Chapter 111

Nathan's hands slid to the back of Evelyn's neck, gripping firmly as he yanked her forward. His lips crashed against hers in a punishing kiss, rough and unrelenting.

"Mm—Nathan Goldmann, let me go—!" Evelyn barely managed to gasp for air before he claimed her mouth again.

This time, he pressed his entire body against hers, pinning her in place. The intensity of his assault left her mind blank, her thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. His dominating presence surrounded her, overwhelming.

Her hands, which had been pushing against his chest in weak resistance, now clutched the fabric of his shirt, her fingers trembling.

"It hurts. You're crushing me—" Evelyn whimpered, her voice muffled against his lips as his weight pressed her arms painfully into the mattress.

Nathan shifted slightly, easing the pressure but not releasing her. Instead, he nipped at her lower lip, his voice a dark whisper. "Do you dare hurt yourself again?"

Evelyn remained silent.

His hand, which had been resting on her waist, slid lower, fingers tracing dangerous patterns.

She shivered violently, her grip tightening on his wrist to stop him. "I—I was wrong! I know I was wrong!"

Seeing her surrender, Nathan pulled back slightly, his gaze sharp. "If you ever do this again, I won't let you off so easily."

"Okay, I won’t let myself get hurt anymore," Evelyn promised quickly, nodding with wide, earnest eyes.

Nathan exhaled, his expression unreadable.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Nathan turned his head. "Enter."

Two staff members stepped inside, carrying two elegant boxes—one containing a new evening gown, the other a pair of designer heels.

They bowed respectfully. "Our deepest apologies, Mr. Goldmann and Ms. Vanderbilt. This incident was due to our negligence. Our boss has sent this haute couture gown as a gesture of apology. We sincerely hope Ms. Vanderbilt will accept it."

The box was opened, revealing a breathtaking gown—hand-stitched with intricate golden embroidery, the silk brocade shimmering under the light.

Evelyn smiled politely. "Please thank your boss for me."

Nathan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze locked onto Evelyn’s indifferent expression. "You know Edmund Lincoln?"

Edmund was the one who gave her that exclusive invitation, wasn’t he?

"Yes," Evelyn admitted without hesitation.

Edmund Lincoln wasn’t just a name in the fashion industry—he was a powerhouse in every elite circle, hosting high-profile events from charity galas to masquerade balls.

"How did you meet?" Nathan demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.

Evelyn frowned. "Why does it matter?"

Nathan leaned closer, his presence suffocating. "I want to know."

There was always something she wasn’t telling him.

"I’m Zara, a renowned jewelry designer. Is it really so strange that I’d know someone like Edmund Lincoln?" She shrugged, as if the answer were obvious.

Nathan studied her, silent.

Evelyn grabbed the gown and stood. "I’m going to change."

Nathan watched her retreat into the adjoining room, his expression darkening.

Edmund Lincoln was a Morwich native—a man who thrived in the shadows of high society, weaving connections with everyone from business moguls to underground syndicates. He wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

If Evelyn only met him as Zara, and she only became Zara after leaving Zlokova six years ago… while Edmund has been in Zlokova all this time…

His jaw tightened.

There was more to this story. And he would uncover it.