Chapter 513

The room fell into stunned silence after Evelyn's words.

Every face in the Sterling dining room paled.

Not a single person looked pleased.

Watching their horrified expressions, Evelyn couldn't help but smirk. "What if we're not?"

Lucas Sterling's face cycled through several emotions. "Don't—don't joke like that!"

Evelyn laughed lightly. "Of course it's impossible. Just a thought."

A collective exhale of relief filled the room.

William Sterling's gaze was heavy as he studied his daughter. "I know Preston Sinclair is collaborating with us, but keep your distance outside business. He may seem decent, but no one reaches his position without stepping on others."

It was rare for William to speak so bluntly about someone.

Evelyn responded with a quiet, noncommittal smile.

Alexander Sterling set down his fork. "Why not hand the Sinclair project to someone else? Take on a different venture."

Evelyn pushed her plate away. "Unnecessary. I know exactly what I'm doing."

Lucas scoffed. "Don't be fooled, Ev. Preston has a kid, and his ex-wife's situation is messier than Nathan Blackwood's. If you're looking for options, Xavier Delmont isn't bad—obedient, sensible, and easily managed with money."

Evelyn's expression darkened. Why did her family insist on painting her as some heartless socialite?

Was this really who they wanted her to become?

For the first time, she questioned her upbringing.

William frowned. "Who's Xavier?"

Evelyn swiftly redirected the conversation. "Speaking of distractions—what's the company planning for this year's retreat?"

Alexander glanced up. "Staff will organize their own activities. Executives are doing a countryside picnic. Interested?"

Evelyn nodded. "Invite other corporate leaders. It might ease tensions between competitors."

Blackwood Industries.

Harrison watched Nathan Blackwood replay the video for the twentieth time. His boss showed no signs of stopping.

With each replay, Nathan's jaw tightened further.

Evelyn's voice echoed through the penthouse office like a taunt.

"I'm wealthy enough—why would I stay with a man like you?"

To her, he was just another regrettable mistake.

Nathan Blackwood—reduced to nothing more than a footnote in Evelyn Sinclair's glittering life.

His knuckles whitened around the desk edge. Anger and something far more dangerous simmered beneath his controlled exterior.

The realization hit like a blade: her casual dismissal meant she'd truly moved on.

He'd lost her.

Not to another man.

To indifference.

The pain was excruciating—a thousand needles piercing his chest with every breath. The office temperature seemed to plummet as minutes bled into an hour.

Harrison risked a glance. Nathan's striking features were carved from ice, his usually vibrant eyes glassy with unshed emotion.

Is he... crying?

Harrison's blood ran cold. His feet rooted to the floor even as survival instincts screamed to flee. Why am I still standing here? Will he—