Chapter 211

Nathan fought to keep his emotions in check.

His face remained expressionless as he changed the subject. "This bodycon dress is exquisite."

Evelyn noticed his lingering gaze on the garment. "Do you like this design too, Mr. Sterling?"

Nathan gave nothing away. "Beautiful things catch everyone's eye, don't they?"

Evelyn caught the subtle undertone in his words but chose not to pursue it. "Well, thank you for letting me have it, Mr. Sterling." With that, she turned on her heel.

Nathan said nothing more, his eyes following her retreating figure.

The moment Evelyn left, Bianca materialized beside him like an unwelcome shadow. "Mr. Sterling, could you lend me three million dollars?"

When Nathan turned to face her eager expression, mockery glinted in his eyes. "I don't make a habit of financing strangers."

Bianca flushed at the blatant rejection. With no way to secure the funds, security soon escorted her out.

After leaving the auction, Nathan's mood remained stormy. He sat in his car, chain-smoking until the interior became hazy with smoke.

Staring at the growing pile of cigarette butts, he finally called Simon. "Compile all projects Evelyn has handled at Kingsley Industries recently."

Simon asked no questions. "Right away, Mr. Sterling."

"I want the report within the hour," Nathan added before hanging up.

He started the engine and drove off into the night.

Simon worked efficiently. In under an hour, a comprehensive dossier on Evelyn's recent projects landed in Nathan's inbox.

Nathan scrolled through the files methodically.

Most were routine corporate collaborations, including several with French partners.

His finger paused over the name "Adrian Prescott." Surprisingly, Adrian had risen quickly at Kingsley Industries, overseeing multiple major accounts.

"Mr. Sterling, it appears Ms. Carter hasn't been handling corporate projects recently," Simon reported.

Nathan's eyebrow arched. "Then what has occupied her time?"

"She's taken over Professor Whitaker's role as lead designer for this year's Pamore Fashion Week."

Nathan froze.

"Pamore Fashion Week?" The pieces clicked into place. That explained her interest in the bodycon dress.

"I recall their organizers approached us about venue rental."

"Correct, sir. You initially intended to decline."

Without hesitation, Nathan countered, "Change of plans. Grant them the venue. Consider it a corporate sponsorship."

Simon's jaw dropped.

The Sterling Plaza rental fees exceeded millions daily. Yet Nathan was offering it freely—for Evelyn.

"Understood, sir. I'll arrange it immediately."

As lead designer, Evelyn immersed herself completely in the collection. She personally oversaw every detail, from fabric selection to final stitches.

Unaware that Sterling Enterprises had just gifted her the most prestigious venue in the city.