Chapter 884

Evelyn scooped up Leo and headed upstairs.

Alexander descended the steps, his expression as icy as ever. "Didn't the party end hours ago?"

"I had business to attend to." She paused. "Have you heard about the Blackwood family situation?"

Alexander was always well-connected. News of Pacific Crest International falling under Nathan's control had spread before the gala even concluded.

While surprising, it wasn’t exactly shocking.

He gave a curt nod. "Weren’t you interning at Pacific Crest for a while? They don’t know, do they?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Nathan probably doesn’t. But Julian Whitmore might. Not that it matters—they wouldn’t dare make it public."

Alexander considered this, his face unreadable.

"Blackwood Industries will be chaos after this restructuring," he said coolly. "The branch families will lose privileges and throw tantrums. Best to stay out of it."

Evelyn blinked, then nodded.

To the branches, this would look like Reginald Blackwood conspiring with Nathan to swindle them.

Infighting was inevitable.

Alexander rubbed his temples. "By the way, Vincent Caldwell has been hounding me to sign that contract. I refused. His personal scandals are one thing, but now his product quality is slipping—"

Evelyn stiffened.

Vincent’s company had been industry-leading, which was why Sterling Enterprises kept working with them. If standards dropped, there was no reason to continue. Survival of the fittest ruled this world.

"Let’s investigate further," she said. "Better safe than sorry."

Good thing she’d planned to raise his costs earlier. If quality was subpar, her move would’ve been pointless.

Alexander yawned and turned toward the door.

Evelyn frowned. "Where are you going this late?"

"Picking Amelia up from work," he muttered.

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

Just then, Lucas appeared, freshly changed, checking his watch.

"You’re leaving too?" she asked.

Lucas smirked. "Natalie barely ate tonight. I’m bringing her food."

Evelyn brightened. "I’ll come! I haven’t seen her in ages!"

Lucas shot her a warning look.

"Third wheels aren’t welcome. Stay home."

Evelyn huffed and stormed upstairs.

Her brothers were insufferable.

Blackwood Industries

In Nathan’s office, Julian Whitmore stared at the takeout in disbelief. "I flew across the country for this?"

Even if it was from a Michelin-starred chef, the setting was all wrong.

No candles. No flowers. Nothing.

Nathan lounged in his chair, indifferent.

"Don’t eat it if you don’t want to."

Julian sighed.

He’d drunk too much at the gala to have an appetite anyway.

"Have you finalized the Asia region president?"

Regional heads were appointed under Pacific Crest’s name, but Julian handled the interviews.

Nathan’s gaze darkened. "Nathaniel Graves and Cassandra Blake. Your recommendations?"

Julian chuckled. "Top performers. Nathaniel’s steady. Cassandra’s driven. Pity she’s a woman—"