Chapter 636

The pre-orders for Sterling Enterprises' latest jewelry collection shattered all expectations, surpassing projected sales and setting new industry records.

Blackwood Industries' fashion line simultaneously sold out across every major retail channel worldwide. Stocks for both corporations skyrocketed at unprecedented rates within twenty-four hours. A flawless victory.

Evelyn Sinclair leaned back in her office chair, spinning lazily as her phone buzzed incessantly on the desk. The admiration pouring in was overwhelming.

Bennett Sterling knocked before entering. "The press has cleared out. We've finalized arrangements with all media platforms."

Evelyn nodded. "Double-check inventory levels. Quality control remains our top priority. If supplies run low, pause pre-orders immediately."

Bennett's expression remained professional. "Understood."

Evelyn stretched her legs onto the desk, fingers drumming against the polished surface. "Any updates from Blackwood Industries?"

"Not yet—" Bennett's reply was interrupted by sharp rapping at the door.

Before Evelyn could respond, the door swung open. Her eyes narrowed at the intrusion. Who dared enter without permission?

Alexander Sterling stepped inside first, his brow furrowing at Evelyn's casual posture. He cleared his throat pointedly. "We have company."

Evelyn barely had time to lower her legs when Nathan Blackwood strode in, his polished Oxfords clicking against the marble floor.

His piercing gaze took in Evelyn's relaxed position, then flicked to Bennett standing opposite her. A muscle twitched in Nathan's jaw.

Bennett stiffened under the unexpected scrutiny, bewildered by the sudden hostility radiating from Blackwood.

Evelyn smoothly adjusted into a more professional stance. "Mr. Blackwood, what an unexpected visit. No advance notice?"

Nathan's voice dripped ice. "Had I announced my arrival, I suspect I'd find this office empty."

Evelyn's lips twitched. The man wasn't wrong. "Nonsense. You're always welcome here."

Alexander interjected, "We crossed paths in the lobby after my meeting. Thought we'd come up together."

Evelyn shot her brother a look that screamed traitor. Couldn't he sense the tension thickening the air?

"Lunch?" Alexander suggested brightly.

"Perfect," Nathan agreed before Evelyn could object.

Trapped, Evelyn reminded herself she'd done nothing wrong. She'd single-handedly boosted Blackwood Industries' market value. If anything, Nathan owed her gratitude.

They opted for Sterling Enterprises' private executive dining room to avoid public scrutiny. Evelyn instructed Bennett to arrange their meal, leaving the three in increasingly uncomfortable silence.

Nathan's stormy eyes bored into Evelyn, who resisted the urge to fidget. What was his problem?

She broke the silence first. "Mr. Blackwood, I've fulfilled every request. Your company's valuation has never been higher. Surely you're satisfied?"

Alexander choked back laughter. His sister's bluntness was legendary.

Nathan's attention snapped to Alexander briefly before returning to Evelyn. His voice dropped dangerously low. "Are you suggesting I should thank you?"

Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "No need for formalities between partners."

Nathan's knuckles whitened around his water glass. "Did Preston Sinclair put you up to this?"