Chapter 723

Evelyn Sinclair finished her meal with satisfaction. Seeing Nathan Blackwood's loss of appetite only brightened her mood further.

She had squeezed several million in compensation from him. This victory meal tasted particularly sweet.

Pure exhilaration coursed through Evelyn's veins.

Back at The Grandeur, Evelyn began packing her designer suitcases.

She briefed Jonathan Reeves on remaining matters before boarding her private jet home the next morning.

Everything proceeded smoothly with Jonathan's assistance - no doubt thanks to Leonard Whitmore's discreet intervention. With Lawrence Sinclair arrested, Zenith Corp's affairs officially transferred to the investigation team. The moment the accounts were unfrozen, acquisition talks began.

Lawrence Sinclair cracked within days of interrogation. The mountain of evidence left him no choice but full confession.

Evelyn deliberately took two days off, leaving Sterling Enterprises entirely in Alexander Sterling's capable hands.

She scheduled a spa day with Isabella Montgomery. After shopping along Fifth Avenue, they settled at an exclusive lounge.

Isabella gasped at Evelyn's Sandford adventures.

When hearing how Evelyn outmaneuvered Nathan, Isabella's admiration skyrocketed.

"If this gets out, Nathan will become corporate America's laughingstock!"

Evelyn shot her a warning look. "Don't even think about spreading this. The delicate balance between Sterling Enterprises and Blackwood Industries must remain. Any cracks will invite vultures."

She refused to waste energy maintaining their precarious business relationship.

This current distance - not too close, not too far - was perfect.

"Did he take the loss gracefully?" Isabella probed.

Evelyn's lips curved. "Graceful or not, facts remain. With Nathan's reputation and ambition, one lost project won't rattle him."

At most, he'd skip a few meals.

Isabella snorted. "He's probably sulking. Never thought I'd see the day Nathan Blackwood loses. Against anyone else, the outcome might differ."

The comment struck Evelyn.

Her mere presence distracted Nathan. Concern for her safety had divided his attention from the project.

Against another opponent, the results could have reversed.

What a pity.

Isabella concluded, "Probably too busy drowning in your beauty to focus."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Carelessness carries consequences. Consider this his wake-up call for future defeats."

Isabella gave an impressed thumbs-up. Only Evelyn could deliver such infuriating truths with elegance.

Suddenly, Isabella frowned. "Why do I keep running into your brother Lucas when visiting Natalie? Did he quit acting?"

Evelyn arched a brow. Apparently, Isabella was denser than she'd realized about Lucas and Natalie's situation.

"How's filming more important than dating?" When realization struck, Isabella nearly toppled her champagne. "Oh. My. God!"

Evelyn pressed a finger to her lips. "Must you broadcast it to Manhattan?"

"Can you blame me?" Isabella whispered dramatically. "Lucas Sterling and Natalie Beaumont? That Greek god actually dates mere mortals?"

Evelyn sighed. "More like persistent pursuit. Doubt he's succeeded yet."

Isabella shook her head. "Now his death glares make sense! When I invited them to the opera, Lucas only bought two tickets. That was my cue to disappear, wasn't it?"

Evelyn chuckled. Poor Lucas must have been seething at Isabella's oblivious third-wheeling.

Before she could respond, Evelyn's phone buzzed. William Sterling's name flashed.

He wanted her home immediately - Preston Sinclair had arrived to collect Oliver.