Chapter 421

The memories were too painful for Nathan Blackwood to revisit.

His intercom buzzed sharply. Nathan answered on speakerphone. "What is it?"

"Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Carter's assistant is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment. Should I—"

"Send him in," Nathan commanded coldly.

Getting an audience with the CEO of Blackwood Industries was no small feat.

But Theodore Winslow worked for Evelyn, so Nathan made an exception.

Within minutes, Theodore strode into the office with a stony expression.

"Ms. Carter instructed me to deliver this, Mr. Blackwood."

He placed a pristine white box on Nathan's mahogany desk.

"What is it?" Nathan eyed the box without raising his head.

"A ticking time bomb," Theodore deadpanned.

Nathan's lips thinned.

"You think you're clever?"

Theodore's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Why ask if you won't believe me? It's perfectly harmless. Just accept Ms. Carter's... thoughtful gift."

With measured movements, Nathan lifted the lid.

Indeed, no explosives. Just an absurdly cute dog-shaped cream cake staring back at him.

His lips twitched.

"Did Evelyn bake this?" Hope flickered behind his guarded eyes.

Theodore scoffed. "Dream on. She had me purchase it specially for you." His smirk widened. "Did you honestly think you deserved her cooking?"

Nathan's jaw tightened.

"What's that supposed to mean? Ms. Carter cooked for Mr. Blackwood before. If he wasn't worthy, why would she endure it for three years?" Oliver snapped.

Theodore gave Nathan a withering look. "Evelyn Carter would sooner feed stray dogs than cook for you again."

Oliver clenched his fists. "Take that back!"

"Enough," Nathan cut in sharply. "Why did Evelyn send this?"

Theodore's expression turned glacial. "Ms. Carter received your anonymous delivery. Consider this her... reciprocation."

Nathan froze. She'd figured it out already?

"She's reminding you not to underestimate her. She's nobody's fool and doesn't need your... canine counsel."

Without ceremony, Theodore turned on his heel and strode out.

"Canine counsel? I hope she wasn't referring to you." Oliver muttered.

Nathan's darkening expression made Oliver pale and retreat to the corner.