Chapter 564

Nathan's breath hitched. The air around him thickened with an icy tension.

His sharp gaze darkened. "Her first demand was for that imposter?"

A bitter taste lingered on his tongue. His jaw clenched, shadows flickering in his narrowed eyes.

Something heavy lodged in his throat.

"Can't stand the thought of losing him?"

Evelyn smirked. "Obviously. He's my pawn."

Her fingers tapped the armrest. "I haven't drained Xavier dry yet. Why waste such potential?"

Nathan's earlier satisfaction shattered. It felt like a glacial wave had crashed over him, leaving his veins frozen.

He stood rigid, fists trembling at his sides.

Asking more would only humiliate him further.

Lucas coughed into his fist, suddenly aware of his intrusion.

Nathan was clearly outmatched.

Making excuses, Lucas slipped away.

Silence engulfed the cabin.

Their eyes locked—a silent battle of wills.

Evelyn remained impassive. 'Pathetic.'

Neither his fury nor his departure frightened her.

She lounged elegantly, lips curved in amusement. Unshaken.

Nathan exhaled sharply. Defeat tasted acrid.

His voice dropped. "What am I, then?"

'He's yours. Where do I stand?'

She'd promised him a chance too.

Evelyn's laugh was arctic. "You're not my husband. You mean nothing."

A toy.

A distraction.

"Keep this quiet," she added sweetly. "For both our companies' sakes."

His knuckles whitened. "Ashamed of me?"

She tilted her head. "Practical."

Other women would flaunt their connection to Nathan Blackwood.

She wanted it buried.

Ready to discard him at any moment.

Nathan's expression turned stormy.

"Unless you'd rather end this now?"

The ultimatum hung between them.

His teeth ground together. "Fine."

What choice did he have?

Evelyn rose, brushing his shoulder. Her whisper scorched his ear:

"Take lessons from Xavier. He knows how to please."

With that, she sauntered out, heels clicking triumphantly.

Let him rage. Let him quit.

Her goal was simple: push him until he broke.

Lucas fell into step beside her as they left.

Nathan stood frozen, muscles locked.

The crew buzzed with theories about the power duo's mysterious tension.

Theodore arrived, taking in Nathan's thunderous expression. Gossip about Evelyn swirled in his mind.

"Sir... Ms. Sinclair just—"

Nathan's glare could flay skin.

Theodore backtracked hastily. "Patience, sir. She's testing you."

His voice dropped. "Push back, and she wins."