Chapter 341

Back at Blackwood Industries, Nathan Blackwood sat motionless in his executive chair, his piercing gaze fixed on the computer monitor. With each deliberate keystroke, a new image materialized - each frame featuring the same captivating subject: Evelyn Carter.

These surveillance photos, captured by Oliver Sinclair over the past week, showed Evelyn going about her daily routine. Originally tasked with gathering intelligence on Monarch Group's operations, Oliver had found Evelyn's security detail impenetrable, resulting in this collection of mundane yet intimate snapshots.

Nathan's fingers hovered over the keyboard as he cycled through the images repeatedly. The more he studied them, the more Evelyn's radiant smile seemed to leap from the screen. Had these been physical photographs, they would have worn thin from his constant handling.

The sudden vibration of his smartphone shattered the silence. Nathan blinked, as if waking from a trance, and reached for the device.

His expression darkened as he read the incoming messages. Without hesitation, he grabbed his tailored suit jacket and stormed out of the office.

Meanwhile, at an upscale grill house, Evelyn Carter was laughing with her younger brother Raymond Kingsley.

The siblings hadn't seen each other in months, and the reunion called for celebration. Empty wine glasses littered their table as they reminisced.

After several drinks, Evelyn's cheeks flushed pink. She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Raymond Kingsley, when are you going to find me a proper sister-in-law?"

"Not you too!" Raymond groaned, pouring mineral water into Evelyn's wine glass when she wasn't looking. "Mother's already hounding me about this. Between my dangerous job and crazy schedule, who has time for relationships?"

Evelyn pouted. "What's wrong with the Kingsley men? None of you want to settle down! I want nieces and nephews to spoil!"

Raymond chuckled. "Aren't seven overprotective brothers enough for you? What if we get married and stop pampering you?"

"That's exactly the problem!" Evelyn exclaimed, her words slightly slurred. "Remember in university when you bought out the entire campus chocolate supply? Every boy thought you were my boyfriend! You robbed me of my first love!"

Raymond winced at the memory. "Don't remind me! Mother caught me with all those chocolates and thought I was dating some girl. She had the principal monitor me until graduation!"

"You never told her they were for me?" Evelyn gasped.

"It was right before finals!" Raymond defended. "She would've had me transferred schools if she knew I was spoiling you instead of studying." He smirked. "Though I can't complain - it kept all those infatuated girls away after I accidentally won 'Most Eligible Bachelor.'"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Wait... you used me as your excuse to avoid admirers?" She flicked his forehead sharply.

Raymond laughed, rubbing the spot. "Seriously though, with my job, marriage would be cruel. My wife would essentially be a widow."

Evelyn nodded sagely. "Same."

"What about Alexander Whitmore?" Raymond suddenly asked. "At Sebastian's last dinner party, he couldn't take his eyes off you." He lowered his voice dramatically. "Though he looks a bit pale... you don't think he's sickly, do you?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her drink.

"Listen," Raymond continued seriously, "we Kingsleys don't need money, but we do need strong genetics. The family legacy depends on it."

"As long as he's not mentally unstable, I don't care about his complexion," Evelyn retorted, her blush deepening.

When they finally left the restaurant, Theodore Winslow stood waiting by the car. Seeing Evelyn leaning heavily on Raymond, he moved to assist.

"Don't touch her."

Raymond's arm tightened protectively around Evelyn as he blocked Theodore with his other arm. His voice turned icy. "I've got her. Keep your hands to yourself." Theodore stiffened, lips pressed into a thin line of embarrassment.