Chapter 690

Sophia Blackwood's demeanor shifted dramatically from her usual haughty arrogance. She approached Evelyn with hesitant steps.

"I owe you an apology, Evelyn." Sophia's voice was uncharacteristically meek. "I was foolish before. I didn't understand... I did terrible things."

She kept stealing glances at Nathan Blackwood's impassive face. If not for his obsession with Evelyn and her own desperation to return to the Blackwood family, Sophia would never have humbled herself like this.

The thought of returning to her meager allowance and subservient position made her stomach churn. Evelyn sat perfectly still, her smile cool and detached.

"Don't trouble yourself, Ms. Blackwood. The past is forgotten." Evelyn's tone suggested she believed leopards never changed their spots.

Reginald Blackwood nodded approvingly. "Family quarrels always mend. Blood ties can't be broken so easily."

William Sterling chuckled without humor. "Indeed. Though I'll need to arrange several introductions for Evelyn before she returns to work. So many eligible gentlemen have expressed interest."

The Blackwoods' expressions darkened. William continued mercilessly, "She might need three or four meetings daily just to accommodate them all."

Nathan's head snapped up, his icy gaze locking onto Evelyn. Her composed expression confirmed she'd known about these plans.

"If that's the case, we shouldn't keep you." Nathan's voice could have frozen hell. He stood abruptly.

Evelyn merely arched an eyebrow at his sudden departure. William escorted them out with false politeness. Reginald shot Nathan a meaningful look before leaving.

Inside the car, Reginald's voice dripped with contempt. "The Sterlings clearly want nothing to do with us. Will you really let her slip away?"

Nathan's eyes gleamed dangerously. "That's not their decision to make. Let's see who dares pursue the woman I've claimed."

"You should have taken my advice from the start," Reginald muttered.

Nathan's expression turned thunderous. The atmosphere grew suffocating.

"What advice?" Sophia dared to ask.

Nathan's glacial stare silenced her instantly. She'd learned the hard way not to cross him.

After a tense pause, Sophia ventured another question. "Does this mean I can return to work soon?"

Reginald cleared his throat. "Since you've shown proper remorse, we'll consider the matter closed. Don't disappoint us again."

Sophia nearly wept with relief. Those humiliating days were finally behind her. She clung to Reginald's arm like a child, her joy barely contained.