Chapter 278

A tempest of emotions raged behind Nathan Blackwood's stormy expression.

Evelyn Carter, however, harbored no such complicated thoughts.

In her mind, she was cursing her rotten luck.

Running into this bastard in such a picturesque place is like finding a cockroach in my champagne.

As for Victoria Sterling, who clung to Nathan's arm like ivy, she was nothing more than an irritating spectacle.

Evelyn's eyes burned just looking at her.

Then, Alexander Whitmore's towering frame leaned closer.

His lips grazed her ear as he murmured in a low, velvety voice, "Don't worry. I've got you."

Evelyn's pulse stuttered, but she scoffed internally.

What's the big deal? If they act like rabid dogs, we'll put them down like rabid dogs.

"Ms. Kingsley, what a surprise to see you here," Victoria cooed, her saccharine tone dripping with false sweetness.

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Is this gentleman your new beau? You two make such a striking pair."

Evelyn remained impassive, her expression unreadable.

Alexander, however, smirked. "Flattering, but no. I'm not Evelyn's lover—yet."

Evelyn barely reacted, but Nathan's knuckles whitened as his fist clenched.

Not yet?

The implication sent a bolt of fury through him.

Is this bastard taunting me? Or has she really moved on so quickly?

Victoria felt Nathan's arm tense beneath her grip.

She smirked inwardly.

Good. At least one of them has truly let go of their failed marriage.

Her gaze flickered to Alexander, assessing.

Who is this man? He’s not just handsome—he carries himself like royalty.

Breaking the silence, Alexander arched a brow. "Mr. Blackwood, here to admire the roses with your fiancée?"

His lips curled. "You'd better hurry. Whitmore Gardens closes soon."

Nathan's jaw tightened. "I don’t have time for this."

He shot Alexander a venomous glare before turning to his secretary. "Oliver, contact Whitmore Gardens immediately. We need to finalize the collaboration details."

Oliver Sinclair nodded briskly, pulling out his phone.

Within seconds, a loud ringtone pierced the air—coming from nearby.

Oliver frowned. "Strange. It sounds like they're right here."

The ringing grew louder as a man in a tailored suit sprinted toward them.

"Mr. Whitmore, your phone," the man announced, handing the device to Alexander.

He didn’t miss the chance to shoot Nathan’s team a disdainful glance.

Without hesitation, Alexander ended the call with a graceful flick of his fingers.

Simultaneously, the ringing on Oliver’s phone ceased.

Oliver stood frozen, mouth slightly agape.

Nathan’s face drained of color.

A slow, triumphant smile spread across Alexander’s lips.

"The owner of Whitmore Gardens you're trying to reach, Mr. Blackwood, is me."

His gaze slid to Evelyn. "And I’ve already accepted Ms. Kingsley’s proposal for an exclusive partnership."

Evelyn’s eyes widened as Alexander extended his hand.

"To a successful collaboration," he murmured.

She glanced at Nathan, whose expression darkened with barely restrained fury.

Seeing him so thoroughly defeated sent a thrill through her.

But winning without a fight?

Too easy.

A mischievous smile curved her lips, dimples flashing.

She grasped Alexander’s hand firmly.

"Looking forward to it, Mr. Whitmore."