Chapter 860

Evelyn slid into the driver's seat.

Emily ended her call abruptly. "Mr. Kingsley just returned and requested dinner. Should I decline?"

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "No. I have questions for him."

Emily nodded and spoke into the phone. "She accepts. Says she has matters to discuss."

The bluntness startled Evelyn. Dominic was CEO, right? Could Emily really speak to him like that?

Wouldn't he retaliate?

She bit her lip. "Are you... comfortable here? Want to join Sterling Enterprises?"

Emily shook her head. "I'm loyal to Kingsley Tech. Dominic was part of our research team originally, but his skills were limited. We promoted him to management instead. Surprisingly capable there."

Ah. So Emily co-founded the company. That explained her casual attitude toward money.

At Kingsley Tech headquarters...

Evelyn had Emily summon Dominic downstairs while she started the car. No time to waste.

Within minutes, Dominic jogged out, looking exhausted.

Evelyn frowned. "Mr. Kingsley, are you sure you want dinner in this state?"

He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, the elegant frames contrasting with his tired eyes. "Even the weary must eat."

Before she could respond, the passenger door opened.

Nathan Blackwood slid in, his icy presence dropping the temperature instantly. Evelyn's breath caught. Hadn't he left earlier? She'd assumed he'd gone to Blackwood Industries to vent his anger.

Dominic cleared his throat. "We bumped into each other downstairs. You don't mind, right?"

He clearly knew about their situation.

Dominic smiled wearily. He'd just returned from a business trip when Nathan demanded this meeting. He was barely keeping his eyes open.

Nathan's dark gaze burned into Evelyn. "You don't mind, do you? It's business. Your boyfriend shouldn't object."

Damn. He'd taken her earlier comment seriously. Evelyn turned away without answering and started the car.

Nathan's expression darkened further.

In the backseat, Dominic and Emily exchanged glances. The tension was palpable. Emily understood their history but couldn't intervene.

Three CEOs sharing one car for dinner.

Evelyn had Bennett reserve a private dining room in advance before sending him home.

At the restaurant, they went straight to their reserved space.

Dominic excused himself to freshen up, returning looking more alert. His fair skin and gold-rimmed glasses gave him an aristocratic air - the epitome of refined elegance.

Evelyn couldn't help glancing at him.

Nathan noticed, his gaze turning glacial when it landed on Dominic.

Baffled by Nathan's sudden hostility, Dominic chose to ignore it. "Ms. Sterling, our overseas AI doctor system received excellent reviews. But domestic medical practices differ. We need localized adaptations. Interested in another round of funding?"

Evelyn had expected this. "Send the proposal. Approval will be swift."

Dominic smiled, fatigue forgotten. "Then let's toast."