Chapter 522

Before Evelyn could finish speaking, the line went dead.

Isabella had blocked the number completely.

Three days later, the company retreat arrived.

They gathered at a paintball arena in the countryside. Twelve participants showed up, including three senior executives from Sterling Enterprises and several business partners with close ties to Blackwood Industries.

Nathan had been expected to attend.

But Evelyn never appeared.

He looked troubled, clearly wanting to say something, but Alexander intercepted him, preventing any private conversation.

Typical big brother behavior.

Evelyn found the game intriguing. The military-style uniforms and harmless paintball guns added to the excitement.

She changed faster than anyone in the locker room. Emerging outside, a tall figure blocked her path.

With everyone wearing masks, identities remained concealed. No mercy would be shown.

Yet Evelyn recognized him instantly.

Nathan Blackwood.

She glared silently.

His military uniform accentuated his imposing frame. That familiar commanding presence reminded her of their first encounter five years ago on the streets of Paris.

Her breath hitched momentarily.

"Move," Evelyn demanded through clenched teeth.

Nathan studied her intently, emotions churning behind his gaze.

That phone call had unsettled him.

He knew Isabella wouldn't say anything pleasant.

But hearing about Evelyn's cozy dinner with Preston and his son made his chest tighten painfully.

The hurt ran deep.

Nathan's voice dropped low. "I apologize you had to hear those vile words."

He'd promised no Blackwood would insult her again.

Yet Margaret had broken that vow.

He'd consulted Reginald Blackwood immediately. They'd shipped Margaret to a Swiss sanitarium despite her protests.

The elder Blackwood agreed completely. Even without marital ties, antagonizing the Sterlings made no business sense.

"You didn't say anything," Evelyn countered. "Why apologize?"

"Do you want her personal apology?"

"I don't even want to see her."

Nathan chuckled softly. Her anger amused him.

"Evelyn, I need to hold you."

The confession slipped out before he could stop it.

Before she could react, his arms encircled her, pressing her against his chest where she could hear his steady heartbeat.

Furious, Evelyn kicked him squarely where his injury had been.

He groaned, staggering backward.

Instinct made her reach out to steady him.

Their helmets collided hard.

Nathan's deep laughter rumbled through her.

Realization dawned - she'd been tricked.

He adjusted her helmet swiftly, stepping back before she could retaliate.

"I'll let you win," he declared confidently.

Evelyn nearly exploded. "Big talk!"

Did he think she needed his charity?

Where did this arrogance come from?

Infuriating man!

The mask and helmet hid her murderous glare completely.

Alexander called from outside, forcing Evelyn to hurry out.

He held two colored sticks. Both red.

"Teams are set. You're together since these are the last two."

Evelyn snatched hers indifferently.

Nathan approached politely. "Thank you, brother."

Alexander froze mid-step, nearly tripping.

Everyone stared. That "brother" could raise the dead.

"Can we start?" Evelyn demanded.

"Begin!"

She raised her paintball gun immediately, firing point-blank at the man before her.

Splat.

Nathan was out.

"Hey! Same team!" a red teammate protested.