Chapter 443
Just as Evelyn was about to speak, Nathan's phone rang sharply.
Nathan stood abruptly, answering the call as he moved toward the exit.
"What happened?" His voice was clipped.
It was Walter on the line.
Walter hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Black, I—"
He swallowed hard. "Ms. Hartley just called me."
Nathan's grip tightened around his phone.
Walter continued, voice strained. "She demanded I collect all your files from her hospital room immediately."
A beat of silence.
"And she said if I'm not there within the hour..."
Nathan's jaw clenched. "Spit it out."
Walter exhaled. "She threatened to shred everything."
The air around Nathan turned glacial.
Perfect. Just perfect.
His already simmering fury flared hotter.
"Get over there now," he bit out, each word razor-sharp. "Those documents better be in my hands within the hour."
Even through the phone, Walter could feel the lethal edge in Nathan's tone.
"Right away, sir."
Nathan ended the call.
For several seconds, he stood motionless, a dark storm brewing around him.
Then, with measured control, he returned to Serena's room.
Serena took one look at his expression and frowned. "Nathan? What's wrong?"
"Nothing concerning you." His reply was curt.
He grabbed his coat. "Rest. I have business to handle."
Though disappointment flickered across her face, Serena nodded. "Of course. Don't let me keep you."
Nathan left without another word.
The elevator doors closed behind him.
His car tore out of the parking garage.
The city blurred past as he drove toward Blackstone Holdings.
The next morning, Leonard insisted Nathan visit Evelyn at the hospital.
Nathan agreed—then sent Walter in his place.
The tension in Evelyn's hospital room was thick enough to slice.
Walter stood stiffly by the door, clutching a sealed envelope.
"Ms. Hartley," he began carefully, "Mr. Black asked me to—"
Evelyn cut him off with a raised hand.
Her smile was ice. "Tell Nathan if he wants his files, he can come get them himself."
Walter's throat went dry.
This was going to be a very long day.