Chapter 29

The morning sun cast golden streaks across Evelyn Sinclair's penthouse as she paced the marble floors, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. The text from Nathan Blackwood had been brief but explosive: "We need to talk. Now." Her stomach twisted. After weeks of radio silence following their explosive argument at the gala, why was he reaching out now?

Her assistant, Lillian Graves, hovered near the doorway. "Your 10 AM with Preston Whitmore is in thirty minutes. Should I cancel?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No. Whatever Nathan wants can wait." But even as she said it, her fingers itched to reply.

The Blackwood Enterprises lobby was all sleek glass and steel, but Evelyn barely noticed as she strode past the receptionist. Nathan's secretary, Victoria Hayes, stood abruptly from her desk, her crimson lips curling into a smirk. "Mr. Blackwood is in a meeting—"

"Move," Evelyn snapped, brushing past her.

She threw open the conference room doors without knocking. The room fell silent. Nathan sat at the head of the table, his dark eyes widening momentarily before his expression shuttered. Around him, executives gaped.

"A word," Evelyn demanded.

Nathan stood slowly, his tailored suit emphasizing his broad shoulders. "Everyone out."

As the room cleared, he crossed his arms. "You have five minutes."

Evelyn tossed a glossy tabloid onto the table. The headline screamed: "Blackwood's Secret Fiancée? Inside His Midnight Rendezvous with Socialite Seraphina Delacroix!" Below was a blurry photo of Nathan leaving a hotel with the stunning actress.

"Care to explain?" Her voice was ice.

Nathan didn't flinch. "Not that it's your business, but it was a charity event. Nothing more."

"Funny timing," she shot back. "Right after you swore you were done with games."

His jaw tightened. "This isn't about her. It's about us. You walked away, Evelyn. You don't get to interrogate me now."

The raw edge in his voice made her breath hitch. Before she could retort, her phone buzzed. Lillian's name flashed with a message: "URGENT. Check your email."

Evelyn swiped open the attachment—and froze. It was a scanned document, stamped CONFIDENTIAL. The heading made her blood run cold: Blackwood-Sinclair Merger: Termination Clause.

Her head snapped up. "You're backing out of our deal?"

Nathan's expression darkened. "I didn't send that."

"Then who—?"

A sharp laugh cut her off. Victoria leaned in the doorway, her manicured fingers tapping a tablet. "Oops. Looks like the cat's out of the bag."

Nathan's voice dropped dangerously. "What did you do?"

Victoria smirked. "Just moving things along. You two are terrible for each other." She sauntered forward, dropping another file on the table. "Besides, Evelyn has bigger problems."

Evelyn snatched it open. Inside were photos—her meeting with Sebastian Hart last week, the actor whose lawsuit threatened to derail her studio's latest film. The caption read: "Sinclair's Secret Pact: Sabotaging Blackwood's Investments?"

Nathan's gaze locked onto hers, stormy with betrayal. "Is this true?"

Evelyn's pulse roared in her ears. This wasn't just a confrontation anymore.

Evelyn instructed Lillian to take the shopping bags back to the car while she slipped into the café to join the lively scene.

Three researchers lounged in plush chairs, sipping their drinks with eager anticipation, while across from them, Celeste, Evelyn, and Julian occupied a sleek bench. Evelyn didn’t hesitate to plant herself right in the middle—exactly where Celeste had subtly intended.

"Fancy meeting you here!" Evelyn chirped, her voice dripping with warmth. "Shopping really takes it out of me, so I popped in for a coffee. Imagine my surprise when I spotted you all!" Her playful grin lingered on Julian a beat too long, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ah, the dramatic lengths one goes to win back an ex. Classic.

Julian’s jaw tightened as Evelyn’s inner monologue reached him.

Still, her interruption had given him a moment to collect himself before Celeste could dismiss him entirely, and for that, he was grudgingly grateful.

Celeste, ever the diplomat, greeted Evelyn warmly. "I didn’t realize you two came together?"

Evelyn waved a hand. "Oh, I texted you, but you must’ve missed it. I’m here representing Nathan’s agency as their newest artist. As for him?" She shot Julian a pointed look. "He refused to escort his dear sister-in-law, yet here he is. Suspicious, no?"

Her tone carried just enough playful accusation to make the three researchers exchange exaggerated glances. When Julian stayed silent, their curiosity only deepened. So he really did come for Celeste?

