Chapter 831

Nathan Blackwood's arrival at Sterling Enterprises sent ripples through the executive floor.

Bennett had barely finished informing Evelyn Sinclair when Nathan made his dramatic entrance.

The man had no sense of boundaries. Instead of waiting in the conference room, he planted himself right outside the CEO's office like some brooding sentinel.

Through the glass partition, Nathan could see Evelyn conducting a meeting. Her sharp brows arched over piercing eyes, lips curved in that dangerous smile that made junior executives tremble.

The sight struck him like a physical blow.

This wasn't the subdued woman he'd married. This was Evelyn Sinclair in her full, terrifying glory - razor-sharp intellect wrapped in designer silk.

His chest tightened painfully.

Those three years of marriage had been her cage. He'd dulled her brilliance without realizing it. The realization hit him like a sucker punch.

Bennett cleared his throat awkwardly. Nathan's presence had effectively paralyzed the entire floor.

Twenty minutes later, the meeting adjourned.

Executives streamed out looking either shell-shocked or smugly victorious. "Damn, CEO Sinclair makes Alexander look like a teddy bear." "Well, she basically runs Sterling Enterprises now anyway."

Evelyn stretched her shoulders before gliding toward the door. Bennett hadn't gotten the chance to warn her.

The moment she saw Nathan, her step faltered.

He sat ramrod straight, stormy eyes locked on her. "Good morning, Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn's gaze snapped to Bennett.

Before her assistant could explain, Nathan rose with predatory grace. "Business."

He tossed the word like a gauntlet and strode into her office like he owned the place.

Evelyn handed her files to Bennett. "Two coffees."

Nathan dominated the sofa, all sharp angles and simmering intensity. "Sit."

For a disorienting second, Evelyn wondered if she'd walked into the wrong office.

She ignored him, powering up her computer instead. The screen light played across her cheekbones as she spoke. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit, Mr. Blackwood?"

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Would've texted. You blocked me."

The words came out strangled.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Did I?"

Her tone dripped with faux innocence. If he wanted to play games, she'd raise the stakes.

She picked up her phone with deliberate slowness. "Must've mistaken you for spam."

The dig landed perfectly.

Nathan moved like lightning, caging her against the desk. His scent - bergamot and something darker - wrapped around her. "You're doing this on purpose."

A charged silence fell.

Evelyn's lashes fluttered. Then she met his gaze head-on. "Obviously."

No more pretense.

Nathan exhaled sharply. Evelyn pushed back, putting distance between them.

Before she could deliver her next barb, Nathan turned on his heel. His retreating form radiated barely contained fury.