Chapter 721

Nathan was reaching for his laptop to plug in the flash drive when Evelyn's fingers closed around it first. "Mr. Blackwood, that belongs to me."

His eyebrows shot up. "I was wondering why your assistant handed this to me."

Evelyn's lips curved without offering an explanation.

Of course Alexandra would try to give Nathan anything he wanted.

"She's clearly mistaken. This won't occur again."

Before Nathan could analyze the edge in Evelyn's voice, she already had her phone out.

She dialed Bennett directly.

"Terminate Alexandra Montgomery immediately. Effective now."

Bennett didn't hesitate or ask questions. He moved with military precision.

He'd always suspected Alexandra wouldn't last long at Sterling Enterprises.

Alexandra had just stepped out of the hotel lobby when the termination notice hit her phone. No return to office required. Her access revoked completely.

Panic set in immediately.

When she called HR for clarification, no one would take her calls.

Her habit of flaunting her connection to Evelyn had burned every bridge in the company.

While the office celebrated her departure, Alexandra desperately called Jonathan.

Jonathan had already received Evelyn's warning. Hearing about the firing, relief flooded through him.

At least he wasn't collateral damage.

"Mr. Reeves, there must be some mistake! Can you check with corporate? I didn't do anything—"

Jonathan cut her off without his usual diplomacy. "Who exactly did you hand that flash drive to?"

Alexandra froze. "I—"

"Nathan Blackwood is our direct competitor on this bid. You handed him confidential documents. That's corporate espionage, Alexandra."

Her face drained of color. "Mr. Reeves, I saw him there when Ms. Sinclair wasn't, so I asked him to pass it along—"

"Stop embarrassing yourself. I've been around long enough to recognize social climbing when I see it. The termination stands. If you disagree, take it to legal."

He hung up, cursing the day Alexandra joined his team.

Alexandra's hands shook. She suddenly understood—Evelyn must have witnessed the entire exchange.

No other explanation for the lightning-fast termination.

Guilt turned to dread. She wouldn't dare fight this. Against the Sterlings? She stood no chance.

Defeated, Alexandra headed back to clear her desk.

Evelyn finished handling the situation and turned to Nathan. "Let's go."

He stood. "Where?"

"I made reservations." Nathan exhaled sharply.

Evelyn walked ahead. Nathan caught up, his voice low. "That was an accident. Harrison will cover all damages."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Already handled."

"Next time, I'll cook you something edible."

Today's disaster had taught Nathan one thing—cooking was harder than running a Fortune 500 company.

But he never backed down from a challenge. He'd master this too.

Evelyn's polite smile looked painful.

"Mr. Blackwood, your intentions are... appreciated."

'Please stay out of kitchens forever.'

Bennett had booked their usual private dining room at Le Ciel. Entire staff cleared out per standard protocol.

Evelyn refused to be photographed dining with Nathan.

She ordered her usual salad, then slid the menu toward him.

Nathan didn't glance at it. "Same."

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. She'd only ordered a fruit plate...