Chapter 30

Two figures loomed at the top of the grand staircase.

The man in the navy blue suit leaned casually against the railing, swirling his wine glass with practiced elegance. His piercing gaze locked onto a mesmerizing figure moving through the crowd below. Turning to Nathan, he checked his platinum wristwatch with raised eyebrows. The CEO hadn't looked away from the woman in twelve minutes.

"That's quite the vision down there," Adrian Boucher remarked.

Nathan gave a noncommittal hum.

He'd noticed Evelyn Vanderbilt the moment she entered. Every step she took sent ripples through the room, drawing hungry stares from every man present. She didn't need to try - her mere existence commanded attention.

Adrian's lips quirked in amusement. "I don't think I've ever heard you acknowledge a woman's beauty before."

In all their years of acquaintance, Nathan had never openly admired any woman. Not even Vivian, who clung to his side at every opportunity.

Nathan finally broke his gaze. He drained his wine in one smooth motion before setting the crystal glass down with deliberate precision. Without a word, he descended the staircase.

Adrian's smirk deepened as he observed the scene below. Evelyn's laughter sparkled through the crowd, her dewy eyes catching the light. No wonder Nathan couldn't resist.

"Father, allow me to introduce the renowned Zara," Sophia Hill announced proudly.

William Hill raised his glass in greeting. "The famous jewelry designer from Stoslo. My daughter's told me so much about you. Though her descriptions hardly do you justice."

Evelyn inclined her head gracefully. "You flatter me, Mr. Hill."

Sophia beamed until she spotted the approaching figure behind Evelyn. Her smile froze.

William raised his glass politely. "Mr. Goldmann."

Evelyn spun around so fast she nearly spilled her champagne. 'For heaven's sake! This man is like a specter haunting my every move!'

Nathan barely glanced at her before clinking glasses with William. His gaze flicked to Sophia as he took a measured sip. "And this is...?"

"My daughter, Sophia Hill," William introduced.

Sophia's cheeks flushed crimson. 'Oh no no no...'

"Ah, Miss Hill." Nathan's lips curved in a knowing smile. "We met recently at the police station, if I recall."

William's head snapped toward his daughter. "What trouble have you gotten into now?"

Sophia ducked behind Evelyn with a pout. "It wasn't my fault! Just a misunderstanding!"

Evelyn shot Nathan a warning look before turning back to William with a practiced smile. "Mr. Hill, Sophia was only at the station because of me. I had a minor accident involving Mr. Goldmann's car. She came to assist me."

William looked visibly relieved.

Nathan studied Evelyn with newfound interest. Willing to take the blame to protect a friend. Fascinating.

"What a lively gathering." A smooth voice cut through the conversation.

Adrian Boucher approached with effortless grace. The navy suit hugged his athletic frame perfectly, complementing his sculpted features. He moved with the innate confidence of someone accustomed to admiration - a modern-day Apollo stepping out of mythology.

Evelyn recognized him immediately. The award-winning actor and musician only appeared in selective projects. She'd seen him portray countless characters on screen, but never in the flesh.

Adrian - named after the sun god himself. The comparison was apt. He carried himself like someone who'd never known darkness.