Chapter 271

"Who said we need to confront her directly? Isn't Rachel sharing a room with her? Since they're so close, let's deal with Rachel first."

With no training scheduled for the afternoon, Evelyn stayed in her dormitory, reviewing materials for the upcoming assessments while stealing moments of rest.

'Two more days until I can apply for the evaluation. Time flies so fast - half a month will be gone in a blink.'

Noticing Rachel's prolonged absence, Evelyn set aside her book when the door creaked open. "Rachel, you're back—"

She turned to find Nathan closing the door behind him. Springing to her feet, Evelyn gasped, "Nathan? What are you—"

"Surprised?" His fingers twisted the lock with deliberate precision.

Fear prickled Evelyn's skin at the thought of Rachel returning to this scene. As she moved toward the door, Nathan's arm snaked around her waist, lifting her effortlessly onto the narrow bed.

"Have you lost your mind?" Evelyn struggled against his grip. "This is the women's dormitory!"

'This arrogant bastard. Is this all he ever thinks about?'

Nathan pinned her wrists above her head while his free hand conducted a slow inspection of her body. "I heard you broke into a restricted zone," he murmured, his voice deceptively light. "You're tougher than you look. Doesn't seem like you suffered much."

Evelyn's breath hitched. 'Has Chloe been reporting on me?'

"Let me go, Nathan." She twisted beneath him, acutely aware that Rachel could return any moment.

His fingers tightened on her chin, forcing her to meet his penetrating gaze. "Did you miss me?"

Her eyelashes fluttered as the memory surfaced - that damned ring Nathan gave Rosalind, glinting on her finger just days ago. Evelyn turned her face away sharply. "No."

Nathan's eyes darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Is it because of that Boucher trash? Felix Boucher caught your eye?"

'Felix Boucher? That worthless playboy?' The shock showed plainly on Evelyn's face - not at the accusation, but at the revelation of his identity. 'Rachel mentioned his powerful family background. Everyone here calls him Mr. Boucher... So Boucher is his surname. The second son of the Bouchers...'

The mattress dipped as Nathan leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Answer me." His voice held dangerous calm, the kind that preceded storms.

Evelyn's pulse hammered against her ribs. The air between them crackled with unspoken challenges, the dormitory walls suddenly feeling far too small to contain their collision. Somewhere beyond the locked door, footsteps approached - light, familiar. Rachel's.

Nathan didn't flinch, his body still caging hers. "Well, Evelyn? Shall we give your roommate a proper welcome?"