Chapter 680

Silence stretched on the other end of the call.

Every word Evelyn spoke cut deeper into Nathan's heart. Even after all this time, her careless condemnation still wounded him like fresh blades.

He sought out this pain deliberately, as if punishing himself during what should have been a joyous celebration.

When Evelyn grew impatient and threatened to hang up, Nathan finally spoke again, his voice rough.

"Evelyn. I need to see you."

She scoffed.

"I don't want to see you."

"I'm outside your gates. Let me in."

He didn't give her a chance to refuse. From his car, he watched the lively scene unfolding in the Sterling Manor courtyard—people laughing, fireworks bursting against the snowy sky.

None of that warmth belonged to him.

Evelyn paused mid-step. Why today of all days? Shouldn't the Blackwoods be busy with their own celebrations?

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

"I won't open the door. Leave."

Nathan chuckled darkly and restarted the engine.

Too late.

The gates were already swinging open.

Evelyn stiffened. The call had disconnected. She hurried down the path, certain the butler wouldn't dare let Nathan in without her permission.

In the courtyard, Lucas Sterling carried little Oliver on his shoulders while the others laughed nearby.

At the entrance, Archibald watched helplessly as the Range Rover rolled through the gates—opened by Alexandra Montgomery, who had dashed over without warning.

How do I explain this to Evelyn?

"You can't just open the gates without Chairman Sterling or Ms. Sinclair's orders," Archibald protested.

Alexandra waved him off. "That's Nathan Blackwood. Do you really think locked gates would stop him?"

"But Ms. Sinclair explicitly—"

"Enough," Alexandra snapped. "You're just staff. Don't overstep. Mr. Blackwood might be here on business. Are you prepared to handle the consequences if you turn him away?"

She turned, spotting the man stepping out of the car.

Dressed in black, he looked like a shadow given form—regal, imposing, effortlessly commanding the space around him.

Alexandra rushed forward with an umbrella, shielding him from the snow. Her cheeks flushed.

"Mr. Blackwood, please come in—"

Nathan adjusted his coat collar and gave her a polite nod. His gaze flickered with mild confusion.

"Who are you?"

The new maid?

Alexandra straightened. "I'm Alexandra Montgomery. Evelyn's cousin."

Nathan's expression softened.

"Hello."

Luckily, he hadn't voiced his earlier assumption.

Alexandra hadn't expected him to smile at her. This was the closest she'd ever been to Nathan Blackwood, and the proximity sent her pulse racing.

"The fireworks earlier were stunning," she gushed. "We all saw them. You're so thoughtful, Mr. Blackwood."

Nathan walked past her, the ghost of a smirk on his lips. Though Evelyn's cousin grated on his nerves, he forced patience.

All for Evelyn's sake.

"Thanks."

William Sterling and the others turned at Nathan's approach. William's brows lifted in surprise.

"Mr. Blackwood? What brings you here?"

His gaze flicked to Archibald, who stood stiffly, shooting Alexandra a pointed look.

The butler stayed silent.

Nathan's smile remained cool, his demeanor every bit the untouchable aristocrat.

But when he met William's eyes, he dipped into a respectful bow.

"Happy New Year, Chairman Sterling. I came to pay my respects."