Chapter 146
"Actually..." Evelyn cleared her throat nervously. "There's something I'd like your help with."
Lillian and Sophia Kingsley leaned forward eagerly. "Tell us!"
"Well..."
She hesitated before continuing. "I want that antique rosewood chair Harrison sent Aunt Lillian to bid on at the charity auction."
Their eyes widened in surprise. "That's quite the request!" Sophia gasped.
Harrison Kingsley was known for his generosity when it came to material possessions - houses, cars, money flowed freely from him. But when it came to antiques, artworks, or rare collectibles? That was an entirely different matter.
Even a simple Victorian silver ring would be difficult to pry from his hands, let alone a $100 million antique rosewood chair!
"The only way he'd willingly give it to me is if he wasn't in his right mind." Lillian sighed, rubbing her temples. "What do you need it for? Maybe I can find a convincing reason."
Evelyn shook her head. "If I tell you the real reason, he'll never agree to part with it."
"Don't worry, Evelyn!" Sophia declared confidently, thumping her chest. "If Harrison refuses, I'll just steal it for you!"
Evelyn burst into laughter at the outrageous suggestion.
Indeed, the most dangerous thieves were always family members.
Meanwhile, back in Crestview, Nathan Blackwood had a restless night. He arrived at his office the next morning looking thoroughly exhausted.
During the morning, Victoria Sterling called twice. Though he answered, his responses were distracted at best.
Victoria prattled on about wedding details - her custom-designed gown, limited edition jewelry collection, and the elaborate fairytale-themed venue she'd chosen. She suggested they could move up their wedding date after Reginald Blackwood's 80th birthday celebration the following weekend.
"Don't you think these ideas are perfect, Nathan? I had the wedding planners work on them for over a month before finalizing everything." Victoria's tone practically begged for compliments about her organizational skills.
"Yeah, whatever you prefer." Nathan's disinterested reply came as he stared at the shattered purple jade bracelet in the jewelry box before him. His mind kept replaying the image of Evelyn standing with the Kingsley family, their collective rejection burning in his memory.
Snap!
He slammed the box shut with unnecessary force, exhaling sharply.
"Nathan, I've selected your wedding suit too. Can you make time to meet with the designer today? I can handle other arrangements myself, but you need to be present for the fitting." Victoria's voice took on a wounded tone. "The internationally renowned designer is only in Crestview temporarily. If we miss this opportunity, we'll have to wait months."
Nathan blinked, a pang of guilt surfacing. "Sorry for being... distracted. Work has kept me too busy to focus on wedding plans."
Victoria's voice sweetened immediately. "It's alright, darling. I'm happy to take care of these things for you."
"I'll pick you up this afternoon."
"I'll be waiting, Nathan."
As soon as he ended the call, Oliver Sinclair hurried in with a document, placing it before him urgently.
"Mr. Blackwood, our PR department has made contact with Isabella Wang's representatives regarding her luxury wedding plans. Here's their proposal for hosting it at Blackwood Hotel. Please review it."
Nathan nodded, flipping through the pages with a serious expression.
The recent scandal involving Cassandra Blackwood had damaged the hotel's reputation significantly. Meanwhile, Monarch Grand Hotels had seen their popularity skyrocket, becoming an overnight sensation in hospitality circles.
Though Nathan had refused to help restore Cassandra's public image, as CEO of Blackwood Industries, he couldn't ignore the business repercussions.
"Let me study this proposal more carefully and arrange a meeting with senior hotel management. Securing this event is crucial for us." Nathan closed the file, his expression grim.
Oliver hesitated before adding, "Sir... there's something else you should know to prepare yourself."
"Out with it."
"We'll be competing against Monarch Grand Hotels' general manager - Evelyn Kingsley - for Isabella Wang's wedding."
At the mention of that name, Nathan's handsome face darkened, his eyebrows twitching in irritation.
Why did it always have to be that impossible woman?