Chapter 210

Her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped the edge of the table, struggling to keep her voice steady.

"What exactly... was the nature of this challenge?"

Dominic's dark brows drew together, his expression turning glacial. "Come try to choke me, you bastard!"

Evelyn's lips parted in shock.

Lucas didn't know whether to laugh or groan.

"I'm guessing the hacker's just a kid!"

"Not necessarily!" Evelyn countered quickly. "You can't determine age from one phrase!"

"Would an adult really use 'bastard' like that? Unless they're watching terrible daytime dramas."

To prove her point, Evelyn turned to Lucas and muttered, "Bastard," then swiveled to Dominic and repeated, "Bastard."

Both men froze, their expressions priceless.

"See? Perfectly normal vocabulary for adults," Evelyn declared, working overtime to protect her son.

Her telltale expression betrayed her anyway.

Lucas and Dominic exchanged knowing glances, reaching the same silent conclusion.

"How did you meet Mike, Miss Thorne?" Lucas smoothly changed topics. "He's quite the character. And remarkably obedient to you."

Evelyn sipped her water, fabricating quickly. "We met at a tech conference overseas. We're friends - there's no obedience involved."

"I see... Did he follow you to Eldermere?"

"He comes and goes as he pleases," Evelyn deflected, biting into a taco with forced nonchalance.

Meanwhile, Mike stood at Blackwood Group's reception, explaining himself to the skeptical front desk attendant.

"I'm sorry, but Mr. Cross requires appointments."

"It's lunch hour," Mike pointed out.

"Precisely! You may schedule for after two o'clock," the receptionist replied primly.

"That's not— Dominic Blackwood and Lucas Grant sent me. Surely you know them?"

The receptionist paled.

Who wouldn't recognize the CEO and CFO?

"One moment, sir." After a brief call, she turned back. "Mr. Cross declines to see you."

"I know he doesn't want to! But your bosses ordered me here. Who do you obey - him or them? Just take me to his office."

Determination burned in Mike's eyes. He needed to confront Nathan.

Reluctantly, the receptionist escorted him.

The moment Nathan saw Mike, fury darkened his features.

Mike slammed the office door shut. "You sneaky little spy!"

Nathan stood his ground. "I'll admit I had motives that night, but you—"

"Good! Evelyn chewed me out because of you! Made me come apologize!" Mike's voice dripped with indignation. "Which I won't be doing!"

Despite his anger, Mike remained eerily composed.

"None of this would've happened if you hadn't approached me first. Don't play victim now!"

"Delete my number!" Nathan ground out.

"With pleasure!" Mike whipped out his phone.

Simultaneously, Nathan purged Mike's contact.

"Let's pretend we never met. If we cross paths, we're strangers."

Mike scoffed. "I'd rather meet Satan himself!"

Their explosive confrontation ended with Mike storming out.

He ducked into a nearby café, ordering black coffee before calling Henry.

"Hey kid, your mom knows. I'm in hot water myself - you're on your own."

Henry sighed. "Guess I'll have to move up my timeline."

"Definitely! She'll probably take your laptop and read you the riot act. Dominic gave her hell today - she's in a mood! Maybe you should run away?"

Henry's voice softened. "I'd take any punishment over hurting Mommy."