Chapter 44

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the penthouse floor as Evelyn Sinclair stirred awake. Her phone buzzed incessantly—Victoria Hayes had sent a dozen messages overnight, each more urgent than the last.

"Evelyn, we need to talk. Now."

She groaned, rubbing her temples. Victoria’s relentless scheming was exhausting. Before she could respond, another notification popped up—this time from Nathan Blackwood.

"Breakfast in twenty. Wear something comfortable."

Her pulse quickened. Nathan had been distant since the gala, his usual sharp wit replaced by an unreadable silence. What had changed?

Across the city, Nathan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, staring at the skyline. His assistant, Lillian Graves, hovered by the door.

"Sir, the contracts for the merger are ready," she said. "But there’s an issue—Victoria Hayes has been digging into Evelyn’s past."

Nathan’s jaw tightened. "What did she find?"

"Nothing concrete yet. But if she keeps pushing—"

"Handle it," he cut in, voice icy. "No one touches Evelyn."

Lillian nodded and slipped out, leaving Nathan alone with his thoughts. He exhaled sharply. The game was getting dangerous, and Evelyn was still unaware of the stakes.

Evelyn stepped into the rooftop garden of Nathan’s penthouse, the breeze tousling her hair. He was already there, setting out an elaborate spread of pastries and fruit.

"You’re late," he remarked without looking up.

"Traffic," she lied, sliding into the seat opposite him.

Nathan finally met her gaze, his dark eyes unreadable. "We need to talk about Victoria."

Evelyn’s fork stilled. "What about her?"

"She’s not just after the company. She’s after you."

A chill ran down Evelyn’s spine. "Why?"

Nathan leaned forward, voice low. "Because she knows what you mean to me."

The air between them crackled with tension. Evelyn’s breath hitched. Was this a confession—or another calculated move in their twisted game?

Before she could respond, Nathan’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening.

"We’ll finish this later," he said, standing abruptly. "Stay here. Don’t answer the door for anyone."

Evelyn watched him leave, her mind racing. What wasn’t he telling her? And why did she feel like the walls were closing in?

Victoria Hayes smirked as she scrolled through the latest dossier on Evelyn. The pieces were falling into place. All she needed was one final push to tear them apart.

Her phone buzzed—a message from an unknown number.

"The truth about Nathan’s first love? Meet me at the docks. Midnight."

Victoria’s smile widened. Game on.

The moment the words left Nathan's lips, Genevieve's eyes welled up instantly. Her nose turned pink—she had always been quick to cry. Overwhelmed, she couldn't even muster a rebuttal. Tears pooled in her wide eyes, her lips trembling pitifully.

Evelyn thought, Oh no, this is a disaster. I can't stand seeing Gen cry. Nathan's being way too harsh on her.

Nathan, on the other hand, was baffled. I merely made a suggestion—calmly, at that.

Evelyn sighed internally. Today alone, I've witnessed two Blackwood family members in tears.

Richard and Nathan exchanged glances. Who else cried?

Julian cleared his throat awkwardly.

Evelyn mused, Does their entire family have this emotional streak? And why is it always over matters of the heart?

Genevieve was on the verge of breaking down.

Julian and Sophia averted their gazes, shifting uncomfortably.

Richard and Margaret shared a silent look. No, absolutely not, we never— Richard nudged Margaret suddenly, giving her a wounded expression. You made me cry when we were young.

Margaret shot him a glare. You upset me first.

Nathan, the only man in the Blackwood family who had never shed a tear over love, sat with his chin lifted proudly.

Though… Evelyn's thoughts took a mischievous turn. Has he really never cried? He has been dumped before, hasn't he? Ah, I missed it. I would’ve loved to see this unshakable man reduced to tears. It must’ve been hilarious. If he ever cries again, I’m recording it.

The more she imagined it, the more amused she became.

Nathan’s expression darkened further. Using Genevieve’s distress as leverage, he continued, "If you disagree, speak up. Control your emotions. Crying solves nothing. I haven’t shed a tear since I was six—learn from me. Don’t be like Julian, who bawls over every failed romance."

Julian bristled. Excuse me? Why am I suddenly the example of emotional instability?

Genevieve sniffled. I want to cry, but between Evelyn’s chaotic thoughts and Nathan’s bizarre lecture, my emotions are all tangled. Now the tears won’t even come.

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll. Has he lost his mind? Why would a sweet girl like Gen want to emulate an emotionally stunted man like him?

