Chapter 263

The corner of Evelyn's lips twitched.

No matter how hard she looked, there wasn't a single trace of anger on that infuriating man's face. Instead, he was resting his chin on his hand, watching her with an amused smirk.

Felix tilted his head, his fox-like eyes glinting. "Trying to get my attention, little goddess?"

Most women who attempted such tactics only earned his disdain—pretentious, calculating creatures.

But if it was her? Well, he'd happily play along.

Evelyn nearly choked on her soup. She scoffed, shooting him a glare. "Little brother, your ego is truly something else."

He nodded without hesitation. "I'm aware."

She had no comeback for that.

Suddenly, Felix reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek chocolate bar. "Imported from Ampleforth. Want a taste?"

When she hesitated, he leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "Everyone's watching. Rejecting me again would be humiliating. Just take it."

Before she could protest, he pressed the chocolate into her palm, then sauntered back to his table, hands stuffed casually in his pockets.

Evelyn blinked.

What just happened?

A few tables away, a raven-haired woman with a pearl hairpin clenched her spoon so tightly her knuckles turned white. The girls beside her exchanged nervous glances.

"Did Mr. Boucher just... give away Winifred's chocolate?" one whispered.

The short-haired girl gulped. "He did. To her."

Evelyn returned to her room with Rachel.

"That chocolate is insanely expensive," Rachel said, eyeing the bar with awe. Then she grinned. "Sis Evelyn, does he like you?"

"Don't even start," Evelyn groaned. "I'm only here for two weeks. I don't need complications."

Rachel blinked. "Wait, just two weeks? I thought you wanted to be an agent?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Nope. Temporary assignment."

The next morning, Evelyn woke at 5 AM to pitch darkness and relentless rain.

Training wasn't canceled for weather.

The recruits ran laps around the muddy field, the male instructor's sharp whistle cutting through the downpour. One misstep, and they'd pay for it.

Rachel panted behind Evelyn, rain stinging her face. "What kind of cursed day is this? It hasn't rained in ages!"

"Tell me about it," another girl gasped.

Evelyn stayed silent, conserving energy. She adjusted her breathing, focusing.

Then a familiar voice purred beside her. "How was the chocolate last night? Sweet enough for you?"

Evelyn side-eyed Felix, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

This man was relentless.

She sped up, but he matched her pace effortlessly. "Careful, little goddess. Wouldn't want you slipping."

Meanwhile, at Blackgold Group...

"Mr. Goldmann, Ms. Vanderbilt is performing exceptionally well in training," Oliver reported.

Nathan set down his pen, jaw tight. "I can't see her. How do I know you're not lying?"

His mind raced.

It's pouring. Does she have to train in this? What if she gets sick?

Does she sleep alright without me there?

Is that roommate of hers causing trouble?

The questions gnawed at him.