Celeste pretended not to catch the implication, pulling out her phone. "Ah, my bad. I had it on silent for meetings."

Then her expression shifted. Evelyn sipped her coffee, unfazed—she’d expected this.

Julian, despite his obstructed view, noticed immediately. "What’s wrong?"

Celeste’s brow furrowed as she glanced at Evelyn.

The latter chuckled lightly before leaning toward Julian, whispering just loud enough for everyone to hear: "Oh, nothing major. Just ran into Isabelle at the event. Thought I’d warn Celeste."

The café’s ambient chatter seemed to hush.

Julian’s face darkened. "I had no idea she’d be here. I blocked her everywhere."

Celeste’s gaze flicked away, indifferent. "That’s between you two. No need to explain."

Evelyn, ever the instigator, added fuel to the fire. "She was looking for you, but Marcus intercepted her. Want to handle it?"

Julian shot her a glare, already typing a message to Marcus. "Not necessary. He knows I won’t see her. He’ll make sure she leaves."

Wow, suddenly he’s a gentleman? Where was this energy before?

Julian stole glances at Celeste, but her expression remained unreadable. His chest ached.

Meanwhile, Evelyn’s interest piqued as she probed about their meeting. I thought Julian was just being stubborn, but now he’s investing? Spending a fortune just to stay close to her?

Celeste, noticing Evelyn’s knowing look, cut in coolly, "Our project isn’t short-term profitable, and it doesn’t align with Blackwood Group’s interests. If Nathan’s truly interested, he can discuss it directly. No need to trouble Julian."

Evelyn shot Julian a sympathetic glance—only to find his face ashen.

Yikes. She’s not playing hard to get. She’s genuinely done.

Julian’s heart twisted further as Evelyn’s thoughts stabbed at him. Still, he wasn’t one to give up. Discreetly, he tugged Evelyn’s dress hem, eyes pleading.

What now? A sudden eye spasm?

Julian gritted his teeth. I need her help. Play along.

"If Nathan reviews your proposal, he’ll follow protocol," Julian interjected smoothly. "But if you let me assess it first, I can fast-track things. As a board member, I can cut through red tape. Time-sensitive, right?"

Celeste’s gaze flicked to Evelyn, seeking confirmation. "Is that true?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her chocolate. Oh, this is rich.

Julian, panicking, blurted, "Evelyn, your phone’s buzzing!"

She checked it—then blinked at the notification: Transfer: $500,000. Note: Stay out of it.

Half a million for this? Money really does grow on trees for him.

Julian exhaled in relief—until he heard her internal laughter.

Free money! Nathan and I are barely even married—how would I know their company policies? Julian’s such an easy mark!

Realization struck Julian like a slap. I panicked. Forgot they’re not actually close.

Meanwhile, in his office, Nathan suddenly felt his ears burn.

Celeste, uninterested in Julian’s motives, just wanted distance—but fate seemed determined to keep them entangled.

Desperate to keep her from involving the professor, Julian turned to the researchers. "I won’t understand the technical details anyway. But this overseas plan—how much funding do you need?"

At "overseas," Celeste visibly relaxed. Finally, an escape.

The trio obliged with vague answers.

Julian’s face fell. "So… the whole team’s relocating for at least five years?"

Try forever. She’s never coming back.

His eyes darkened with regret. This is my fault.

One researcher, misreading his despair, added, "But sometimes people change their minds!"

Celeste shot her a warning look.

Then she caught Julian’s devastated expression—and froze. Since when does he make faces like that?

But Julian, ever resilient, locked eyes with her, intensity burning.

Celeste’s breath hitched. This… this is the Julian I remember.

Just then, an excited voice cut through: "Wait—you’re Julian Blackwood?!"

He’d removed his sunglasses and mask for conversation, and now recognition dawned on the newcomer.

One researcher quickly hushed her. "Keep it down! He’s here on business!"

"But—it’s him!"

Julian offered a polite smile. "Hello."

Evelyn, finishing her dessert, nearly choked again. Unbelievable timing.

"Vivienne, why’s your face wet? Were you crying?" a researcher asked.

Vivienne didn’t respond, too starstruck.

Evelyn’s quiet snicker, however, caught Celeste’s attention.

What’s so funny?