Chapter 276

The air crackled with unspoken hostility as the two groups locked eyes.

"Mr. Blackwood," Theodore Winslow said with a mocking smile, his tone dripping with thinly veiled disdain. "What an unfortunate coincidence."

Nathan Blackwood's expression darkened. "Is Evelyn here?"

At the mention of Evelyn, Victoria Sterling felt a shiver crawl up her spine, her fingers tightening around her purse strap.

"Why?" Theodore scoffed. "Does Mr. Blackwood intend to claim this place as well?"

Oliver Sinclair bristled. "Damn it, he hasn’t done anything! We’re just asking a question. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Nothing?" Theodore arched a brow, his voice laced with derision. "Spare me the lies."

"Enough, Oliver," Nathan cut in sharply. "Why is Evelyn here?"

Theodore’s gaze flickered toward Victoria before landing back on Nathan. "The same reason you are, I imagine."

Nathan’s jaw clenched. So, Evelyn had set her sights on Whitmore Gardens. But he wouldn’t let her win—not this time.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter had already stepped into the sea of crimson roses, the golden hues of sunset painting her in an ethereal glow. She moved with effortless grace, her fingers deftly inspecting the delicate petals and stems, jotting notes on her phone between snapping photos.

While others came to admire the scenery, Evelyn was here for business—her sharp eyes scanning for opportunity like a prospector hunting gold. Who would have guessed that beneath her breathtaking beauty lay the mind of a shrewd entrepreneur?

Alexander Whitmore watched her with quiet amusement, hands clasped behind his back. A fond smile tugged at his lips as he murmured, "Still the same relentless girl I remember."

His phone buzzed, breaking the moment. "What is it?" he answered tersely.

"Mr. Whitmore," his secretary said in a hushed tone. "Nathan Blackwood’s team has arrived. They’ve been pushing for a partnership regarding Whitmore Gardens, but as per your instructions, we haven’t given them a definitive answer."

Alexander’s gaze remained fixed on Evelyn. "They’re persistent, I’ll give them that."

"And… he’s brought his fiancée," the secretary added, unable to mask the disdain in his voice.

A shadow crossed Alexander’s face. This was the man Evelyn had once loved? The one she had sacrificed everything for? His grip tightened around his phone.

"Are the arrangements ready?" he asked coldly.

"Everything is prepared, sir."

"Good. Escort them here." Adjusting his glasses, Alexander allowed a faint smirk to curl his lips.

Evelyn straightened, brushing dirt from her hands as she rose from the flowerbed, oblivious to the storm brewing behind her.