Chapter 976

Dominic Kingsley and Lucas Sterling watched as Evelyn Sinclair led Harrison Blake out. Harrison's forced smile was painfully obvious.

Dominic clicked his tongue, glancing at Lucas. "Is she really your sister?"

Lucas sighed, his expression helpless. "Unfortunately, yes."

He wished he could deny it, but the truth was undeniable.

Evelyn was starving after working all morning. She found a quiet restaurant nearby, one with few patrons.

She chose a seat by the window, the sunlight casting a soft glow over the table.

Harrison sat across from her, the shadows in his eyes lighter than before.

He smiled awkwardly. "Ms. Sinclair, lunch is on me."

Evelyn met his gaze. "Sure."

It was just a meal—who paid didn’t matter.

This was Harrison’s way of thanking her, so she accepted. After ordering, she excused herself to the restroom.

When she returned, someone else occupied her seat.

The man’s broad shoulders and cold aura were unmistakable, even from meters away.

Nathan Blackwood.

Harrison sat stiffly across from him, clearly uncomfortable.

Nathan said something that made Harrison’s expression darken.

Evelyn considered turning around and leaving. But for Harrison’s sake, she approached. Her voice was flat. "Mr. Blackwood, you’re in the wrong seat."

It had been days since they’d last seen each other.

Nathan’s presence was as commanding as ever, his chilling aura more intense than before. He turned, his gaze locking onto her. A slow, calculated smile curved his lips. "I saw an acquaintance and came to say hello. I didn’t expect you to be here."

Harrison opened his mouth, but a sharp look from Nathan silenced him. Instead, he shook his head subtly at Evelyn, silently contradicting Nathan’s words.

Evelyn knew Nathan was lying. If Harrison had known him, he wouldn’t have been in such a state earlier.

Her expression remained indifferent. "Mr. Blackwood, we haven’t eaten yet."

Her implication was clear—leave.

Nathan’s cold eyes softened slightly, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his calm facade. "What a coincidence. I haven’t eaten either. We’ll dine together."

He forced a composed demeanor, but the suppressed fury in his gaze was unmistakable. He had just finished a business lunch when he spotted Evelyn laughing with Harrison.

The sight had been like a knife to his chest.

Because Evelyn wasn’t just gentle with Preston Sinclair. She was kind to others too.

Everyone but him.

Evelyn stood motionless, her reluctance obvious.

Nathan’s patience snapped. His voice dropped, low and rough. "What? Can’t friends share a meal? Will Preston Sinclair throw a fit?" His tone turned mocking. "Or does he not realize Sterling Enterprises and Blackwood Industries are bound together forever?"

Evelyn’s brows furrowed. Before she could respond, Nathan leaned forward, his voice a dangerous whisper.

"How is it you can sit with him but not with me?" His hands clenched on the table, veins straining. "Have your tastes changed, Evelyn?"

The air between them turned frigid.

Harrison glanced at Evelyn, torn. Should I explain? But she hadn’t asked him to.

Evelyn’s lips curled into a cold smile. "When something isn’t to my taste, I change it."

Nathan’s smirk froze.