Chapter 322

The sleek black Lamborghini idled across the street, its tinted windows rolling down to reveal Nathan Blackwood's striking profile.

His jaw was clenched, his usually icy gaze now tinged with red as he watched the Bentley pull away. The sight of Evelyn and Alexander together sent a jolt through him, sharp as lightning. A cold dread seeped into his veins.

Nathan hadn’t slept in two nights. Not even sleeping pills could quiet his restless mind.

Since their encounter at the concert, he’d been distracted, his thoughts consumed by her. Normally unshakable in his focus, he’d skipped critical meetings and let reports pile up untouched.

He didn’t understand why.

But he knew Evelyn was the reason.

Today, without telling Oliver, he’d driven himself to the Monarch Grand Hotel and waited all afternoon.

Just to catch a glimpse of her.

Just to see if it would finally let him sleep.

Instead, seeing her still with Alexander hit him like a physical blow. Pain lanced through his skull, his vision swimming for a moment.

Would this help his insomnia?

No.

It felt like a heart attack.

Nathan’s bloodshot eyes darkened. He gritted his teeth and slammed his foot on the accelerator.

The sports car roared to life, tearing after the Bentley.

Willow Creek Estate buzzed with activity as servants hurried to prepare for the evening’s guests. Following Harrison’s invitation, the Kingsley siblings who could make it had gathered—Sebastian, Dominic, and the youngest, Raymond, were already there. Evelyn was on her way.

Arabella, swamped with coursework, had bowed out. Since this wasn’t a formal event, Lillian had insisted her daughter focus on her studies.

Another night dominated by testosterone.

Dominic sipped his tea, glancing between Sebastian on his left and Raymond on his right. He shook his head with a wry smile. "Why is it so hard to get our sisters in one room?"

"Dom, be grateful," Raymond drawled, sprawled across the sofa in his leather jacket, one arm propped behind his head. His posture screamed cop, not Kingsley heir. "We just closed a big case. The chief gave us two days off. Otherwise, we wouldn’t see each other for another decade."

As the youngest Kingsley, Raymond bore the strongest resemblance to Harrison—thick brows, doe eyes, a sharp nose, full lips, and sun-kissed skin.

"I wouldn’t mind that," Dominic teased.

"Be thankful I’m here!"

A sharp crack cut through the air.

Sebastian and Dominic jolted upright, startled, as Raymond—without even looking—snatched a walnut hurtling toward him midair.

Dominic blinked. "What kind of reflexes are those?"

Raymond grinned, cracking the walnut open with one hand. "Mom, you spoil me. You know these are my favorite."

Lillian marched over, hands on her hips. "Sit up straight! You’re a Kingsley, not some street thug. Are you a cop or an undercover criminal?"

Raymond popped the kernel into his mouth. "Does it matter?"

"Change. Now." She kicked his boot. "Chairman Whitmore and his sons will be here soon. Don’t embarrass your father."

In the study, Harrison sat on a vintage leather sofa, reading glasses perched on his nose as he flipped through a stack of photos.

All of them featured Evelyn and Alexander.

Quentin stood nearby. "As instructed, I’ve discreetly monitored Ms. Evelyn’s dating situation. She hasn’t contacted anyone else on the list, but she’s been spending significant time with Mr. Whitmore."

Harrison nearly wore the photos out from flipping through them. "Has Alexander made any inappropriate advances?"

"None. He’s been nothing but respectful."

Harrison grunted, silent.

A knock sounded at the door. Camille’s voice floated through. "Harrison, Chairman Whitmore and his sons have arrived."