Chapter 720

The instant Nathan stepped into the kitchen, Evelyn braced herself for disaster.

She'd expected burnt food at worst.

But reality proved far more explosive. Nathan didn't just fail at cooking—he detonated the entire kitchen.

Thick plumes of smoke billowed out, triggering the fire alarm.

Even covered in soot, Nathan retained his aristocratic composure. Only the tightness in his jaw betrayed his fury.

His pride had taken a direct hit.

Pressing his tongue against the roof of his mouth, he muttered through gritted teeth, "Faulty equipment."

Then he hauled Evelyn out before the sprinklers drenched them.

Though no flames erupted, the oven's malfunction had short-circuited the entire system. Water cascaded from the ceiling, flooding the floor.

Chaos erupted. The hotel manager scrambled to relocate guests and assess damages while Nathan—oblivious—scrolled through cooking tutorials on his phone.

Evelyn's lips twitched. Unbelievable.

"Ms. Sterling," the manager approached nervously, "would you inspect the damage?"

Her stomach dropped. This bastard just cost me a fortune.

The floor was unsalvageable. Walls, carpets, furniture—all needed replacement. The renovation would halt operations for weeks.

"Mr. Blackwood—" the manager hesitated, "—will he cover the losses?"

Evelyn's smile turned glacial. "Sterling Enterprises will handle it. Contact Bennett for details."

As the manager retreated, Evelyn froze.

Alexandra Montgomery stood beside Nathan, simpering as she handed him a flash drive.

Nathan accepted it indifferently, not even glancing at her.

Evelyn's blood ran cold. She dialed Jonathan Reeves.

"Who delivered the drive?"

"Alexandra," Jonathan answered, confused. "The team was auditing accounts, so she—"

"You entrusted her with confidential data?" Evelyn's voice sharpened.

"She's your assistant! I thought—"

"Thought wrong." Her knuckles whitened around the phone. "She gave it to Nathan Blackwood. If this leaks, pack your desk with hers."

She hung up and stormed forward. Nathan frowned at the drive, turning it over like a foreign object.

He doesn't even know what he's holding.

But Alexandra did.

And that terrified Evelyn more than any kitchen explosion.