Chapter 681

Nathan Blackwood's lips curved into an unexpected smile. The clock hadn't even struck midnight, yet here he was delivering New Year's greetings like some eager schoolboy.

William Sterling couldn't ignore the gesture. "How... thoughtful. Alexander, please escort Mr. Blackwood inside—"

Alexander Sterling extended his hand stiffly. "This way, Mr. Blackwood."

Nathan nodded. "Happy New Year, brother."

Alexander's polite mask cracked. "Your enthusiasm is... overwhelming." He turned sharply, leading the way without another word.

Evelyn Sinclair descended the staircase and froze. Her expression darkened instantly when she spotted Nathan standing in the foyer. The entire Sterling family stared at their unexpected guest with varying degrees of shock. Several younger female relatives clutched their chests, visibly swooning.

Nathan's gaze locked onto Evelyn. For the first time all evening, his smile reached his eyes. "Happy New Year, Evelyn."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "How... punctual of you to deliver New Year's wishes at this hour, Mr. Blackwood. Forgive our lack of preparation."

Nathan chuckled. That they'd opened the gates at all was more than he'd hoped for. "I knew you were angry with me. I couldn't sleep thinking about it."

Truthfully, he hadn't planned to come. Theodore had accompanied him to watch the fireworks display downtown. But when the last spark faded from the sky, Nathan found himself dialing Evelyn's number. Hearing her voice had shattered his restraint. He'd left Theodore on the sidewalk and driven straight to Sterling Manor.

Only one thought consumed him: See her. Now.

The moment his eyes found Evelyn in the grand foyer, the restless energy that had plagued him all evening finally settled.

Evelyn's posture remained rigid. As if anyone would believe that flimsy excuse.

Alexander cleared his throat pointedly. "Mr. Blackwood, perhaps we should continue this in the drawing room? More privacy there."

"Of course. Thank you... brother."

Alexander's eye twitched at the repeated familial address. These two men knew each other too well—had clashed too often in boardrooms and business deals to pretend otherwise. Nathan's polished charm and impeccable manners grated on Alexander's nerves. He shot Evelyn a pleading look—get rid of him before I lose my temper.

Alexandra Montgomery saw her chance and moved to follow, but Lucas Sterling blocked her path with a deceptively pleasant smile. "You're not needed in there."

Alexandra fluttered her lashes. "But it's so rare for Mr. Blackwood to visit. Wouldn't it be rude not to greet him properly?"

Lucas's smile didn't reach his eyes. "He came to see the Sterlings. Are you a Sterling?"

The unspoken warning hung between them: Don't overstep.

Alexandra paled. Lucas laughed lightly and gestured toward the sitting room. "Why don't you keep Aunt Beatrice company? The car will take you home at dawn."

Nathan recognized his tenuous welcome. One glimpse of Evelyn would have to suffice. After finishing his tea with remarkable speed, he rose to leave.

The moment the front door closed behind Nathan, Alexander stormed off without a backward glance. Evelyn turned—and found Alexandra lingering by the entrance, staring wistfully at the gates.

The longing on Alexandra's face was unmistakable.

Evelyn walked past her without breaking stride.

Alexandra couldn't resist. "Evelyn! Why did Mr. Blackwood really come? To beg for reconciliation? Are you getting remarried?"

Evelyn stopped. Adjusted her shawl with deliberate slowness. Then fixed Alexandra with a gaze that could freeze fire.

"Who gave you permission to open those gates?"