Chapter 722
Nathan Blackwood lounged casually in his seat, his posture relaxed yet commanding. "What's your next move? When are you heading back?"
Evelyn Sinclair gave him a knowing smile. "Soon. If everything goes according to plan, I can leave tomorrow morning."
If all went well, Victor Langley and Lawrence Sinclair would be in custody by then. She could return to her office and have Jonathan Reeves handle the acquisition details.
Nathan thought he'd managed to talk some sense into her. His expression softened.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. For a first attempt, you've done remarkably well."
Now it was his turn to deal with Leonard Whitmore.
Nathan had no intention of negotiating directly with Lawrence Sinclair.
To test Lawrence's limits, they needed pressure - and that pressure had to come from Leonard Whitmore.
The only way to outmaneuver a snake was to become an even bigger serpent.
Nathan wasn't about to pay Lawrence a lump sum. He'd already set everything in motion to completely flip the situation.
Just then, Nathan's phone rang.
Leonard Whitmore was calling.
Nathan glanced at Evelyn, who appeared indifferent.
So he answered the call right in front of her.
As Leonard spoke, Nathan's eyes widened momentarily before his gaze darkened, locking onto Evelyn with new intensity.
After a few polite exchanges, Nathan ended the call with a carefully neutral expression.
Evelyn could read Nathan's reaction perfectly.
She'd won this round.
Three seconds of silence stretched between them.
Then Nathan suddenly chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Evelyn, you never cease to amaze me."
That she could outmaneuver him when he wasn't paying full attention was impressive enough.
Evelyn smiled serenely. "Are you sure 'amaze' is the right word? Not 'shock'?"
Nathan's reaction was unexpected - neither furious nor falsely magnanimous. Just... thoughtful.
"Do you know what Leonard just told me?" he asked after a moment.
"I can guess," Evelyn replied frankly.
She'd played her hand perfectly. The project would have to go to Sterling Enterprises now.
Any other outcome would imply backroom dealings between Nathan and Leonard.
Against a lesser opponent, Leonard might have risked helping Nathan.
But Sterling Enterprises' influence matched Blackwood Industries'. Any hint of unfair play would jeopardize Leonard's career.
He had no choice but to remain impartial.
Nathan rubbed his temple, then laughed outright, his admiration undisguised.
"Victor Langley's been arrested. They're on their way to pick up Lawrence Sinclair now. Zenith Corp is about to undergo a complete power shift." His voice held reluctant awe. "In less than a day, you've turned Sandford upside down."
He'd underestimated Evelyn. Badly.
While Nathan spent four hours preparing dinner, Evelyn had orchestrated this entire operation.
He'd expected her to rest after the earlier events - to be shaken, exhausted.
Instead, she'd moved with unbelievable speed and precision. Her calm execution was unmatched.
This was the woman he loved - brilliant, bold, fearless.
He'd lost. And he couldn't even resent it.
Evelyn lowered her eyes with a faint smile. "I know. Thanks for conceding."
Nathan's grin turned wry.
"Evelyn, if you ever want to join Blackwood Industries, I'll give you the best package imaginable."
What an incredible opponent.
She raised an eyebrow. "Same goes if you want to switch to Sterling Enterprises."
A pang of regret shot through Nathan. She'd been his once - his hidden treasure he'd foolishly discarded like worthless scrap.
Now, with Sterling Enterprises behind her, she'd never need to rely on him again.
"Excuse me, your meal is served. Please enjoy."
The waiter wheeled over a cart, placing two fruit salads on the table before discreetly withdrawing.
These two had paid a fortune to reserve the entire venue... only to order fruit salads.
Rich people really did operate on whims.
Nathan stared at his salad, momentarily speechless.
He hadn't heard Evelyn's order earlier, simply requesting whatever she was having.
This was not what he'd expected.