Chapter 227

##Chapter 226

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the penthouse as Evelyn Sinclair stirred awake. Beside her, Nathan Blackwood slept soundly, his dark lashes brushing against his cheekbones. A faint smile curved her lips as she traced the sharp line of his jaw with her fingertips.

Last night had been… unforgettable.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, shattering the peaceful silence. With a reluctant sigh, she reached for it, squinting at the screen.

Victoria Hayes.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. The woman had been a thorn in her side since day one—Nathan’s sharp-tongued secretary, who made no secret of her disdain.

She hesitated before answering. "Victoria?"

"Good, you're awake." The clipped tone was laced with impatience. "Nathan’s presence is required at Blackwood Industries. Immediately."

Evelyn frowned. "He’s still asleep. Can’t it wait?"

A derisive laugh crackled through the line. "Not unless you want the board to vote him out before noon."

Her breath hitched. What?

Before she could demand an explanation, the call disconnected.

Nathan stirred beside her, his deep voice rough with sleep. "Who was that?"

Evelyn turned to him, her pulse racing. "Victoria. She said the board is moving against you."

His eyes snapped open, all traces of drowsiness vanishing. In one fluid motion, he sat up, raking a hand through his tousled hair. "Damn it."

She gripped his arm. "What’s going on?"

His jaw tightened. "Someone’s been leaking confidential merger details to our competitors. The board thinks it’s me."

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. "That’s ridiculous!"

Nathan’s phone chimed—a message from Marcus Donovan, his brother Julian’s agent.

» They’ve called an emergency meeting. Get here now.

Nathan swore under his breath, already swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Evelyn scrambled after him. "I’m coming with you."

He paused, his gaze locking onto hers. "No. It’s too risky."

She crossed her arms. "I’m not letting you walk into that viper’s nest alone."

A flicker of admiration crossed his face before he exhaled sharply. "Fine. But stay close."

As they dressed in tense silence, Evelyn’s mind raced. Who would do this?

Victoria’s smug face flashed in her mind.

Or better question—who stood to gain the most from Nathan’s downfall?

Blackwood Industries – Boardroom

The air was thick with tension as Evelyn followed Nathan inside. Every head turned, eyes narrowing at her presence.

Victoria stood near the head of the table, lips curled in a smirk. "How… domestic of you to bring your little distraction, Nathan."

Evelyn’s nails dug into her palms, but Nathan didn’t so much as glance at the woman.

"Get to the point," he said coldly.

Edward Cowell, the family patriarch, leaned forward. "We have evidence that sensitive information was leaked from your office, Nathan."

Nathan’s expression darkened. "Show me."

A file slid across the table. Evelyn’s breath caught as she glimpsed the documents—emails, transaction records, all damning.

Too damning.

Her gaze flicked to Victoria, who was watching Nathan with barely concealed triumph.

This was a setup.

Evelyn’s fingers twitched toward her own phone. If they wanted proof of sabotage, she knew exactly where to look.

But first—they had to survive the next ten minutes.

Nathan straightened, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "This is fabricated."

Victoria scoffed. "Convenient denial."

Evelyn stepped forward before she could stop herself. "Actually, it’s too perfect. Almost like someone wanted it to look like Nathan’s fault."

The room fell silent.

Victoria’s smirk faltered.

Nathan’s hand brushed against Evelyn’s, a silent thank you.

Then—

» Incoming call: Serena Whitmore

Evelyn’s agent.

Her stomach lurched. Serena never called during business hours unless it was urgent.

She excused herself, stepping into the hallway. "Serena?"

"Evelyn," her agent’s voice was strained. "Turn on the news. Now."

Heart pounding, Evelyn pulled up a live broadcast.

The headline blared across the screen:

» BLACKWOOD HEIR INVOLVED IN CORPORATE ESPIONAGE? LEAKED DOCUMENTS SUGGEST NATHAN BLACKWOOD SOLD COMPANY SECRETS.

Her blood ran cold.

This wasn’t just a boardroom ambush.

This was war.