Chapter 480

Nathan Blackwood and Victoria Ashford's intimate embrace created an explosive scene that stunned everyone present.

The paparazzi descended like vultures spotting fresh prey.

Camera shutters clicked relentlessly, capturing every angle of the compromising position. Victoria Ashford trembled behind Nathan's broad frame, her delicate form shaking with apparent fear.

None of the reporters anticipated both Evelyn Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood would have new romantic entanglements. In the next heartbeat, Nathan shoved Victoria away as if she were contaminated garbage.

His expression radiated pure disgust without restraint. He didn't care that Victoria stood nearly naked before the flashing cameras. Nathan advanced toward the reporters with a gaze that could freeze hell itself.

"I don't care who tipped you off." His voice dripped with menace. "If a single word or photo of this leaks, every one of you will be unemployed by sunrise."

The camera clicks ceased instantly. An oppressive silence fell over the hallway. The reporters stared at Nathan with undisguised terror. Normally seen only in financial sections, Nathan Blackwood's name occasionally graced tabloid covers connected to Evelyn.

Because these stories were never suppressed - Nathan allowed them - the media had forgotten the untouchable status of Blackwood Enterprises' CEO. A man whose influence reached into every industry.

That Nathan Blackwood's name appeared in gossip columns at all was practically sacrilege. Yet these reporters had grown bold enough to chase his scandals. Their audacity!

A collective shiver ran through the group as their eyes darted to the pitiful figure crumpled on the floor - Victoria Ashford. She had been their informant, promising explosive revelations.

Nathan followed their gazes and instantly understood.

"She dares scheme against me?" His eyes darkened like storm clouds, radiating an arctic chill. His imposing frame seemed to grow larger, his voice sharp as a guillotine blade.

"Get the hell out of here!" The reporters scattered like frightened mice, terrified of becoming examples. The hallway emptied within seconds.

Nathan turned his attention to the trembling woman on the floor. Victoria's bare shoulders shook with affected vulnerability, her porcelain skin glowing in the dim light. But Nathan saw only deception.

The door remained wide open.

Nathan couldn't care less about Victoria's exposed state.

Victoria, however, feigned modesty, clutching the bath towel tighter around herself. "Mr. Blackwood, please let me dress first-" Her plan had failed spectacularly.

She'd hoped to force Nathan into acknowledging their relationship publicly, securing her position at his side. But Nathan's glacial stare cut through her like an arctic wind.

"Ms. Ashford, I detest being manipulated." Victoria's face drained of color as she stammered denials. "It wasn't me!" Nathan saw through the lie immediately, his gaze shifting away in disgust.

He couldn't bear looking at her another second. "Evidence would be trivial to obtain, but you're not worth my time." His voice held finality, leaving no room for negotiation.

"You have two choices: disappear back to whatever hole you crawled from, or I'll have Reginald Ashford join you in exile." Victoria's face turned ashen, her heart plummeting to her stomach.