Chapter 812

Lucas frowned. "I don't think it'll come to that. Do you really believe Nathan Blackwood would crumble so easily if Blackwood Industries' leadership could be toppled without a fight?"

William Sterling narrowed his eyes, irritation flashing across his face. "What if we exploit their current vulnerability and make them sweat a little?"

It was clear William was nursing a deep grudge.

Evelyn Sinclair laughed softly, shaking her head. "It's not that simple. Nathan probably knows Reginald Blackwood's every move like the back of his hand. He won't be caught off guard."

Alexander Sterling, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Not necessarily. If we strike now, we might actually have the upper hand."

William shot his eldest son an approving glance.

At least one of his sons had inherited his strategic mind—unlike Lucas, who seemed determined to undermine his confidence at every turn.

Evelyn hesitated. "Before today, I would've agreed. But now? I want Nathan to win."

If Nathan secured his position, Reginald Blackwood would be furious. And that was exactly the revenge she craved.

Alexander and William exchanged dissatisfied looks, clearly wanting to argue against her emotional reasoning.

But Evelyn cut them off. "Reginald wants to tear Nathan down. We can't let that old schemer get his way. Nathan needs to stay right where he is."

William and Alexander nodded slowly, though something still felt off about the logic.

Lucas chewed thoughtfully on his steak before grimacing. "Is this overcooked?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Natalie made that."

Natalie Beaumont flushed. "Sorry, I—"

Lucas immediately backtracked, shoving another bite into his mouth. "No, no, I love it! The texture is amazing. Perfectly charred."

William and Alexander just stared at him, unimpressed. Even Evelyn shot him a dry look.

After dinner, Evelyn and Natalie strolled through the living room, chatting idly. Lucas trailed behind them like a lovesick puppy, periodically offering fruit and snacks with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Evelyn knew exactly who he was trying to impress. Natalie, flustered, kept her gaze averted, her cheeks tinged pink.

Night had fallen.

When Evelyn announced she was heading upstairs to rest, Lucas sprang to his feet. "The guest room's ready! It's right next to mine!"

He had deliberately converted his study into a guest room—because it was the closest to his own.

Evelyn smirked. "Natalie's sleeping with me. We haven't had a proper girls' night in ages."

Natalie nodded eagerly. "Absolutely."

Lucas's face fell. He gritted his teeth, glaring at his sister. "Evie, you—"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "What?"

Lucas forced a stiff smile. "You two have been talking nonstop all evening. How is that 'not enough'?"

Natalie laughed. "It doesn't count unless it's right before bed."

Evelyn nodded solemnly.

Lucas was being ridiculous. There was no rush.

The two women linked arms and headed upstairs, leaving Lucas to mutter under his breath. "Do you need a third wheel? I could just—"

"Get lost."

They replied in unison.

Lucas sighed dramatically. One was his meddlesome sister, the other the woman he adored.

He was utterly outmatched.

Upstairs, Evelyn and Natalie indulged in their elaborate skincare routines before settling on the balcony with Leo, the AI tiger, purring softly beside them. Soothing music played in the background, creating a serene atmosphere.

Then Natalie's phone buzzed—again.

She scowled, snatching it up. The moment she saw the caller ID, she cursed and silenced it.

Evelyn frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Adrian Prescott," Natalie spat. "He won't stop harassing me for money. Now he's camped outside my apartment."