Chapter 553

Nathan Blackwood silently returned to the sofa.

Restlessness, resentment, and helplessness churned inside him, making sleep impossible that night.

Dawn had already broken when exhaustion finally claimed him.

Evelyn Sinclair awoke to Isabella Montgomery's call.

"Is Nathan Blackwood at your place?" Isabella demanded without preamble.

Evelyn frowned, still groggy. "Yes..."

"Damn it! Are you two really back together? Living together now? Is this serious or just a fling?"

The fog cleared from Evelyn's mind as she processed the implications.

"How do you know he's here?"

"Check Nathan's social media! He posted a photo that's got the entire elite circle talking about your reunion last night!"

Evelyn hung up and immediately checked Nathan's accounts - nothing.

She took a deep breath and called Isabella back.

"Send me the screenshot."

"He blocked you? Hah! That's rich - the man's sneaking around to post about you!"

Within moments, Isabella forwarded the damning evidence.

Evelyn nearly choked seeing it.

The photo showed her portrait in the living room. His suggestive caption and reply to Tristan Whitmore's comment left little to imagination.

That bastard Nathan Blackwood had orchestrated this deliberately!

The screenshot showed countless likes and comments - their social circle would be buzzing by now.

"That absolute bastard!" Evelyn stormed out, only to find the living room empty. The disheveled sofa bore evidence of recent occupation, but its inhabitant had vanished.

"Ran away like a coward," she muttered.

After freshening up, Evelyn headed to work.

Fortunately, Nathan's inner circle remained small. Those who'd seen the post wouldn't dare harass her directly.

Meanwhile, Pacifica Tech dominated international headlines for all the wrong reasons. Their arrogant stance toward consumer safety and unreasonable demands had sparked global outrage, making front-page news worldwide.

Consumer protests forced the Pacifica government to halt production of their controversial braking systems pending investigation. Luxury car manufacturers suspended sales of affected models, though recalls remained conspicuously absent.

At this critical juncture, Kingsley Tech's AI car system faced scrutiny - with all evidence pointing to Pacifica Tech's faulty components.

As AI represented humanity's future, entrusting lives to emotionless machines required absolute certainty in their safety.

The consequences of negligence would be catastrophic.

Investigators abandoned secrecy, releasing findings publicly. International authorities soon confirmed the AI system functioned flawlessly - the fault lay elsewhere.

Within weeks, Pacifica Tech's reputation crumbled. The once-revered automotive innovator became synonymous with corporate deceit.

Despite powerful backers, no investor dared defend them against global condemnation.

European nations, Montecito, and Pacifica formed a joint investigative team. With Kingsley Tech's full cooperation, the truth emerged: Pacifica Tech's components contained intermittent defects affecting random units.

This explained why some owners reported no issues.

The revelation caused international uproar. Pacifica Tech suspended production immediately.

Ironically, the AI car emerged unscathed, enjoying unprecedented publicity.

Dominic Kingsley observed Nathan's demeanor and exhaled in relief. "Not difficult at all. You'd orchestrated everything beforehand - we merely executed."

Without Nathan's foresight, Kingsley Tech might have faced ruin from Pacifica Tech's investors.

Nathan, unusually approachable, acknowledged each greeting with rare patience.

As attendees settled, one empty chair remained beside Evelyn - whether by design or coincidence.

Nathan claimed it without hesitation, casually draping an arm behind Evelyn's chair.

The room buzzed with unspoken reactions.

Evelyn pretended not to notice, engrossed in the menu while engaging Dominic. "Mr. Kingsley, you've worked hardest—"

Evelyn blinked. "Apologize for what?"

Seeing potential salvation, Dominic recounted the earlier incident. Hearing Nathan's response, Evelyn could visualize his exact expression.

Nathan's military background meant even as a businessman, his national loyalty remained unquestionable.

No wonder Dominic felt such guilt.

"Ms. Sinclair, perhaps you could... intercede later?"

Evelyn smiled. "Of course."

The private room door opened again. Nathan entered alone.

His gaze swept the assembly, lingering on Evelyn before he approached Dominic with a knowing smile.

"You've had quite the journey."