Chapter 531

Disgusting

No one dared to mock Nathan Blackwood.

Public opinion and the stock market would spiral out of control in the coming days. While they still had some influence domestically, once the media in Europe caught wind of the research scandal in Montecito, the consequences wouldn't just be financial losses for the three companies involved.

It would tarnish Montecito's reputation. When government agencies stepped in, the situation would only become more complicated—restrictions would tighten, making it harder to maneuver.

"Nathan—"

Dominic Kingsley stared at Nathan, speechless, as the latter stood abruptly, his expression dark, and stormed out of the conference room.

Harrison, gathering his files from the side, shook his head.

Nathan had never tolerated humiliation from anyone. His confidence was unshakable.

Evelyn Sinclair arrived at the entrance of Blackwood Industries and spotted Victoria Ashford standing there.

She looked like she was waiting—specifically, waiting for Evelyn.

The panic beneath her forced composure was painfully obvious.

Evelyn frowned and approached. "Were you waiting for me?"

Victoria nodded, her eyes slightly red, feigning vulnerability.

Evelyn glanced down, typing a quick message on her phone before looking back up. "What do you want?"

Whether in the office or outside, her attitude toward Victoria had always been cold.

Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to like her. They weren’t the same kind of people, and she had no interest in pretending otherwise.

Victoria took a deep breath, her gaze lingering on Evelyn’s impeccably tailored suit—a custom piece from a luxury brand Victoria could never afford.

"Ms. Sinclair, Old Master Blackwood insisted I stay to take care of Nathan. I’m in a difficult position..."

She paused, studying Evelyn’s indifferent expression before continuing, "I know Nathan only loves you, but for my family’s sake, I can’t refuse. But... if you’re unhappy, or if you want to reconcile with him, I’m willing to step aside."

Evelyn lifted her eyes, her fingers pausing mid-scroll on her phone.

Victoria’s tension was palpable as she scrutinized Evelyn’s reaction.

Her face paled.

Evelyn lowered her phone, tucking it behind her back. She regarded Victoria with icy detachment.

"Ms. Ashford, I used to pity you. Your family’s misfortunes and your struggles seemed tragic. I even helped you twice before. But you should understand—the reason you and Nathan aren’t together isn’t because of me. It’s because of your own incompetence."

Victoria’s face drained of color.

Evelyn’s phone rang.

She declined the call without hesitation.

Then, she continued, "But from now on, I’ve started to truly despise you. Every word out of your mouth is fake. So fake it’s disgusting. You’re neither innocent nor pure, and you don’t need to rely on that pitiful act to survive."

Her phone rang again. She answered it and walked away.

"I’m at the entrance."

Victoria stiffened as if she’d been slapped. Her cheeks burned with humiliation.

She stood frozen, stunned and terrified.

Evelyn hadn’t been angry or mocking. Her calm dismissal was worse—it made Victoria feel insignificant.

That kind of indifference was lethal.

Turning, Victoria watched as a sleek, understated Porsche pulled up. A sharply dressed man stepped out and opened the passenger door for Evelyn.

The tender look in his eyes was eerily similar to Nathan’s.

Evelyn slid into the car. "I’ll need your help with this incident. Our team in Europe won’t be enough to contain the backlash. The fewer people who know, the better."

With Preston Sinclair’s connections, controlling European media and stock market reactions was effortless.

Preston nodded as he drove.

"Understood. I’ll have my contacts monitor the situation and suppress the news."

Evelyn smiled. "Thank you. Let me treat you to dinner."

Preston chuckled softly. "I’m flattered you thought of me. But... just dinner?"