Chapter 311

Nathan Blackwood reclined in his executive chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him as he massaged his temples. The high-level meeting had drained him, leaving behind only exhaustion in his piercing gaze.

The whispers about him and Victoria Sterling had spread like wildfire through Blackwood Industries. Yet, within the towering glass walls of the corporate empire, not a single employee dared to breathe a word about their CEO.

Unless they had a death wish.

Now the newly appointed Vice Chairman, Nathan wielded unprecedented power. But despite his elevated status, a heavy weight settled in his chest—no satisfaction, only relentless tension.

"I never expected Penelope to settle Gold Corporation's financial issues so smoothly," Oliver Sinclair remarked, satisfaction lacing his tone. "She's been hoarding money for years. At least now she'll have to cough it up."

Nathan's fingers stilled against his temple. "Penelope built her fortune with Vincent Whitmore's help. Even with him behind bars, she still has deep pockets. That means she has another source."

Oliver frowned. "Could Éclat Boutique be involved? How could a mediocre boutique generate that kind of profit? It's just clothes and accessories."

Nathan's sharp gaze cut to him. "After all these years working for me, how are you still this naive?"

With a flick of his wrist, Nathan sent a folded document sailing across the desk, landing squarely against Oliver's chest. "That boutique is just a front. Penelope has spent years building an underground network in Crestview. On the surface, it's luxury goods. Behind the scenes? Bribery. Corruption."

A chill ran down Oliver's spine. "We severely underestimated that witch."

"I never underestimated her," Nathan said coldly. "Underestimating your enemy is the quickest way to lose."

He exhaled, rubbing his temples again. "Taking Penelope down isn't a one-night job. Her roots run deep in Crestview, and with Leonard protecting her, we need more evidence. More leverage. Move too soon, and we'll burn with her. The right moment will come."

Oliver clenched his jaw. "Sooner or later, we'll make that witch pay in blood."

Nathan shifted topics abruptly. "What's the status on Isabella Wang's project?"

"The wedding proposal has been finalized. We're ready to meet with her team whenever," Oliver reported.

He hesitated before adding carefully, "Mr. Blackwood… didn't you mention compensating Ms. Carter? This could be an opportunity to make amends. What if we handed the wedding planning rights to Monarch Grand Hotels? She might appreciate—"

Nathan cut him off. "Why would I give it to Monarch?"

His expression darkened. "I owe Evelyn, not the Kingsleys. Why should I hand them an opportunity?"

Oliver fell silent. His boss's logic was… unique.

"She once said in business, we should never hold back when competing against her." Nathan's lips curled slightly. "If I go easy now, wouldn't that be an insult?"

He leaned back, his voice cool. "Prepare as planned. In business, I don't compromise my standards for anyone. I'm not Alexander Whitmore."

Oliver blinked. Was that… jealousy?

The phone on the desk buzzed. Julian Montgomery's name flashed on the screen.

Nathan answered, tone flat. "What?"

Julian's excited voice crackled through. "Nathan! I scored VIP tickets to Sebastian Laurent's concert tonight. You're coming with me!"

"You? At a piano recital?" Nathan scoffed. "Since when do donkeys appreciate classical music?"

Julian laughed. "If I can understand your insults, why not a piano recital?"

He dropped his voice conspiratorially. "Besides, Isabelle just got back from Valmont. She's Sebastian's star pupil and performing as a guest tonight. I wanted to surprise you, but you ruined it. Thought you'd appreciate the romantic gesture."

Nathan's expression soured. "I'm allergic to romance."

"Come on! You've been brooding since Evelyn left. You need a distraction."

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Don't associate Victoria with me anymore. It's disgusting."

"Fine, fine," Julian sighed. "But you're still coming. I'll pick you up in an hour."

Nathan hung up without another word.

The office fell silent again, heavy with unspoken tension.

Outside, the city lights of Crestview glittered—beautiful, cold, and indifferent.

Just like the man sitting in the dark.