Chapter 879

He was Reginald Blackwood, a man from a different era.

Time hadn't changed him at all.

Though age had caught up with him, his presence still commanded respect.

Nathan Blackwood might have surpassed him in power, but challenging someone stronger was a fool's game.

The glass in Preston Sinclair's hand brushed against Evelyn's fingers, his touch light and deliberate.

"What's on your mind? I didn’t expect Mr. Blackwood to turn the tables like that. A flawless victory."

Evelyn looked away.

The glittering ballroom couldn’t erase the solitary figure lingering in her thoughts.

She forced indifference into her voice.

She knew Nathan didn’t love her. But she hadn’t anticipated him winning so decisively.

"Evelyn, do you pity him?"

She froze, turning to face Preston.

His lips pressed together, expression unreadable.

"Mr. Blackwood walked away unharmed, but it’s clear his family abandoned him. Do you feel sorry for him?"

The question hung between them, weighted with curiosity.

Evelyn blinked, her tone cool.

"I’m satisfied with Reginald Blackwood’s fate. But that doesn’t mean I stand on Nathan’s side."

Sympathy was reserved for the weak.

Was Nathan weak?

Preston glanced away, as if lost in thought.

Evelyn exhaled.

That last sentence had unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

Thankfully, he didn’t press further.

The night’s excitement had run its course.

Just as Evelyn considered leaving early, Julian Whitmore approached.

He held a wineglass, a familiar smirk playing on his lips.

"I thought my eyes deceived me, but it really is you, Evie."

Evie—a nickname Julian had coined from her middle name, Eve, back when she worked at Pacific Crest International.

She’d always hated it.

But Julian had been her boss. His word was law.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Long time no see, Mr. Whitmore."

His grin widened. "If you missed me, you could’ve reached out. But you never did."

"Guess I didn’t miss you enough," she countered.

Julian huffed a laugh.

Preston raised a brow. "You two know each other?"

Evelyn nodded, unwilling to dredge up her past overseas.

Julian, however, had no such reservations. "Old friends. Mr. Sinclair, I’ve heard much about you. My contacts in Pacifica speak highly of you. Never thought we’d meet like this."

They shook hands, polite but distant.

"Likewise, Mr. Whitmore. A pleasant surprise."

In their world, connections were currency.

No one turned down opportunities.

After exchanging pleasantries, Julian turned back to Evelyn, his gaze softening.

"Evie, it’s been too long. Let’s find somewhere quiet to catch up."

Her jaw tightened. "We don’t have much to discuss."

Her expression might as well have screamed, Not interested.

Truthfully, Julian had taught her plenty. But their values had never aligned.

He hesitated, then tried another angle. "Which company are you with now? Maybe we could collaborate—Pacific Crest and yours?"

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll.

Julian sighed, downing his wine in one go.