Chapter 729

Tristan Whitmore walked away with slumped shoulders.

Nathan Blackwood shook his head as he watched. Tristan had approached Evelyn Sinclair with such confidence, only to return completely deflated. Evelyn truly was remarkable.

She could even handle someone as shameless as Tristan Whitmore.

Nearby guests noticed Nathan's changed demeanor and approached with polite greetings.

"Mr. Blackwood—"

Nathan raised his glass in acknowledgment. Before he could lower it, someone crashed into him.

Red wine splashed across his tailored suit.

Disgust flashed in Nathan's eyes as the woman who bumped into him tried to throw herself into his arms.

Instantly, his expression darkened. He stepped back sharply, letting her fall.

He wouldn't allow this woman to touch him.

Maintaining his integrity in front of Evelyn was non-negotiable.

"Ah—"

A loud thud followed the woman's dramatic scream.

Alexandra Montgomery had calculated the perfect angle to land gracefully in Nathan's arms without embarrassing herself before the crowd.

But she hadn't anticipated how quickly he'd move away.

Now sprawled on the floor, Alexandra winced in genuine pain as people gathered around.

"Isn't she one of the waitstaff? Look at her uniform."

"How clumsy! She nearly knocked over Mr. Blackwood!"

"Where's the manager? This is unacceptable!"

Alexandra had waited all day at Blackwood Industries, only to be told Nathan didn't know her and refused to meet.

After leaving Sterling Enterprises, she'd had nowhere to go. An accomplished graduate like her couldn't settle for some mediocre company.

So she'd set her sights on Nathan.

They'd met before—how could he claim not to know her?

Learning Nathan would attend this gala, she'd sneaked in as staff, determined to get his attention.

She never expected him to let her fall so unceremoniously.

Not even offering a hand.

Other waiters rushed to help Alexandra up while the manager apologized profusely.

"My sincerest apologies, Mr. Blackwood! This new hire is terribly clumsy. We'll handle this immediately."

Nathan's icy gaze burned with displeasure at his ruined attire—his greatest pet peeve.

Playing the victim, Alexandra looked up at Nathan with teary eyes. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Blackwood. It was truly an accident."

Her expression silently accused him of deliberately avoiding her.

Nathan's glare could freeze lava. He set his glass down without glancing at her and turned to leave.

"Mr. Blackwood!" Alexandra called desperately. "Don't you remember me?"

Nathan paused mid-step. He turned slowly.

That face meant nothing to him.

Had they met?

Alexandra's heart sank at his blank stare, but she pressed on. "I opened the door for you at Sterling Manor on New Year's Eve. Two days ago, I delivered a flash drive to you—"

Nathan's lips thinned. 'That was the same person?'

"You're... Evelyn's cousin?"

"Yes! You do remember!" Alexandra beamed triumphantly.