Chapter 279

The members of the Blackwood team exchanged stunned glances. Oliver Sinclair suddenly felt his vision blur, as if struck by lightning from above.

Seeing Nathan's stormy expression, Victoria Sterling - thinking she was being helpful - quickly interjected, "Nathan, there's no need to worry. It's just a garden. There are plenty of estates like Whitmore Gardens in the country. We can contact other—"

Before she could finish, Nathan abruptly pulled his arm from her grasp with such force that she stumbled backward, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Let's go, Mr. Whitmore," Evelyn said without sparing them another glance, offering Alexander a polite smile instead.

Alexander responded warmly, "Of course. I've reserved us a private dining room at Le Jardin. We can leave whenever you're ready."

Their shared smile made Nathan feel like invisible hands were tightening around his throat, his brows knitting together in frustration.

He swiftly stepped between them, blocking Alexander's path. "Mr. Whitmore, we need to speak privately," he demanded, his voice firm despite the failed business negotiations.

"If this is about the Whitmore Gardens project, I believe we've exhausted all discussion, Mr. Blackwood," Alexander replied dismissively.

"What if it's about something else?" Nathan countered, his dark gaze locking onto Evelyn's face with unsettling intensity.

Alexander led Nathan to an ornate gazebo nestled among the rose bushes. Though surrounded by vibrant blooms, the air between them turned frigid as they sat across from each other.

Glancing at his watch impatiently, Alexander said, "Let's be brief, Mr. Blackwood. I have dinner plans with Ms. Carter that I'd hate to delay."

"Dinner plans? I thought this was strictly business," Nathan retorted, unwilling to concede any ground when it came to Evelyn. "Don't presume too much. Evelyn was my wife for three years. I know her far better than you ever could."

Alexander chuckled darkly, adjusting his glasses. "Three years of a marriage in name only hardly qualifies you as an expert on Evelyn's heart. Tell me, Mr. Blackwood, where does this confidence come from?"

"You've been investigating me?" Nathan's fists clenched, his eyes turning glacial.

"Everything I do is for Evelyn's benefit," Alexander countered smoothly. "Our current collaboration was never about taking her from you. She's the woman I've been waiting for, and I won't allow anyone - especially you - to interfere."

He continued mercilessly, "I'm aware your assistant contacted my associates. Let me be clear: Whitmore Enterprises never had any intention of partnering with Blackwood Industries."

The way Alexander said "Evelyn" with such tenderness made Nathan's jaw tighten.

Nathan exhaled sharply, his gaze burning like embers in the night. "Don't think your reputation in Serenia is unknown to me, Whitmore. Evelyn might be taken in by your charming facade, but I see through it. I know exactly what kind of man you are."

In Serenia's high society, Alexander Whitmore was indeed legendary - a beautiful but notorious figure who concealed his true nature beneath impeccable manners. Yet before Evelyn, he transformed into the picture of gentle devotion, revealing the depth of his cunning.

Though divorced, seeing Evelyn grow closer to Alexander filled Nathan with a volatile mix of rage, jealousy, and dread.

Alexander merely smirked, making no attempt to deny Nathan's accusations. "You've never been one to lack female companionship. But Evelyn isn't some plaything to be discarded after a few bouquets and sweet words," Nathan growled, his handsome features hardening into icy severity.

"How curious," Alexander mused after a pause. "If you care so deeply about Evelyn, why did you divorce her and remarry in the first place?"

The question struck like a dagger, leaving Nathan momentarily speechless as waves of regret crashed through him.

"I'm fully aware of my flaws," Alexander continued coldly. "But my feelings for Evelyn remain pure and constant. You, however, married her while pining for another, breaking her heart in the process. Anyone else might have the right to judge me - but not you."

His voice turned glacial as he added, "Whether you regret it now is irrelevant. Your divorce is final. Whoever Evelyn chooses to love is none of your concern."

Rising abruptly, Alexander strode toward the exit before pausing to glance back at Nathan's frozen form. "My feelings for her predate your marriage. In my eyes, those three years mean nothing."

Left alone in the gazebo, Nathan sat motionless as Alexander's words echoed in his mind, his face ashen, his broad shoulders trembling almost imperceptibly.