Chapter 482

Nathan's piercing gaze intensified. A flicker of panic flashed through Evelyn's eyes before she glared back at him with visible irritation.

The tension between them was palpable. They stood so close that Evelyn could feel Nathan's warm breath against her skin.

For a brief moment, her heartbeat accelerated. She raised her hands to push him away, but Nathan caught her wrists in an instant. His dark, intense eyes bore into hers as he spoke in a husky whisper.

"Evelyn, tell me what I must do to earn your forgiveness." The raw vulnerability in his voice felt like he was offering her his still-beating heart. Evelyn tilted her chin up to meet his gaze.

An electric current seemed to shoot through her chest.

After a weighted pause, she gave a humorless laugh. "Mr. Blackwood, spare yourself the effort. I never look back at what I've left behind." Her voice was as cold as marble. Just then, approaching footsteps interrupted the charged moment.

Who dared intrude now? "Ms. Sinclair," came Preston Sinclair's smooth voice, "curtain call approaches. Shall I escort you back?" His timely arrival anchored her wavering resolve against Nathan's emotional onslaught.

With calculated calm, Evelyn extracted herself from Nathan's grasp. Her eyes remained frosty. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair." She deliberately ignored Nathan's burning stare as she took Preston's arm, disappearing into the waiting elevator.

The sensation of Nathan's dagger-like gaze followed them until the doors closed. Nathan fought to control the storm of emotions threatening to consume him as he watched her walk away.

The terrifying realization that he might truly lose her forever tightened its grip. Fear, desperation, and panic warred within him - yet he remained silent.

Only after long minutes did his clenched fists finally relax.

Morning sunlight streamed through Evelyn's balcony as birdsong filled the air. The lush trees provided dappled shade as she stretched before heading to Sterling Corporation early.

Evelyn's office wardrobe reflected her confidence - sometimes sleek skirts, other times tailored separates. She never conformed to corporate stereotypes of power dressing. Who would dare comment?

Bennett entered with documents just as Evelyn sipped her coffee, the rich aroma soothing her. She set down the cup with a satisfied smile. "Before anything else today, inform HR to terminate Victoria Ashford immediately."

Bennett blinked in surprise but quickly schooled his expression. "Additionally," Evelyn continued, "research all upcoming projects Ashford Group is pursuing. Acquire any promising ones."

Though curious, Bennett knew better than to question. "Understood, Ms. Sinclair." He exited promptly.

Evelyn rarely acted so decisively without cause. For Victoria to be dismissed within three days meant she'd crossed an unforgivable line.

Most society women in such positions received graceful exits. But Evelyn's public termination and subsequent business moves delivered a calculated humiliation to Ashford Group.

After a morning of meetings and lunch with Alexander, Evelyn returned to find Bennett waiting. "Victoria Ashford has been in the lobby for two hours demanding to see you before leaving."

Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "Death throes of the guilty? She should have considered consequences earlier." Dismissively, she waved her hand. "Send her away. I won't waste another moment on her."

Bennett nodded - he'd expected nothing less. This was merely protocol before having security remove their unwelcome guest.