Chapter 67

Nathan Blackwood's fingers tightened around his phone.

He couldn't recall a single time Evelyn Sinclair had ever reached out to him.

Harrison cleared his throat nervously. "Sir, I did bring this up before, but you made it clear you didn't want to be bothered with trivial matters from Highland Estates. You specifically said—in front of both Ms. Sinclair and me—that unless it concerned Vanessa Holloway, you weren't to be disturbed."

His voice trailed off as the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Nathan rubbed his temples, the memory surfacing.

They had been at Highland Estates then, but his focus had been solely on Vanessa’s condition. He hadn’t noticed the way Evelyn’s hopeful gaze had dimmed, hadn’t realized how his indifference had chipped away at her until there was nothing left.

He had given her the marriage she asked for—in name only—but in return, he had taken everything from her.

The pain in his chest was sudden and suffocating.

Now he understood.

This was how Evelyn had gone from cautious to completely broken.

"Sir, the board meeting—"

"Set up a meeting with Evelyn. I need to see her." Nathan knew she wouldn’t answer if he called, and showing up unannounced at Sterling Corp would only push her further away.

Harrison hesitated. "They’ve already declined. Ms. Sinclair isn’t available."

Nathan’s gaze darkened, and Harrison immediately backtracked.

"But I’ll keep trying until we secure an appointment."

"Get out." Nathan’s voice was ice. "Proceed with the meeting as scheduled."

Harrison retreated with a quiet sigh.

What was the point? Why chase after her now, when the divorce was final?

Sterling Corporation

Bennett had just escorted Old Master Blackwood out when he returned to Evelyn’s office, relaying every word of the confrontation.

Evelyn’s lips curled into a cold smile.

She had never been liked by the Blackwoods, so she wasn’t surprised they’d resort to underhanded tactics. But fabricating scandals about her personal life? That was low.

"He wants to ruin my reputation so I can’t remarry into high society?" She tapped her nails against the desk. "How petty."

Most women would be crushed by such rumors.

But Evelyn wasn’t most women.

She had planned to return the emerald pipe after toying with them for a few more days.

Now?

She’d keep it just to spite them.

Her phone buzzed—William Sterling calling.

She waved Bennett off. "Give me a minute."

Once the door closed, she answered. "Dad. Catch anything good today?"

William huffed. "Did that old bastard Blackwood just confront you?"

"Right in my office. Then he called you in front of me like it was some kind of power move." She examined her manicure, unbothered.

"He has the audacity to complain to me?" William’s voice sharpened. "After everything they put you through?"

"Don’t worry. I kicked him out."

"Good girl." William’s tone warmed with pride. "No need to be polite to those vipers."

Evelyn laughed. "Exactly. If he comes back, I’ll smash that pipe of his. Let’s see who suffers more."

William chuckled. "That’s my daughter. Show them who they’re dealing with."

A knock interrupted them.

Bennett leaned in. "Vice President, we still need to finalize the Kingsley Tech proposal. Should we convene a meeting?"

Evelyn nodded. "Dad, go enjoy your fishing. I’ve got work."

By evening, Evelyn was packing up when Bennett stopped her at the door.

"Vice President, Dominic Kingsley requested dinner to discuss the Kingsley Tech project."

Evelyn considered it. The deal was crucial.

"Fine. You’re coming with me."

Bennett nodded. "I’ll arrange the car."