Chapter 711

The moment Evelyn stepped into the car, exhaustion hit her like a tidal wave.

Before she knew it, they had arrived at Sterling Manor.

Bennett sat beside her, quietly organizing the scattered documents. By the time Evelyn exited the vehicle, everything was neatly arranged.

She walked through the grand entrance still half-asleep, but the sight of Alexander waiting in the foyer instantly jolted her awake.

"You're still up?"

William emerged from his study. Seeing his daughter home, he descended the marble staircase to join them.

Alexander nodded. "I had a feeling your night wouldn't go smoothly."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "How did you know?"

Leaning back against the plush sofa, Alexander stretched his long legs. "Nathan kept his interest in the Sandford project under wraps. My contacts at Blackwood Industries only just uncovered it."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. Corporate espionage was standard practice - just as Nathan undoubtedly had moles within Sterling Enterprises.

They'd simply been exceptionally good at keeping secrets.

The butler appeared with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Though Evelyn rarely indulged, the rich aroma proved irresistible.

William stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Blackwood Industries has decades of real estate experience. Their advantage is undeniable."

"When Nathan single-handedly drove San Francisco's property values through the roof, he nearly achieved monopoly status. Smaller firms made fortunes just picking up his crumbs. Then, when no one expected it, he abandoned real estate entirely and pivoted to industrialization. Before the market could react, property values crashed. The man's a business savant!"

Even William's grudging admiration told Evelyn she'd severely underestimated Nathan from the beginning.

Alexander's voice remained neutral. "He's always preferred swimming against the tide. Arrogance, mostly. This time won't be any different."

Evelyn said nothing, but privately agreed. Knowing Nathan, he'd relish stirring up trouble during a market downturn.

A slow smile curved her lips as she settled deeper into the sofa. "Nothing's decided yet. The game's far from over."

"Little E, you're really going through with this?" Alexander studied her.

She met his gaze squarely. "Why wouldn't I? Should we retreat just because Nathan Blackwood's involved? He has his methods, I have mine. Even if we lose, we'll do it with dignity."

William slapped his knee. "That's my girl! Healthy competition never hurt anyone. Besides, I'd bet on you over Nathan any day!"

Though concern lingered in Alexander's eyes, both Evelyn and William's determination left no room for argument.

"Fine. You have my support. But remember - while Mr. Whitmore has final approval, we need to acquire Zenith Corp first. Start there."

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with renewed energy. She'd nearly forgotten that crucial detail. "Perfect! I'll prepare for both scenarios. Don't worry!"

Alexander stood and ruffled her hair affectionately. "You're handling this much better than Donovan would."

Evelyn blinked. "What's Donovan done now? Is he back?" William released a long-suffering sigh.

"Don't ask. Your brother's emotional intelligence remains nonexistent. When visiting the Whitakers, he insulted half the family. They complimented his intelligence, so he launched into a lecture on human evolutionary theory. They took it as an insult to their intellect. The meeting ended... poorly."

Evelyn's lips twitched. That sounded exactly like Donovan.