Chapter 867

Nathan Blackwood's expression quickly returned to normal. Too normal. Unnaturally so.

"Can't I ask as a friend?" His voice was smooth, calculated. "Or are you worried your boyfriend would mind? Nothing happened between us anyway. Should I explain it to him personally?"

Evelyn Sinclair frowned. This wasn't the Nathan she knew.

The man she remembered would've stormed out in a rage or sneered some cutting remark.

Something was off.

She massaged her temples. Since when did the world turn upside down?

"No need." Her reply was ice.

Nathan's jaw tightened, but his words didn't match his usual arrogance. "I respect your choices. If he makes you happy, I'll wish you well. You deserve the best. If I were your man, I'd never let you hurt. Whatever you decide, I've got your back."

The speech came out in one breath, leaving Evelyn stunned.

Why did this sound so familiar?

She opened her mouth to tell him to stop acting bizarre—

"Given our unique history, we'll still be working closely together." Nathan's tone was casual, but he emphasized the word again. "Your boyfriend won't have a problem with that, right?"

"Boyfriend." The word grated on her nerves.

She didn't correct him.

Doing so would imply she cared about his misconception regarding Preston Sinclair.

Then it hit her.

Adrian Blackwood.

Nathan's nephew had behaved similarly at the gala. A laugh escaped before she could stop it. "You and Adrian really are cut from the same cloth."

Nathan's face darkened. Had she figured him out that easily?

Impossible. His performance was flawless.

Even if she had, he'd play it cool.

"Don't compare me to that spoiled brat." His scoff dripped with disdain. He checked his watch. "I'm heading to the office. Need a ride?"

"No."

Nathan left, his posture rigid. The room finally fell silent.

Evelyn called for her driver, arranged for her bag to be retrieved from the club, and returned Bennett's multiple calls. There was one missed message from Lucas. She handled her schedule, canceled the morning meeting, and texted Lucas back.

After freshening up, she grabbed the painkillers from the floor before leaving.

——

Nathan changed and went straight to Blackwood Industries.

The battle wasn't over. No time to rest.

Publicly, he'd already won. Once Reginald Blackwood stepped down, who could challenge him?

Privately, enemies lurked everywhere.

And Nathan tolerated no threats.

Alone in his office, the memory of Evelyn's call with Preston stabbed through him like a blade.

Watching her care for another man—it was a new kind of agony.

Harrison knocked, barely containing his excitement.

"President Blackwood, the negotiations are complete. Majority shareholders have signed the transfer agreements."

Nathan's fingers stilled. "And my grandfather?"

The others were small fry. Their combined shares were nothing compared to Reginald's.

The old man was the real prize.