Chapter 152

"Honestly, the words that come out of your mouth annoy me sometimes."

"Then stop kissing me."

Nathan hadn't anticipated that response. His brows furrowed as he gripped Evelyn's chin. "You started this."

His lips crashed onto hers before she could protest.

Evelyn squirmed in his embrace, but he only tightened his hold. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, eyes burning with desire. "Keep struggling and this will escalate. Your choice."

She froze instantly.

"Mr. Goldmann." Oliver's voice interrupted from beyond the door.

Evelyn scrambled away from him, cheeks flaming.

This man was utterly shameless!

Oliver entered, clearing his throat. "Madam Nora requests your presence in the Peach Room with Ms. Vanderbilt."

As they exited the Bamboo Room, they encountered the Laurent family and Vivian in the hallway.

Vivian's expression darkened seeing Nathan's fingers intertwined with Evelyn's.

'Damn it! That bitch keeps slipping through my traps!'

Evelyn stood at 5'4" in flats, her petite frame contrasting sharply with Nathan's 6'1" stature. The masquerade mask couldn't conceal her discomfort.

"Mrs. Laurent, Mr. Laurent." Nathan acknowledged them coolly.

Lillian's gaze lingered on Evelyn. "This must be your girlfriend."

Nathan's grip tightened when Evelyn tried to pull away. "Fiancée."

Evelyn's eyes widened.

"We have prior engagements." Nathan flashed a polite smile and steered Evelyn away.

Lucas watched them go, fists clenched in his pockets. Something about the children's resemblance to Nathan nagged at him.

Oliver shot Vivian a disapproving glance. 'Switching targets to Mr. Laurent so quickly?'

The Peach Room housed Madam Nora and Gregory. The older woman set down her teacup, studying Evelyn. "I've been curious about our last conversation. Never imagined you were Zara."

"Why didn't you reveal your identity?"

'Wouldn't have known without Gregory's tip-off.'

Evelyn removed her mask with a practiced smile. "Would you have believed me then?"

Madam Nora chuckled. "True enough. Actions speak louder than words."

Nathan's lips quirked. "I see my fiancée's Peacock's Pride impressed you."

Evelyn shot him a glare.

'Fiancée? We haven't even discussed marriage!'

"You're quite the enigma," Madam Nora mused. "Hiding your talents and relationship with Mr. Goldmann. No wonder Gregory supports you."

"You won," Madam Nora declared.

Evelyn sighed. "My associate made the purchase. That hardly counts."

'Her associate?' Nathan's eyes gleamed. 'So she acknowledges me now.'

Madam Nora shook her head. "Even without Mr. Goldmann's bid, I would have purchased it myself. The price mattered less than your sincerity. You've showcased tanzanite's true brilliance."