Chapter 397

Nathan shook his head violently. His temples throbbed with the beginnings of a migraine.

"Ms. Blackwood," he said through gritted teeth, "your motives mean nothing to me. Just one thing matters."

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Harm one hair on Evelyn's head, and you'll regret it."

Juliette threw back her head and laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally in the spacious office. "Too late for warnings, darling. Unless—"

Her manicured finger traced the edge of Nathan's desk as she circled him like a predator. "Unless you make me Mrs. Sterling. Then perhaps I'll reconsider my plans for your precious Evelyn."

Nathan's fist slammed onto the mahogany surface. "You think you can blackmail me?"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Simon stepped forward silently, placing a thick dossier before Juliette.

"I wanted to handle this civilly," Nathan said, his voice glacial. "But clearly you've left me no choice. These documents make for... interesting reading."

Juliette's perfectly sculpted eyebrows knitted together as she flipped through the pages. Her confident smirk dissolved into horrified recognition.

"How?" Her voice cracked. "These records were sealed!"

Nathan leaned forward, his shadow engulfing her. "The pot calling the kettle black, Juliette. This evidence proves you framed Evelyn and could destroy your fashion empire overnight."

He tapped the damning documents. "Walk away now, or I release everything to the press."

Juliette should have been trembling. Instead, she smiled and tucked a strand of platinum hair behind her ear with deliberate calm.

"Mr. Sterling," she purred, "let's discuss this privately."

"Save your breath for your lawyer," Nathan snapped.

Undeterred, Juliette glided closer. "Hear me out first. If you still want to ruin me afterward, I'll surrender without a fight."

Before Nathan could protest, she stood on tiptoe and whispered something in his ear.

The color drained from Nathan's face. His hands, usually so steady, trembled slightly as he stared at Juliette with undisguised shock.

Juliette's crimson lips curved in triumph. "Now, if you'll hand over those documents?" She held out her hand expectantly.

Simon moved to intervene, but Nathan's sharp command stopped him. "Give them to her."

"Sir?" Simon's confusion was palpable. "What about Ms. Carter?"

Nathan's jaw clenched. "I said give her everything."

With obvious reluctance, Simon produced a flash drive and surrendered both it and the dossier to Juliette.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Juliette's smile was all sharp edges as she tucked her prize into her designer handbag. "You may go now."

Nathan's gaze burned into her for a long moment before he turned sharply on his heel. Simon scrambled to follow his retreating form, questions visibly bubbling behind his lips.

The elevator doors closed on Juliette's victorious smirk.