Chapter 181

Nathaniel Blackwood continued.

"If she blocks you, get a new number. Text her whenever you can. Flirt. Make her smile."

"Then comes Phase Two."

"Romance."

"Every woman loves romance, especially dreamers like your ex-wife. Master this, and she's yours."

Ethan Blackwood pushed his glasses up and scribbled notes furiously. His focus was absolute.

He even raised his hand. "How?"

"Different lesson. No time today. Watch rom-coms—Korean ones. Study the male leads. I'll make you slides later."

"Fine."

Ethan nodded. "Continue," he commanded, as if Nathaniel worked for him.

"Phase Three: Retreat. After chasing hard, pull back. Push-pull dynamics. Critical stage. Mess up, and she bolts."

"Phase Four: Investment. Pour your heart out. No tactic beats genuine emotion. When she sees your sincerity? Game over."

"Phase Five: Close. Reach this stage, and victory's yours."

Nathaniel exhaled. "That's it. Review. Ask questions. But remember—theory means nothing without practice."

Ethan scanned his notes, brow furrowed.

Cold. Logical. Zero courtship experience. Only rejection.

This felt... useful. Like discovering a new language. He needed it to work.

Seeing Ethan's mood lift, Nathaniel seized the moment. "Your turn. I taught you. Now, my favor."

"What?"

"That death at my club. The family won't settle. Trial's coming. Evidence looks bad. Only Julian Montgomery wins these cases. Get him for me."

Nathaniel's face tightened.

Jail? Unthinkable. But if this got out, his father would lock him up anyway. He couldn't lose.

Every top lawyer said it was hopeless. Only Julian could save him.

The hearing had been delayed too many times. He needed Julian. Now.

"Can't help."

Ethan shrugged. "Not the boss anymore."

"I know. Your ex-wife is."

Nathaniel grimaced. "You two have history. Pull strings."

"If I could, would I need dating lessons?"

Ethan sighed.

His ex was ruthless. Nathaniel wanted favors? He hadn't even fixed his own mess.

Had he known those "useless lawyers" at Blackwood Legal were this good, he'd never have handed over the firm.

In weeks, they'd worked miracles for Vivian.

"Right. She blocked you. I'd have better luck. At least I'm not blocked..."

Nathaniel rubbed his chin. "Maybe I should pursue her. Succeed, and she lends me her lawyer, yes?"

Ethan's glare could kill.

Nathaniel backtracked fast. "Kidding! Wouldn't dare. She's trouble."

With Ethan useless, Nathaniel was desperate.

"Fine. I'll handle it."

He turned to leave—then paused. "One more thing. Dominic Harrington's engagement to Olivia Sinclair is next week. You going?"