Chapter 637

Nathan's eyes darkened, his expression turning dangerously stormy.

"Happy now?" His words carried an edge, meant to deepen the tangled web between them.

The best outcome would be their lives so hopelessly intertwined that neither could escape.

Yet Evelyn had the audacity to lay everything out plainly. The weight in his chest grew unbearable.

The memory of her piano duet with Preston Sinclair last night—winning that ridiculous prize—ignited a fire he couldn't suppress.

Nathan Blackwood, a man who always played the long game, found himself questioning, What did I even gain from this?

Evelyn's lips curved, revealing those faint dimples and a hint of smug satisfaction. "Even in moments like these, I never forget the golden rule—profit shared is profit multiplied."

She tilted her head. "Your Blackwood Industries stock surged beautifully this quarter. Those sales figures? You're welcome."

Her smile faded as she met his gaze. Her voice turned icy. "Leave others out of this. Just say thank you."

"You're defending him?" Nathan's voice dropped dangerously low.

"I don't need to. Facts speak for themselves." Evelyn crossed her arms, her stance unyielding.

Nathan's pupils constricted.

She was dismissing their history outright. Snatching his phone, he pulled up the video and slammed it onto the table. "You played quite the performance. When do I get my private concert?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed.

Ah. So that was the root of his tantrum.

She laughed, the sound so bright it momentarily disarmed him. "Mr. Blackwood, are you... jealous? How absurd."

Her amusement only fueled his irritation. "When you remarry, I'll gladly perform at your wedding."

Alexander Sterling shot Nathan a warning look. "Control yourself. We're having a civilized discussion."

No one raises their voice at my sister in my presence.

Alexander glanced at the video. "What inspired this sudden piano recital?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Just happened to run into Mr. Sinclair. Perfect timing, really." Her tone was deliberately casual. "Oh, and Nathan? That grand prize of yours was excessively generous. Waiving my shopping bill? Unexpected, but appreciated."

Alexander's brows shot up. "Waived bill?"

Evelyn smirked. "Naturally. Who'd pass up a shopping spree like that?" She turned back to Nathan. "Unless you'd prefer I return the favor?"

His jaw clenched. "So this fake relationship was just a scheme for free shopping?"

"Fifty million dollars' worth," Evelyn confirmed sweetly.

Alexander choked on his coffee.

Nathan stood abruptly, his entire frame radiating fury. The air around him turned glacial.

"Evelyn." Her name was a growl, raw and ragged.

She met his burning gaze with infuriating calm.

Alexander stepped between them. "Nathan. Sit. Down."

Not in my house.

The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air.