Chapter 718

Nathan's lips curved when he noticed Evelyn's gaze lingering on the gun in her palm.

"Like what you see?"

She hesitated for a beat before handing it back.

"Fakes can still intimidate, huh?"

Amusement deepened in his eyes as he tucked it away. "The real one's with me. If you pull the trigger, I'll follow through. No consequences for you."

He'd shoulder all the responsibility.

Nathan wanted Evelyn to act without restraint.

Her breath hitched. A faint tremor ran through her as she studied his profile.

"Why are you here?"

His smile dimmed. "I warned you these waters are treacherous. Did you think I'd let you dive in alone?"

His low, rough voice filled the car's interior.

Evelyn's lips twitched. "Thanks. But aren't you worried I'll beat you to Leonard Whitmore for the Pacific Heights deal?"

Nathan's gaze sharpened. He turned fully toward her. "You don't trust me?"

"Trust requires foundation." She stated it plainly. "We have none."

Silence stretched between them.

An unnatural chill radiated from Nathan. Odd.

"So you're meeting Whitmore?"

His jaw tightened briefly. "Yes."

His schedule was packed—he'd intended to discuss the project anyway. But Evelyn exposing his motives rankled.

As if his actions weren't purely for her sake.

Evelyn nearly snorted. Hypocrite.

Though competing, their methods diverged completely. No direct conflict. The victor remained undecided.

Nathan glanced at her. "Take these ledgers back to San Francisco for analysis. Staying here's too risky."

She arched a brow, smiling without commitment.

"Still, I owe you for today." Nathan relaxed slightly. Then how will you repay me?

Evelyn cut off his unspoken thought.

"Dinner. My treat."

His eyebrows shot up. Her first invitation.

Far from the gratitude he'd envisioned, but sharing a peaceful meal alone held its own appeal.

"Home-cooked?" Nathan ventured.

Evelyn looked away. The audacity.

"No. Feel free to handle the cooking yourself." As if I'd step into a kitchen for him.

Years of marriage had destroyed any culinary patience she possessed.

Nathan's lashes lowered, masking disappointment. "Fine. I'll cook."

He wondered how it would feel—preparing a meal for someone he loved.

Evelyn rolled her eyes discreetly. What's his game now? Nathan Blackwood cooking? Please.

The mighty CEO was about to face his first culinary defeat.

The car halted at Sterling Enterprises' hotel. Evelyn exited.

Nathan followed, glancing up. "I'll have ingredients delivered. Expect me by seven. Rest until then."

She watched his car depart before Bennett approached. "Ma'am—"

Evelyn entered the elevator.

"Find a reliable third-party auditor. Work with our team to identify the ledger discrepancies. Submit everything to authorities within four hours."

Bennett blinked. That fast?

Her gaze sharpened. "Lawrence Sinclair returns tomorrow. We move before they can react." Speed was their weapon.