Chapter 370

No woman had ever left Nathan Blackwood feeling so utterly defeated. Not even when Victoria Sterling had used and betrayed him—that had only ignited his fury.

Nathan's lips twisted into a bitter smile as he surveyed the newly renovated hotel lobby. Monarch Grand Hotels operated with far more precision than the outdated Blackwood Hotel ever had.

Evelyn Carter had played the role of a naive, submissive country girl when they married. Though he'd never looked down on her humble origins, he'd always believed she didn't belong in his world.

Now, the truth struck him like a slap—he was the one who hadn't belonged in hers.

For three years, Evelyn had set aside her pride and dignity to stay by his side. He had been closest to her during their marriage, yet he'd been blind to her worth.

It was never Evelyn who had been unattainable.

Theodore Winslow was deep in discussion with two hotel executives when he turned and spotted Nathan lingering in the lobby. Shock flickered across his face before his expression hardened into icy disdain.

"That will be all for now. Return to your duties."

"Of course, Mr. Winslow."

Once the executives departed, Theodore strode toward Nathan with deliberate coolness.

"Mr. Blackwood, the restaurant is to your left, the bar to your right, and the café is on the third floor. If you require accommodations, the front desk can assist you."

"I'm here to see Ms. Carter." Nathan cut straight to the point, his gaze scanning the ceiling as if it held answers.

"My employer doesn't entertain every random visitor who walks through those doors." Theodore's voice dripped with barely concealed contempt.

If not for professional decorum, he would have had security throw Nathan out immediately.

"Say what you will, but I'm not leaving until I see her."

Nathan had never been one to tolerate insults, yet here he stood, weathering Theodore's hostility without flinching. A few harsh words meant nothing compared to the restless nights he'd endure if he walked away now.

"Evelyn has no interest in seeing you, Nathan. You'll only upset her."

Theodore's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. His next words came out in a low, dangerous growl. "If you have any sense left, you'll walk out that door right now. As long as I'm here, you won't get within ten feet of her."

"Fine. But I need to hear that from Evelyn herself."

Nathan didn't budge, his resolve unwavering.

"You don't get to make that decision for her."

"Nathan! Are you trying to start a scene?"

Theodore's temper flared, but before he could unleash his fury, a smooth, cheerful voice cut through the tension.

The sound sent an unpleasant shiver down Nathan's spine.

"Mr. Winslow, is Evelyn available?"

Nathan turned to see Alexander Whitmore strolling into the lobby, impeccably dressed and radiating confidence.

The two strikingly handsome men now stood before Theodore, their mutual animosity crackling in the air like static. Theodore found himself caught between them, bracing for the inevitable clash.

Alexander couldn't have chosen a worse time to appear.

For a fleeting second, Theodore considered locking them both in a room and letting them tear each other apart.

"We're in a professional setting, Mr. Whitmore. You will address her as Ms. Carter or Ms. Kingsley—especially on hotel premises." Theodore's tone left no room for argument, his disdain for both men equally apparent.

Nathan's lips curled slightly. For once, Evelyn's infuriating secretary didn't seem quite so unbearable.

"Very well. Is Ms. Kingsley available? I'd like to invite her to dinner tonight as thanks for securing Sebastian Laurent's autographed album for my mother."

Alexander remained unruffled, proving himself adept at choosing his battles.

"She's occupied." Theodore's reply was meant for both of them.

"I can wait."

Nathan and Alexander answered simultaneously, their voices overlapping with identical determination.