Chapter 84

The Gourmet Society.

An exclusive dining establishment in Newport City, favored by elite businessmen for networking and entertaining.

In their most opulent private dining room, The Crystal Room, Nathaniel Blackwood sat at the head of the table, basking in the flattery of his peers. The undisputed center of attention.

"You're truly in a league of your own, Mr. Blackwood. Under your leadership, Blackwood Group continues to break records! The rest of us can only aspire to reach such heights!"

The endless stream of compliments and toasts would have intoxicated most men.

But not Nathaniel. His piercing gaze remained unreadable, his regal demeanor setting him apart from the crude businessmen surrounding him.

Then a hesitant voice cut through the sycophancy. "With all due respect to Mr. Blackwood, there are other rising stars worth noting. Like Julian Montgomery from Lockhart Enterprises—his company's growth has been remarkable lately."

The sudden dissent created palpable tension. The speaker immediately faced ridicule.

"What nonsense! Julian Montgomery is just a playboy. He spends more time chasing women than running his business. How could he possibly compare to Mr. Blackwood?"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed slightly. "Lockhart Enterprises?" he finally spoke.

The young man seized the opportunity. "Yes, sir. My family's in venture capital, so I've studied their operations closely."

"Though relatively new and small, their expansion has been aggressive. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just Julian's vanity project. Their potential is significant."

As others prepared to dismiss him again, Nathaniel's cold voice cut through. "Continue."

"My assessment isn't baseless. Their current clientele consists entirely of former Blackwood Group partners who terminated contracts recently."

This revelation caught the attention of several shrewd businessmen. Interest in the upstart company grew visibly.

Nathaniel fell into deep thought.

Ethan Young had mentioned the company before, but Nathaniel had dismissed it—just as he'd dismissed Julian Montgomery himself.

But now? That same playboy wasn't just making moves on Nathaniel's wife, but poaching his clients too. Nathaniel's estimation of him was rapidly changing.

The young man glanced nervously at Nathaniel. "There's more... though I'm not sure I should—"

"Speak," Nathaniel commanded.

"This morning, your wife visited Skyview Retreat to meet with Leonard Kingsley. Everyone assumed she represented Blackwood Group..."

"Instead, she presented lavish gifts on behalf of Lockhart Enterprises. Mr. Kingsley was reportedly delighted and ready to sign with them."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the room.

Nathaniel's own wife aiding his rival? This development was... problematic.

Someone quickly tried to diffuse the tension. "Preposterous! There must be some mistake. Mrs. Blackwood is the epitome of loyalty. She'd never—"

Nathaniel swirled his wine glass absently, his handsome face betraying nothing.

"It's irrelevant. She's free to do as she pleases."

His tone was ice.

At that moment, the young man discreetly typed a message on his phone: "Mission accomplished. He's ready for you."