Chapter 603

Cassandra Blake's face shifted through a spectrum of emotions—shock giving way to unease.

Seraphina Devereux couldn't suppress a smirk. If Nathan Blackwood were so easily won over, she would have claimed him long ago. Cassandra wouldn't even have gotten a foot in the door.

Thankfully, she'd adjusted her tactics.

Evelyn Sinclair cast a glance at Nathan, her tone sharp. "She asked about your home, not your marital status."

Nathan leaned casually against the armrest, his gaze unwavering. "Our marriage didn't fail. It was only paused because of my mistakes. If you're willing, I can prove it's still the most perfect union."

The room fell silent. No one expected such a raw declaration from the notoriously guarded Nathan Blackwood.

Evelyn stood abruptly, her expression glacial. "Big words. Don't strain yourself carrying them."

She turned on her heel, her elegant frame nearly at the door when Nathan's voice cut through the air—firm, unyielding. "I can handle the weight."

Her spine stiffened imperceptibly.

Damn him.

She quickened her pace, refusing to look back.

The atmosphere in the room thickened, but no one dared to react. The crew lowered their heads, pretending to focus on their tasks. Working under Nathan Blackwood's scrutiny was already nerve-wracking enough.

According to Dominic Kingsley's schedule, they would film their first business segment tomorrow. Though the case details were known in advance, it was still a legitimate challenge.

That evening, the entire team was booked into The Grandeur, a five-star hotel under Blackwood Industries. The choice was no coincidence—the sponsor had insisted.

As the sole financier, Nathan wasn't about to let his investment line a competitor's pockets. The hotel had been cleared in advance for privacy. The manager and Harrison, Nathan's assistant, had arranged everything.

Nathan would, of course, occupy his usual presidential suite. The rest were assigned VIP rooms.

This level of preferential treatment was unprecedented in the hotel's history.

Once cameras stopped rolling, staff discreetly escorted everyone to their designated rooms. Nathan glanced at Evelyn's room number and frowned.

His icy stare sent the manager scrambling to Harrison.

"Harrison, what do I do? Mr. Blackwood looks displeased!"

Harrison sighed. "There's a smaller suite opposite the presidential one, isn't there?"

"Yes, but no one's ever stayed on that floor except Mr. Blackwood—"

"Move Ms. Sinclair there."

The manager paled but obeyed.

The smaller suite's exterior matched the VIP rooms, making the last-minute switch inconspicuous.

When staff handed Evelyn her new keycard, she knew exactly what was happening.

Stepping off the elevator, she found Nathan waiting outside his suite, door still closed.

His presence was deliberate.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Lost your key?"

The cool detachment in her voice dimmed Nathan's smile briefly before he recovered, feigning nonchalance.

"Just thought you might want to test the presidential suite. Give feedback on any... improvements needed."