Genevieve nodded internally. Evelyn’s absolutely right.

Nathan’s jaw tightened. No, I’m just emphasizing that I’ve never cried over a woman. Focus on what’s important! And if you’re hoping to see me cry, keep dreaming.

Oddly enough, the tension in the room eased slightly.

Genevieve wiped her eyes, managing to hold back her tears. She retorted, "If our family doesn’t look down on him, what’s the issue?"

Nathan’s tone turned grave. "Your values clash. You prioritize emotional connection over status, yet he fixated on rank the moment you started dating. Did he not realize the disparity before pursuing you?"

"Maybe he’s insecure because he likes me too much?"

"He can be, but if he truly cared, he wouldn’t have weaponized it. All he’s done is pit you against us before we even met him. You’re already defending him when we’ve said nothing." Nathan’s logic was unshakable, likely honed from witnessing Julian and Sophia’s romantic disasters.

As the family’s sole voice of reason, he’d abandoned his usual hands-off approach.

Genevieve faltered. His words struck a chord, yet defiance lingered. She fell silent, deep in thought.

"Nathan, Damian isn’t as brilliant as you. How can you hold him to your standards?"

For once, Nathan was speechless.

The room collectively nodded. Fair point.

Truthfully, background didn’t matter if someone was willing to grow. Values could be nurtured over time.

Evelyn smirked internally. Who knew Gen had such a sharp tongue? It’s rare to see Nathan stumped.

Genevieve preened at the unspoken praise.

Nathan exhaled, turning to Evelyn with a silent plea. A little support here?

Evelyn blinked innocently. Oh, so now you need my help after failing to convince Gen? Desperate much? What am I supposed to say—that Damian seems to be manipulating her against you all?

Genevieve paled. No way. Damian wouldn’t do that.

Hard to say. Evelyn pondered. Gen mentioned wanting to tell her family about the relationship, yet Damian spun it as them infantilizing her. Unusual. He even listed "normal" experiences she’s missed—smoking, clubbing, fighting—as if her sheltered life was a flaw.

Genevieve stiffened, realization dawning. Was he… driving a wedge between us?

But he just wanted to protect me, she argued weakly. And he’s not wrong. Even Camille said I haven’t lived fully.

Evelyn resisted the urge to facepalm. Plenty of twenty-year-olds haven’t done those things either.

Genevieve froze. Really?

And why must she mirror his experiences to be normal? Evelyn countered. Gen attended university—by his logic, isn’t his lack of education the anomaly?

Genevieve’s mind spun into chaos.

Evelyn watched, bemused. She was so fiery earlier. What happened?

Genevieve excused herself abruptly.

The gathering dissolved soon after. Before Evelyn could leave, Richard patted her shoulder approvingly.

Nathan followed suit. "Well said."

Huh? Evelyn frowned. I was just playing devil’s advocate.

Baffled, she retreated to her room. Passing Genevieve’s door, she overheard a heated phone conversation.

First love breakups are never easy.

Meanwhile, Julian and Richard joined Nathan in his study.

When Genevieve first moved to campus, Nathan had vetted Camille—ensuring her family was clean but nothing more. He believed in letting Genevieve learn judgment herself.

But romantic partners? That demanded scrutiny.

After a brief discussion, the Blackwood men reached a decision.

The next morning, Julian intercepted Genevieve at breakfast. "Running away?"

"N-no, I just prefer eating alone," she mumbled, less emotional but still withdrawn.

Nathan’s gaze dimmed.

Richard cleared his throat. "We won’t force a breakup. Since Damian’s unemployed, let’s bring him into the company. Nathan can assess him properly."

Genevieve gaped. "R-really?"

Nathan nodded. "Evelyn made a valid point. We need full context before advising you."

Joy lit Genevieve’s face. "I’ll call him now! When can he start?"

Their sister’s enthusiasm for another man irked the Blackwood brothers.

"Today. I’ll notify HR," Nathan said tersely before leaving.

Genevieve rushed off, elated.

By brunch, Evelyn learned of the arrangement—and received Genevieve’s tearful gratitude.

My comment was offhand, but Nathan’s approach is surprisingly decent.

At noon, however, wracking sobs echoed from Genevieve’s studio.

Margaret and Evelyn rushed in to find her collapsed in her mother’s arms, weeping uncontrollably.

"Mom, Damian broke up with me! He said Nathan insulted him, that he’s not good enough—"