Chapter 682

Evelyn Sinclair's expression darkened. "I-I just... He was at the door. Was I supposed to turn him away? Besides, the butler approved it too."

She thought quickly - better to shift blame.

Nathan Blackwood's voice turned icy, devoid of any respect. "Really? The butler agreed? Shall we summon him here to confirm?"

A visible tremor ran through Alexandra Montgomery's lips as her face betrayed unease.

"What kind of man is Mr. Blackwood? How could we possibly refuse him?"

"I don't need your opinion on his character. In future, refrain from making decisions about matters that don't concern you."

Without another glance, Evelyn turned on her heel and left. She'd already shown remarkable restraint - it was only the holiday season that spared Alexandra from immediate dismissal.

Snowflakes swirled around Nathan's car as he drove home, an uncharacteristic smile playing on his lips.

Theodore Winslow, half-frozen, finally spotted the approaching headlights. He practically threw himself into the warm interior.

"M-Mr. Blackwood!" His teeth chattered violently. "You can't abandon me like this! I'd have turned into an icicle!"

Though the car's heating couldn't instantly thaw him, it beat standing in the blizzard. Nathan merely hummed in acknowledgment, his good mood evident.

"Double your year-end bonus."

Theodore's shivering ceased immediately. Suddenly, the cold didn't seem so unbearable.

At Aspen Lodge, Reginald Blackwood sat stiffly in the parlor after ending another tedious holiday call. What should have been a festive atmosphere felt more like a morgue.

Charles Blackwood had long since relocated overseas, permanently stationed at a company there. Having escaped his mother Margaret's controlling grasp, he wasn't about to return voluntarily to face his father's temper.

With Nathan now heir apparent, Charles saw no reason to interfere. His sole remaining purpose? Enjoying his freedom and spending the family fortune.

When Nathan arrived, he tossed the keys to Theodore. "Go home."

The butler visibly relaxed at Nathan's return. "Welcome back, Young Master—"

Nathan strode past him without acknowledgment, finding his grandfather waiting with thunderous expression.

"Where have you been?" The old man's anger had been simmering all day. Between the surveillance and Nathan's blatant disregard for family obligations, Reginald's patience had worn thin.

Nathan remained impassive. "Out for a drive."

Reginald slammed his iPad onto the table. "A drive? To Sterling Manor, perhaps? The entire city's talking about how you lit up the sky with fireworks for Evelyn Sinclair!"

A cold smirk twisted Nathan's lips. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

Get close to the Sterlings. Reconcile with Evelyn.

Precisely Reginald's agenda.

The old man's face purpled with rage. "I didn't tell you to debase yourself! The CEO of Blackwood Industries groveling after a woman - and one whose family treats you with contempt!"

How could the Blackwoods maintain their standing with such humiliation?

Nathan's laugh held no warmth. "Using underhanded tactics against a woman - now that's what I call debasing."

The barb struck its mark. Reginald shot to his feet, hand trembling as he pointed accusingly. "You—"