Chapter 155

Evelyn's eyes remained fixed on her computer screen, where Richard's public apology video played on loop.

Nathan frowned, then placed his hands on her slender shoulders.

The moment his fingers made contact, an electric jolt shot through her body, making her shiver violently.

Standing behind her, the powerful CEO began massaging her tense muscles with surprising gentleness. Anyone witnessing this scene would have gasped in disbelief.

The untouchable Mr. Goldmann was actually giving someone a shoulder rub?

"Would you like me to accompany you to the Vanderbilt estate for dinner?" Evelyn asked coolly.

A dark chuckle escaped Nathan's lips. "Sorry to disappoint, but the Vanderbilts don't welcome me. If you want free food, you should ask Vivian—Ouch!"

"That hurts! Are you trying to break my shoulders?"

Nathan leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "I know you're jealous of Vivian, but I've never voluntarily gone to the Vanderbilt mansion with her before. By that measure alone, you've already won."

Evelyn scoffed. "Really? Then who was the man who abandoned me on the roadside that night?"

Nathan's jaw tightened. He suddenly spun her chair around, caging her between his arms on the armrests. "How about I let you strand me on the road for an hour so you can get your revenge? Fair trade?"

Evelyn looked up into his piercing gaze.

'Is this really happening? Since when does Nathan Goldmann lower himself to appease anyone? And now he's practically begging for forgiveness?'

The usually domineering tycoon seemed to be melting before her eyes.

Just as she lost herself in thought, his lips descended upon hers in a sudden, searing kiss.

Evelyn gasped against his mouth, hands flying up to push against his chest—but her resistance quickly weakened.

Surrounded by his familiar scent, her body responded instinctively, returning the kiss with equal fervor.

Nathan deepened the kiss, one hand cradling the back of her head as his other arm pulled her closer. He wanted more—needed more—

"Zoe!" Gregory burst through the door unannounced.

Evelyn jerked away, spinning her chair around so quickly she nearly toppled over.

Gregory froze, realizing his terrible timing. "I'll...come back later."

He backed out hastily, closing the door behind him.

Nathan showed no concern about being caught. His lips curled as he noticed Evelyn's flushed ears. Brushing his thumb across his own lips, a victorious gleam appeared in his eyes. "Call me anytime you want to visit your father at the Vanderbilt estate."

Watching Nathan's retreating figure, Evelyn's confusion grew.

'What just possessed me? Not only didn't I resist, but I actively participated...'

Her expression darkened.

'This is dangerous. I can't afford to get accustomed to his touch...'

Meanwhile, at the Laurent residence...

Lillian de Arma sat stroking her Persian cat's silky fur when the butler announced Vivian's arrival.

The older woman didn't bother looking up as Vivian entered carrying an expensive gift box. "No need for gifts next time."

Vivian forced a smile. "It wouldn't feel right coming empty-handed."

Lillian finally glanced up, her expression unreadable. "The internet seems quite...entertained by your recent scandals."

"Aunt Lillian, those rumors are lies! I was framed!" Vivian had come specifically to clear her name.

'Father has completely turned against me—even stripped me of Viana Jewelry's management rights. My only hope now is to win Madam Laurent's favor!'

Lillian handed the cat to her butler before picking up her coffee cup. "You're so different from your mother...sometimes I wonder if you're truly her daughter."