Chapter 275

Could this be love? The thought sent a sharp pang through Nathan's chest as he exhaled heavily, his fingers tightening around the railing.

Three sleek black sedans rolled up the winding driveway of Whitmore Gardens, their polished exteriors glinting under the afternoon sun.

Nathan's gaze darkened when he recognized the license plate of the lead car.

It belonged to the Blackwood family—specifically, Nathan's own vehicle.

The moment the car stopped, Oliver Sinclair, Nathan's ever-efficient secretary, stepped out and opened the rear door with practiced ease. Nathan emerged, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit with an air of effortless authority.

"Damn it," Nathan muttered under his breath, his jaw clenching at the sight of Victoria Sterling's smug expression as she exited the car beside him.

A delicate, pale hand reached out from the interior.

"Nathan, could you help me down?"

Nathan hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly before he reluctantly extended his hand.

Victoria seized it instantly, clinging to him as if afraid he might pull away. A triumphant smile curved her lips.

Even with Nathan's usual icy demeanor, she was certain she could win him back.

Watching them approach the estate entrance hand in hand, Theodore Winslow—Evelyn Carter's loyal secretary—rolled his eyes in disgust. He couldn't even muster the energy to curse them.

Today was just not his day.

"Nathan, I only came along to see the gardens. You don't mind, do I?" Victoria's voice trembled with feigned vulnerability, though her grip on Nathan's hand was anything but weak. "If it's too much trouble, I can leave. I don't want to be a burden."

Nathan hadn't come to Whitmore Gardens for leisure. The estate boasted the largest Crimson Belle rose fields in Crestview—perhaps even the entire province. He was here to assess the soil quality and rose cultivation for Blackwood Industries' upcoming luxury skincare line. Two renowned botanists accompanied him for a thorough evaluation.

If everything met his exacting standards, he intended to negotiate a partnership with the estate's owner to secure exclusive access to the roses.

Somehow, Victoria had caught wind of his plans and insisted on joining. Given her recent suicide attempt and fragile mental state, Nathan had little choice but to relent.

"It's fine," Nathan replied tersely, his voice low. "The doctor said fresh air would be good for you."

"Thank you," Victoria whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she leaned against his shoulder.

Nathan stiffened, his entire body recoiling at the contact. Disgust twisted his features.

"Mr. Blackwood," Oliver murmured from behind him, "isn't that Ms. Carter's secretary?"

Nathan's head snapped up, his breath catching. An inexplicable surge of emotion tightened his chest, his pulse hammering violently.

Why was Theodore here? If Theodore was present, that meant Evelyn couldn't be far. What was she doing at Whitmore Gardens? Sightseeing?

Nathan gritted his teeth.

No. That wasn't her style.

She must be here to sabotage his deal.