Chapter 481

Nathan Blackwood's demeanor was icy and unyielding, his stance leaving no room for negotiation. It was a stark contrast to what Victoria Ashford had envisioned.

Victoria was utterly taken aback. Panic surged through her, her eyes welling with pitiful tears.

Her cheeks flushed crimson as she trembled, gazing at Nathan with the look of a wounded fawn. "Mr. Blackwood, why? Everyone says we'd make the perfect match." As the youngest daughter of Reginald Ashford, chairman of Ashford Group, Victoria believed their social standings aligned perfectly.

Yet despite this, Nathan refused to even glance her way. Why hadn't he sought a marriage alliance with her family? During this period, Evelyn Sinclair had shown no interest in him whatsoever.

So why couldn't Victoria secure his attention? The confusion and desperate hope twisted inside her.

Nathan didn't spare her a single glance, nor did he bother with explanations. To him, she wasn't worth his time. He pulled out his phone and dialed Theodore.

"Send someone up to clean this room immediately." His voice carried a bone-chilling frost that made the air itself seem to freeze. As he turned to leave, he suddenly froze mid-step.

His gaze locked onto Evelyn, who stood framed in the opposite doorway. A storm of emotions flashed through his eyes, followed by a flicker of panic—what if she misunderstood?

Nathan strode forward, his expression grim. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?"

Evelyn arched a brow, her lips curling into an amused smirk. "Why, I'm enjoying the show, of course!"

She had sensed something amiss from the very beginning. The moment that cup of coffee had "accidentally" spilled on Nathan, Evelyn had noticed the assistant's strange behavior.

Her mind raced. Who was behind this? It had to be one of Benjamin Carter's team members working on the Kingsley Tech project—someone who knew Victoria well. Why else would they create an opportunity for Victoria to barge into Nathan's room uninvited?

So Evelyn had followed, positioning herself to witness the entire spectacle unnoticed.

This drama far surpassed Lucas Sterling's performance downstairs.

Pity Victoria's tactics were so amateurish. She should have invited their parents instead of just reporters.

Nathan stood rigid, his face darkening with hurt. Evelyn's indifference cut deeper than any anger would have. He'd have preferred her shouting at him over this detached amusement.

"Enjoying yourself?" Nathan asked, his tone deceptively calm.

Evelyn's smirk widened. "A bit cliché, but entertaining nonetheless."

Victoria's ploy was painfully transparent, but watching Nathan squirm was always amusing. Evelyn caught the icy glint in his eyes—Victoria's chances with him were now less than zero. Nathan despised schemers.

Evelyn might have helped Victoria, but since the girl had tried to manipulate her too, she'd let the consequences unfold naturally.

Nathan approached, his cane tapping against the marble floor. The air around him turned glacial.

As he drew nearer, Evelyn caught the crisp scent of winter mint clinging to him. For a fleeting moment, she forgot to breathe.

She lifted her chin, schooling her features into neutrality. Nathan looked down at her, his lips parting slightly.

"Had you been the leading lady, the ending would've been far more... explosive." The hunger in his voice betrayed years of pent-up longing.

Evelyn held his gaze without flinching, though her pulse quickened. She let out a soft laugh. "Perhaps with a different leading man."

Nathan's eyes darkened dangerously. The mere suggestion of another man touching what was his sent fury coursing through his veins.

Ignoring his injured leg, he closed the distance between them in one swift motion, pinning Evelyn against the wall with predatory intensity. His body caged hers, leaving no escape.