Chapter 894

Nathan's icy gaze sharpened. The smirk that had been playing on his lips vanished.

"Why are you here?"

Preston smiled, his expression unreadable, his usual composed demeanor intact.

"Mr. Blackwood, after all the effort you've put in, how could I possibly miss witnessing your subordinate's performance?"

Nathan's eyes darkened, a storm brewing beneath the surface. He turned away abruptly, unwilling to let Preston see the flicker of irritation in his expression.

Preston's presence was an unwelcome complication, but Nathan refused to lose face. He fixed Evelyn with a cold stare.

"Why did you call me here?"

Evelyn studied him for a long moment before gesturing toward the room behind her.

"Take your subordinate away. Nathan Blackwood, wouldn't it be better to act with integrity? Must you resort to such underhanded tactics? It's disgusting."

Nathan's expression turned thunderous. His jaw clenched, his voice dangerously low.

"What are you talking about?"

He had been swamped lately—finalizing the merger between Pacific Crest International and Blackwood Industries left him no time to even call Evelyn.

"Pacific Crest International is yours, and Cassandra Blake is from Pacific Crest, isn't she?"

Nathan frowned, silent for a beat.

Then it clicked—Julian had mentioned Cassandra was one of the candidates for President of Pacific Crest’s Asia division.

"Yes."

Evelyn smiled, cold and mocking.

"Then there’s no mistake. You told her to provoke me and seduce Preston. I never thought you’d sink this low."

Nathan’s face darkened with fury.

He strode forward and kicked the door open. His expression twisted further when he saw Cassandra’s disheveled state inside.

"Mr. Blackwood—!" Cassandra’s voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes. "I only wanted to help you—!"

'I’ll eliminate your competition so you can have Evelyn all to yourself!'

Before she could finish, Nathan cut her off, his voice dripping with venom.

"You’re out of your damn mind."

He turned back to Evelyn, his eyes burning with barely restrained rage.

"Do whatever you want with her. She deserves it."

'Is this why Evelyn called me here? Does she really think so little of me now—that I’d stoop to this level?'

Cassandra let out a desperate cry.

"Mr. Blackwood, you have to save me! I’ve been with Pacific Crest for over a decade! Even if I haven’t achieved much, I’ve worked hard—!"

Her carefully crafted elegance shattered as she broke down, pleading.

Evelyn Sinclair. Preston Sinclair. Nathan Blackwood.

Any one of them could crush her like an insect without breaking a sweat.

Without Nathan’s protection, she was finished.

A ruthless glint flashed in Nathan’s eyes.

"You were paid for your work. Consider your employment terminated. Pacific Crest doesn’t need trash like you."

Cassandra’s face went slack with shock.

'Fired?! Right before my promotion?! At my level, no other company will match Pacific Crest’s position or salary! My career is over!'

"Mr. Blackwood—!"

Nathan ignored her, his gaze locked onto Evelyn.

He stepped closer, the intensity in his eyes overwhelming.

"Evelyn… is this really what you think of me?"