Chapter 527

Nathan Blackwood had always prided himself on his ironclad self-control.

But Evelyn Sinclair was the exception.

His feelings for her only grew stronger with each passing day. It was an addiction he couldn’t shake—one he didn’t want to shake.

Maybe, in those five years apart, she had quietly taken root in his heart without him realizing it. Now, that seed had grown into something unignorable—a towering tree with roots too deep to tear out.

He couldn’t pretend anymore.

Evelyn frowned, about to speak, when the executives on the other side of the room suddenly erupted.

"Come back! Who won?"

"It has to be President Sinclair. She won two out of three rounds!"

"With President Blackwood’s temper, there’s no way he’d let her win the third. Since when does he chase a woman like this?"

"Exactly. Congratulations, President Sinclair!"

She didn’t bother correcting them.

Evelyn and Nathan returned one after the other.

"Congratulations on your victory, President Sinclair!"

She leveled them with a look. "President Blackwood won the third round."

Silence.

Confused glances were exchanged.

Why wasn’t he following the usual playbook?

Nathan didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was that he had won.

Alexander Sterling handed Evelyn a towel, wiping the sweat from her brow before shooting Nathan a knowing smirk.

"President Blackwood, you really went all out in the final round."

Nathan took a long drink of water before answering bluntly, "If I want Evelyn, I have to fight for her."

The room collectively held its breath.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

He should’ve let her win. Walked away gracefully. But no—Nathan had to claim victory.

Later, the group gathered for dinner, but Evelyn excused herself early, citing work.

The executives exchanged bewildered looks before dispersing, baffled.

Evelyn was exhausted. All she wanted was to go home and sleep.

Nathan’s request remained unanswered, but she didn’t care. She wouldn’t agree—not to something so unreasonable.

Just as she left the company, her phone buzzed.

Dominic Kingsley was calling.

Blackwood Industries

Nathan showered and changed, emerging in a noticeably better mood.

Harrison took the opportunity to brief him on a few thorny issues. Surprisingly, Nathan listened patiently, offering solutions without so much as a hint of irritation.

A knock interrupted them.

"President, Old Master Blackwood sent something for you."

Nathan raised a brow. What was his grandfather up to now?

"Let them in."

The secretary stepped aside, revealing a well-dressed woman standing timidly in the doorway.

Victoria Ashford.

"Mr. Blackwood, Old Master Blackwood thought you might be too busy to eat properly, so he asked me to bring you some soup."

Her voice was deliberately soft, masking the tension beneath.

Nathan’s expression instantly cooled.

"You’re still here?"

His tone was ice.

Initially, Margaret Blackwood had kept Victoria at the estate. But with Margaret gone, shouldn’t Victoria have left too?

Victoria paled, her smile faltering.

"Old Master Blackwood asked me to stay a few more days. I won’t be a bother."

The same old game.

Nathan’s gaze darkened, but he said nothing.

Harrison quickly took the soup from her hands, pouring a bowl for Nathan. "Thank you, Ms. Ashford."

Nathan clearly had no intention of continuing the conversation. Harrison hesitated, unsure whether to dismiss her.

But Victoria stepped forward, biting her lip before summoning her courage.

"Mr. Blackwood, I know I’m not as accomplished as Evelyn Sinclair, but I can work hard to become whoever you want me to be. Old Master Blackwood said I could learn a lot by your side. I’d like to be your secretary—"