Chapter 524

Nathan Blackwood turned back before taking two steps, his frustration barely contained.

Twice now, Evelyn Sinclair had been the reason for his elimination.

If she claimed it wasn't intentional, no one would believe her.

His gaze darkened as it settled on her, stormy and unreadable. The tension between them was palpable, sending the onlookers scattering to avoid the confrontation.

Evelyn tried to slip away, but Nathan blocked her path.

"Was that deliberate?" His voice was low, edged with irritation.

The sunlight caught in his eyes, turning them into turbulent pools of shadow.

"Can't handle losing?" Evelyn smirked, her tone dripping with mockery.

She had beaten him twice already. Victory was hers—no need for his hollow concessions.

Nathan let out a dark chuckle. "I can handle it."

He'd underestimated her.

For the first time in his life, he'd met his match—and it infuriated him.

Evelyn tilted her chin up, her expression cool. "You came here for fun today. Don’t let the sun ruin your mood. Take a break."

Nathan's jaw tightened.

Infuriating woman.

As she turned to leave, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. His breath brushed her ear. "Don’t get too comfortable. There’s still one round left."

He had to win.

Three losses in a row? Unacceptable. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

Evelyn scoffed, wrenching herself free before darting toward the trench.

Nathan watched her go, a slow smirk curving his lips.

His eyes gleamed with challenge—hungry, relentless.

In the second round, Evelyn let her guard down. A shot from the opposing team caught her off guard.

Alexander Sterling took the win.

Evelyn beamed, rushing to hand him water and a towel. "Big Brother, you were amazing!"

Alexander merely smiled, ignoring Nathan’s bitter glare.

An executive nearby quipped, "President Sterling is your opponent, yet you’re pampering him? Where’s our service?"

Laughter rippled through the group.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "What can I say? I play favorites."

The third round began.

Nathan and Evelyn faced off again.

The others exchanged knowing glances, sympathy lacing their expressions.

They all knew why Nathan had joined today—Evelyn.

The man who never had time for team-building events was here, chasing after his ex-wife.

At least he’d put up a fight in the first two rounds.

But this time?

Evelyn moved swiftly, determined to take him out first.

Yet the moment she turned, he was gone.

Her brows furrowed. Quick learner.

A cold barrel pressed against her back.

She froze.

Nathan had been waiting in the shadows.

"I’ll let you go once," he murmured. "But if I catch you three times, you agree to one request. Deal?"

Arrogance laced his voice, raw and unyielding.

Evelyn met his gaze.

"And if you fail?"

"Then I’ll grant you a request."

"Deal."

She’d make sure he regretted it.

Nathan lowered the gun. Evelyn bolted, the wind whipping past her as adrenaline surged.

She wouldn’t let him win.

Not again.

The blue team’s strategy sharpened, picking off opponents one by one.

Gunfire echoed in Evelyn’s ears.

Her pulse raced.

Something had changed.

Nathan’s team was unstoppable.