the elevator lobby, Victoria waited nearby. She hurried to press the button for him. "Mr. Blackwood—"

She wanted his attention.

Nathan ignored her. "Where's Ms. Sterling?" His tone treated her like any subordinate.

Victoria's face stiffened. She pointed toward a side office. "With Benjamin."

Nathan said nothing, heading to the opposite office to wait for Evelyn.

Victoria lowered her eyes to hide her disappointment, then went to fetch Nathan coffee.

Nathan frowned. "You're not my assistant." His implication was clear - she'd overstepped.

Victoria bit her lip, affecting a soft, ingratiating manner. "Mr. Blackwood, it's my first yacht event. Any protocols I should know?"

Nathan replied coolly, "You don't need to do anything." She was merely an assistant - what preparations could she possibly need?

Victoria smiled awkwardly.