Chapter 223

The following morning. Sophia Blackwood was whisked away from San Francisco mere hours after Nathan Blackwood brought her back to Highland Estates.

No one had a clue about her destination.

Evelyn Sinclair discovered this news while playing golf with Donovan Sterling. The private VIP country club's course was nestled amidst lush greenery.

The serene atmosphere was perfect for Donovan's favorite pastime. Since he'd been immersed in research at the National Laboratories, Evelyn hadn't seen him in weeks.

Finally carving out leisure time, Evelyn had invited Donovan for a game. Struggling with her swing, she eventually abandoned pretense and scrolled through her phone instead.

Isabella Montgomery's call interrupted her scrolling. "The gossip mill's working overtime today! Between the Sophia scandal and your little... situation with Gregory Thornton!" Isabella's gleeful chuckle carried through the line.

Evelyn rolled her eyes dramatically. "What situation? Relax, nothing leaked. Someone issued a gag order before the banquet ended."

Isabella's knowing laugh required no explanation. Evelyn didn't inquire about the mystery benefactor. Only two men possessed both the motive and means.

Nathan Blackwood or Gregory himself. Either way, it spared her considerable hassle.

Then Isabella circled back to Sophia's disappearance.

The complete media blackout was peculiar. Isabella voiced her concern. "The Blackwoods are eerily quiet. Who knows if they're plotting revenge or sending thank-you notes? You saved her from that fall, but her reputation's beyond repair."

"Do you think Nathan will come after you?" Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smirk. "They should worry about whether I'll come after them."

She ended the call and tossed her phone aside. The whole affair bored her.

Who was truly at fault here anyway? Resuming her golf attempts, the ball stubbornly refused the hole. The club seemed determined to mock her efforts. Donovan finally intervened to correct her stance.

To outside observers, their proximity appeared intimate. Suddenly, the temperature seemed to drop several degrees as a towering figure materialized before them.

The Sterling siblings looked up simultaneously. Nathan Blackwood stood there, his aristocratic features schooled into icy detachment as he glared at them. Donovan released Evelyn's hand with a slight frown.

"Nathan Blackwood?" Evelyn's eyes narrowed, recalling Isabella's warning. Was this a confrontation? Her gaze shifted to the entourage behind him - including a mall chain CEO. Business associates, then.

What an unfortunate coincidence.

"Why aren't you answering my calls?" Nathan's deep voice held an edge. Evelyn blinked, remembering she'd blocked him after settling the car repair bill.

Apparently, he hadn't noticed yet. Her lips curved slowly.

"Because I prefer silence to your voice." Brutal honesty. Nathan's composed mask flickered momentarily. "Evelyn, I apologize for her behavior."

Her laugh was crystalline and cold. "I've heard enough Blackwood apologies to last several lifetimes. Go play your corporate games elsewhere."

What a mood killer. Nathan's glacial stare swept over Donovan before he visibly restrained himself. Maintaining dignity before Evelyn seemed to require Herculean effort.

"Evelyn, my family owes you. Name your terms."

She tucked a stray lock behind her ear with deliberate nonchalance. "How magnanimous, Mr. Blackwood."

"Then surrender controlling interest in the Willowbrook development to Sterling Corporation."

Though a joint venture, Blackwood Enterprises had purchased the land for $50 billion. Conventional wisdom dictated they retain majority stake and decision-making authority.

For Sterling Corporation to claim dominance meant Blackwood voluntarily forfeiting billions in profits.

Nathan's dark eyes narrowed. Two seconds later: "Done."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. That fast? His generosity surprised her. Damn. Had she undersold? "Sophia must be worth her weight in gold," she mused aloud.

A polished smile surfaced. "My attorneys will draft revised contracts. Consider the Sophia matter closed." Nathan's hollowed gaze studied her.

Her transactional approach clearly irritated him. "Anything else to discuss? If not, perhaps you should educate Ms. Blackwood on basic human decency."