Chapter 231

Nathan's piercing gaze flickered with surprise as Adrian came into view. "Mr. Prescott, what brings you to Kingsley Industries?"

Adrian met Nathan's stare head-on, his aristocratic bearing radiating authority. A single glance was all it took to establish dominance.

"Is there a problem? Am I unwelcome at Kingsley?"

Julian forced a tight-lipped smile. "Mr. Sterling, of course not... It's just that Ms. Carter isn't available to see you right now—"

His words trailed off deliberately, laced with unspoken implications.

The shrewd businessman hadn't missed Nathan's underlying intentions.

Nathan didn't break eye contact. Instead, his gaze shifted to Evelyn and Adrian. "Whether she's available or not isn't your decision to make, is it?"

Julian shifted uncomfortably, offering an apologetic shrug. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Sterling."

But Nathan had already dismissed him.

Leaving Julian standing awkwardly, he strode toward Evelyn.

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly at Nathan's approach.

Even when he called her name, she pretended not to hear, turning instead to open her office door.

Simon cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Mr. Sterling, I'll wait outside," he murmured before making a discreet exit.

As Nathan reached the threshold, Adrian blocked his path.

The former friends locked eyes in a charged standoff.

"Nathan, why are you here?" Adrian spoke first.

A cold smirk played on Nathan's lips. "Trying to stop me, Adrian?"

Adrian held his ground. "She doesn't want to see you. Leave."

Nathan's eyes narrowed dangerously. His pride made him tilt his chin up defiantly. "Do you really think you can stop me?"

Adrian remained immovable. "Even if I can't, I won't let you through—"

The tension between them crackled like live wires.

Nathan let out a humorless laugh. "I never imagined we'd become strangers like this."

Adrian's expression didn't waver. "Nathan, you're divorced. Why keep pursuing her?"

A shadow crossed Nathan's face. "Who said I'm here to pursue her?"

Adrian's eyebrows shot up. "Then why are you here?"

Nathan's voice turned icy. "There's something you should know. Even if she doesn't end up with me, it certainly won't be you."

Adrian's face darkened. "Shut up," he snapped.

Nathan remained unfazed. "Just stating facts."

Adrian's fists clenched, but he restrained himself. "It doesn't matter if it's not me. As long as she's happy—even if that happiness doesn't come from me—"

His words sent an unexpected tremor through Evelyn. She'd never realized the depth of Adrian's feelings.

It left her speechless.

She couldn't respond. Couldn't bear the weight of such devotion.

"Let him in," she finally said.

Adrian turned sharply. "Evelyn—"

But she continued in a businesslike tone, "Mr. Sterling, state your business or leave."

Reluctantly, Adrian stepped aside.

Nathan's intense gaze burned into Evelyn as if trying to see through her defenses.

Evelyn frowned under his scrutiny. "Mr. Sterling, what do you want?"

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line. "Are you alright?" The concern in his voice was unmistakable—he'd heard about the fire.