Chapter 401

Nathan could sense the immediate shift in the air when he posed that question.

Evelyn's gaze grew distant, lost in thought before finally snapping back to reality. "It's been too long," she murmured. "I can't recall."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Nathan's piercing blue eyes. "Is it truly forgotten? Or are you deliberately choosing not to remember?"

The corner of Evelyn's lips curved into a sardonic smile as she met his gaze. "Mr. Sterling, while we're being honest - what exactly is your relationship with Juliette?"

"Would it matter if I told you there's nothing between us?" Nathan's voice held a rare note of self-deprecation. The mighty CEO had never stooped so low before.

"Evelyn," he continued, his tone turning grave, "if you insist on digging deeper into this investigation, you must understand the risks. I'm warning you for your own protection."

"Nathan, that's rich," Evelyn scoffed. "You're justifying your irrational behavior as protection? Or do you genuinely believe you're acting in my best interest?"

"That's not—"

Nathan began, but the words died in his throat. No excuse came to mind.

He reached out, his voice uncharacteristically pleading. "Evelyn, just this once, listen to me."

Before Evelyn could respond, Harrison's voice cut through the tension.

"Evelyn," he called, stepping to her side with confident strides.

Callum followed closely behind, flashing Nathan a polite yet guarded smile. "Mr. Sterling of Sterling Enterprises, isn't it? Your reputation precedes you."

Nathan's gaze flickered between them, his lips twisting into a cold smirk. "Mr. Blackwood. It's been a while."

Callum had heard enough about Nathan's history with Evelyn to form unfavorable opinions, though he couldn't deny the man's formidable reputation in business circles.

"Mr. Sterling, the pleasure is mine," Callum said smoothly. "Might I ask what brings you to this conversation with Evelyn?"

Nathan ignored the question, his icy stare fixed on Evelyn. "Are you two involved?" The temperature seemed to drop several degrees with his blunt inquiry.

"Nathan, my personal life is none of your concern," Evelyn said coolly. "If that's all, I suggest you leave."

Callum stepped in diplomatically. "Mr. Sterling, sometimes it's best to leave the past where it belongs. People move on - it's the natural order of things."

The implication hung heavy in the air - whatever existed between Nathan and Evelyn was history, while Harrison represented her future.

"Is that how you see it too, Evelyn?" Nathan pressed.

Evelyn's silence spoke volumes.

Seizing the moment, Harrison took Evelyn's hand. "We have urgent matters to attend to," he told Nathan with polite finality. "If you'll excuse us."

Nathan's jaw tightened as he watched them walk away, his unanswered question lingering like the aftershock of an earthquake.