Chapter 232

He was aware of her injuries. The moment he'd heard, he'd flown straight to Frenda after her.

Yet the Kingsleys had concealed her too effectively.

Ten agonizing days in that city yielded nothing.

Returning to Pamore empty-handed, he'd stationed himself at Kingsley Industries, waiting.

Evelyn masked every emotion. "Mr. Sterling," she said coolly, "is this your version of concern? I don't require it."

"Seeing you unharmed brings me relief," Nathan replied.

A beat passed before he continued, "The nanotech collaboration with Victor Langley has reached its pivotal phase. The product launch is scheduled next month."

Work. Always work with him.

This time, Evelyn didn't refuse. It was her project, after all. "I'll adjust my calendar accordingly."

Truthfully, Nathan had overheard Evelyn's exchange with Julian Hawthorne earlier. The unspoken plea in her tone hadn't escaped him.

"Ms. Carter," he pressed on, "Sterling Enterprises is initiating several ventures. Should you wish to continue our professional association—"

"Unnecessary, Mr. Sterling." Her refusal came swift as a blade.

Nathan's lips curved in self-deprecation, shadows veiling his eyes. "Because you want no connection to me? I thought you championed separating business from personal matters."

His words failed to provoke even a ripple in her composure.

"Your confidence remains... impressive," Evelyn countered. "However, Kingsley Industries has secured Horizon Technologies as our new partner. Excessive entanglement with Sterling Enterprises would be... unwise."

Brutal honesty.

Nathan scoffed. "Horizon? A fledgling company barely finding its footing, yet rushing headlong into projects?"

"Must you always disparage others' choices?" Evelyn shot back.

His expression darkened. "Is that truly how you perceive me, Evelyn?"

Her name on his lips carried an ache she refused to acknowledge.

"Isn't it the truth?" she challenged.

Suddenly, Nathan regretted coming. Yet the need to see her had overridden all reason.

Softening his tone, he tried another approach. "Grandmother's birthday is this Saturday. She's asked after you repeatedly."

Margaret Winslow—the sole Sterling who'd ever shown Evelyn genuine warmth.

Since the divorce, they hadn't met.

The memory of Margaret's kindness thawed Evelyn's resolve. "I'll visit her. But nothing more needs discussing, Mr. Sterling."

Nathan ignored the latter part. This small concession was enough. "I'll expect you at Sterling Manor then."

He turned abruptly, not waiting for confirmation—as if fearing she'd rescind the agreement.

His decision was made.

This time, he'd place his hopes on Margaret.

After Nathan's departure, Evelyn sat motionless, lost in thought.

Adrian Prescott approached, rapping his knuckles against her desk. "Still dwelling on Nathan, Evelyn?"