Chapter 240

Evelyn Carter always kept her struggles hidden, sharing only her joys with the world. This made it impossible for Nathan to know how to support her.

"Arabella, are you back in Crestview?" Nathan asked, his voice warm with affection.

"Yes, I'm already at the institute."

There was a brief pause before Arabella continued hesitantly, "Nathan... are you free tonight? Do you have plans?"

The unspoken invitation hung between them.

"You want to spend time with me?" Nathan saw right through her.

"Yes!"

Arabella's voice brightened. "We haven't had proper time together since you came home. If you're available, let me treat you to dinner?"

"Just dinner?" Nathan arched an eyebrow playfully. "No drinks?"

"Well then, let's go to karaoke!" Arabella teased. "It's been ages since we sang together. I wonder if you still remember how."

"Hah! I was born to sing!" Nathan cleared his throat dramatically. "Even Whitney Houston couldn't compare! Looks like I'll have to remind you of my talent!"

Meanwhile, a high-stakes meeting at Blackwood Industries concluded. Leonard Blackwood issued three critical directives.

First: Contain the Whitmore scandal's damage immediately. Control media narratives, restore corporate reputation, and prevent stock market disaster.

Second: Suspend Vincent Whitmore from all company positions. Launch thorough investigations into every employee under his supervision.

Third: Postpone Penelope Whitmore's promotion to Vice Chair indefinitely. Final decisions would follow complete case resolution.

Executives filed out with heavy sighs, the weight of crisis pressing upon them.

"Stay, Nathan. We need to talk." Leonard's grave tone stopped his son at the door.

Nathan turned expressionlessly, settling into his seat with practiced elegance.

Father and son faced each other across the polished conference table, the air between them frigid.

"As company president, how do you propose handling this?" Leonard's question carried steel.

"By the book."

Nathan's gaze remained impassive, his voice calm. "Aunt Penelope is under investigation. Full cooperation is her only option. There are no shortcuts."

"I'll find a way to help her." Leonard's chest tightened, his throat burning with suppressed emotion.

"Do you really believe that's possible?"

Nathan's dark eyes were fathomless. "The prosecutor handling Vincent's case is Dominic Kingsley."

"Dominic Kingsley?"

"Harrison Kingsley's second son. Evelyn's brother."

Leonard paled, his hands trembling slightly.

"Evelyn anticipated every move. But the Whitmores handed her this opportunity." Nathan adjusted his cufflinks. "As Chairman, your priority should be damage control. The real crisis begins when markets open tomorrow."

He shifted, signaling the conversation's end.

"Wait!"

Leonard leaned forward urgently. "You're acquainted with Dr. Laurent from Valmont. Securing him as Blackwood Biotech's consultant now - with his patents - could save our stocks. Contact him immediately. Bring him to Crestview this week."

Nathan's brow furrowed slightly. "Fine."

Leonard exhaled - at least his son wasn't completely useless.

"But I have conditions."

"What?"

"I want the Vice Chair position." Nathan's starry eyes glinted with quiet determination.