Chapter 709

Evelyn Sinclair was taken aback. The project had been discussed in strict confidence—only she, Alexander Sterling, and Jonathan Reeves were privy to it.

Not a single word should have leaked.

Why is Nathan Blackwood suddenly interested in the same project? How is this even possible?

Nathan’s striking features remained impassive, though the faintest smirk tugged at his lips. His dark eyes were unreadable.

"Apparently, we have the same target. I only just found out myself."

An uncomfortable silence settled over the group.

Leonard Whitmore cleared his throat awkwardly. "So... you two didn’t coordinate this?"

How awkward indeed.

Evelyn laughed lightly, brushing it off. "It’s fine. Whoever secures the project, it’s still a win."

Nathan swirled the wine in his glass, his expression inscrutable.

Blackwood Industries and Sterling Enterprises were titans in their own right—equally matched in resources and influence. Either one could handle the project effortlessly. But what happened when both wanted it?

How had this overlooked venture suddenly become a coveted prize?

When their gazes locked, neither wavered.

Neither was willing to back down.

The rest of dinner passed with forced pleasantries, the topic carefully avoided. Afterward, Leonard was escorted out, visibly relieved. With two powerhouses vying for his project, he no longer had to worry about finding a buyer.

Outside, the biting wind cut through the night. Evelyn had left her coat inside, so Bennett had gone back to retrieve it. She stood at the entrance, tall and poised, her face a mask of cool indifference.

Nathan’s interference had ruined her plans. Securing the project should have been straightforward—the real challenge lay in execution.

But now, she was stumbling at the first hurdle.

Her thoughts were still churning when footsteps approached from behind. Probably Bennett.

Then, warmth draped over her shoulders. The scent of bergamot and cedar enveloped her, pulling her from her thoughts.

Evelyn stiffened. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

She glanced sideways and met Nathan’s piercing gaze.

The doorway light carved sharp shadows across his face, accentuating his flawless features. That face had fooled many—but not her. Without a word, she moved to shrug off his coat.

Nathan caught her wrist, his grip firm. His voice was low. "It’s cold. Keep it."

Evelyn withdrew her hand but didn’t protest further. Instead, she smirked.

"Mr. Blackwood, I didn’t take you for a gentleman."

The man who wouldn’t blink at others’ suffering.

Nathan exhaled sharply at her jab but changed the subject.

"Why real estate?" It wasn’t what he’d expected from her.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Why not ask yourself the same?"

A flicker of amusement crossed his face.

"Fortune favors the bold."

Their eyes locked again, and in that moment, Nathan saw it—they were cut from the same cloth. Not content with playing it safe, they thrived on risk.

The realization sent a thrill through him. The woman he loved was his equal in every way.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Or it leaves you with nothing."