Chapter 369

"Ms. Carter, perhaps we should—" Maxwell hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with Evelyn having extensive contact with Nathan.

But Evelyn knew some encounters were inevitable.

She entered the room with measured steps, radiating quiet confidence with every movement.

"So you're the silent partner behind this venture. Quite the revelation."

Nathan gave an easy smile as he leaned back. "Sterling Enterprises wasn't originally in this sector. But we're making an exception to work with Kingsley Industries."

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Are you suggesting Sterling wants to collaborate with us?"

Nathan accepted a folder from Simon. "Precisely. We just need to finalize the details."

One elegant brow arched, though her tone remained composed. "Do you have reservations, Mr. Sterling?"

"There's one point. The profit allocation seems... unbalanced."

Maxwell adjusted his glasses sharply at this. The proposal already favored Sterling Enterprises—this felt like bad faith negotiating.

"Mr. Sterling," Maxwell interjected, "as the newcomer to this venture, standard profit ratios should apply. Unless you're not serious about this partnership?"

Nathan's gaze never left Evelyn. "Your associate makes a valid point. By conventional calculations, Sterling stands to gain significantly."

He tapped the documents. "A fifty-fifty split seems excessive. Let's adjust to seventy-thirty—with Kingsley taking the larger share."

Maxwell's eyes widened. This wasn't negotiation—it was practically philanthropy. That twenty percent shift represented hundreds of millions.

"Ms. Carter, your thoughts?"

Evelyn studied Nathan's unreadable expression. "Mr. Sterling, is this business or benevolence?"

His response came calmly. "Consider it ensuring you have sufficient leverage against your boardroom detractors."

Her fingers tightened imperceptibly. How did he know about Kingsley's internal power struggles?

"I appreciate the gesture, but no." Her refusal was immediate. "Business should remain business. Unearned generosity raises questions. If this isn't a genuine collaboration, we should end discussions here."

She rose to leave.

Nathan remained seated, unfazed. "I'm aware of your wager with the board. Lose that bet, and you forfeit control of Kingsley Industries entirely."

Evelyn turned sharply. "That's hardly your concern."

Their gazes locked as he stood. "This project's profits could boost your performance metrics by five percent. Evelyn, I'm trying to help you."

A humorless smile touched her lips. "The world offers no free lunches, Mr. Sterling. Consider this collaboration terminated."

She exited without backward glance.

Nathan's jaw tightened at her dismissal—not just of his offer, but of the carefully maintained boundaries between them.

Without hesitation, he followed her out.