Chapter 710

The night swallowed everything like spilled ink.

Nathan Blackwood studied Evelyn Sinclair's profile in silence.

His voice dropped an octave. "The investment risk is too high. If Sterling Enterprises wants to enter real estate, you should start with safer ventures—"

Evelyn's lips curved without warmth. "Mr. Blackwood, any competent negotiator knows 'you're inexperienced' is amateur tactics. Save your breath. This project will be mine."

Nathan's gaze darkened.

He'd miscalculated.

The woman who once bent to his will now stood toe-to-toe with Blackwood Industries.

After a weighted pause, his tone turned gravelly. "This concerns Blackwood's expansion. I won't concede."

'Unless she insists...' The traitorous thought unsettled him.

Evelyn arched one perfect brow. "Neither will I. May the best corporation win."

Bennett materialized with her sable coat.

"Ms. Sinclair— Mr. Blackwood?"

Evelyn shrugged off Nathan's jacket, letting it fall into his arms. Bennett draped her coat over her shoulders with practiced ease. Nathan's jaw clenched at their familiarity. His glare could've frozen lava.

Bennett shivered violently.

Nathan's attention snapped back to Evelyn, voice softening unnaturally. "Joint development remains an option."

Sterling and Blackwood had partnered successfully before. Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. The gala had drained her.

"Spare me. Sterling Enterprises doesn't need charity."

Even if they lost, the setback wouldn't cripple them. His condescension grated.

Their collaboration on the Kingsley Tech deal already drew scrutiny. Further entanglement risked dangerous dependence.

Bennett cleared his throat after checking his phone. "Ms. Sinclair, your father expects us."

Evelyn nodded. Her Maybach glided to the curb.

Bennett opened the rear door. He took the opposite seat just as Nathan wrenched Evelyn's door back open.

Icy wind invaded the cabin.

Evelyn exhaled through her nose. "What now?"

Nathan's Adam's apple bobbed. After three heartbeats, he murmured, "Sleep well, Evelyn."

"Get lost."

The door slammed. His death stare at Bennett could've vaporized steel.

Every man near Evelyn set his teeth on edge.

Yet he'd forfeited all rights.

Nathan watched her taillights vanish, grinding his molars. 'I'm hiring her a female assistant after our remarriage.'

Harrison arrived with the Bentley.

His flawless door-opening technique earned Nathan's approval. Competent subordinates knew their place.

En route, Harrison misread Nathan's mood. "Sir, did we secure the deal?"

"No."

Awkward silence.

Nathan suddenly declared, "Your salary's doubling."

Harrison choked on air.