Chapter 371

Even in Evelyn's absence, she maintained complete awareness of every happening within the Monarch Grand Hotel.

"Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Whitmore are requesting to see you, Ms. Carter. What should I tell them?"

Theodore adjusted his earpiece and turned slightly, lowering his voice to a discreet murmur.

Both men stiffened, their postures betraying their nervous anticipation.

"See me? Whatever for? Are they expecting some special discount?" Evelyn's voice carried through the earpiece with cool detachment.

"Ms. Carter, they're insisting on meeting with you personally. I can't simply have security remove them." Theodore found himself in an awkward position - dealing with Nathan and Alexander wasn't exactly straightforward.

"Ask them their purpose for this visit." Evelyn's tone remained unreadable.

"Ms. Carter wishes to know the nature of your business," Theodore relayed with visible irritation.

"I'd like to invite Ms. Carter to dinner as a gesture of gratitude."

Alexander adjusted his designer glasses with a practiced smile.

"My mother received that signed album from Sebastian Laurent you arranged. She's absolutely thrilled. Insisted I properly thank you - she'd feel terrible accepting such a gift without reciprocation."

His sidelong glance at Nathan spoke volumes.

Alexander was banking on Evelyn's inherent kindness making refusal impossible.

After all, even if she harbored no romantic interest in him, he was certainly preferable to that emotionally unavailable cheat who'd broken her heart.

Theodore turned expectantly to Nathan.

"Business matters," came the clipped response.

Alexander's brow furrowed.

After a brief pause, Evelyn's instructions crackled through: "Bring Mr. Blackwood to me."

Both Theodore and Alexander froze in shock.

Nathan's lips curved in satisfaction.

The undisguised triumph on his face resembled that of a child chosen first for team sports.

"If you'll follow me, Mr. Blackwood."

Theodore spun on his heel, irritation evident in his stiff movements.

As Nathan strode away, Alexander concealed the storm in his eyes behind his glasses. Fury burned through him.

When Alexander returned alone to the underground parking, his secretary immediately recognized the failed mission and silently ushered him into the waiting car with practiced deference.

Leaning back, Alexander closed his eyes - but the tension in his jaw betrayed his simmering rage.

Evelyn had chosen Nathan.

This unprecedented humiliation consumed Alexander entirely. It felt like a public slap across the face before his rival.

"Destination, Mr. Whitmore?" The secretary ventured cautiously.

"Did I give you permission to speak?" The icy question hung in the air.

The secretary immediately bowed his head, a cold sweat breaking across his brow.

Several tense minutes passed before Alexander finally opened his eyes, fingers clenching until his knuckles cracked audibly.

"Investigate Julian Montgomery's sister and her current relationship with Nathan."

"Julian has a sister?"

Alexander's eyes glinted dangerously.

"I'll begin immediately." The secretary practically trembled with apprehension.

"Take me to Vertigo." Alexander closed his eyes again.

Vertigo Club - the exclusive establishment he'd discreetly registered under his secretary's name five years prior.

The woman managing it had been instrumental in navigating Crestview's elite circles.

Now, she might serve another purpose entirely.

With this thought, Alexander adjusted his glasses, a sinister smirk playing across his lips.

Theodore led Nathan through the hotel's bustling kitchen corridors.

Nathan nervously adjusted his Windsor knot, stealing glances at his reflection in the polished stainless steel surfaces.

Not even his military commendations or his inaugural board meeting as Blackwood Industries' CEO had made him this nervous.