Chapter 31
"Adrian!" Sophia waved enthusiastically at the famous actor.
Evelyn wasn't surprised. She knew Sophia's aunt was married to Mr. Boucher, making her Adrian's mother.
"Long time no see, Sophia. Is this your friend?" Sophia linked arms with Evelyn proudly. "My best friend!"
"Why are you here?" Nathan's gaze darkened as he stared at Adrian.
Adrian flashed his signature charming smile. "I came to meet this lovely lady." His eyes lingered on Evelyn.
Evelyn's breath caught. Did the most sought-after actor in Bassburgh just say he wanted to meet her?
Nathan remained silent, but the temperature around them seemed to drop several degrees.
Ignoring Nathan completely, Adrian stepped forward with princely grace and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement. Her idol had impeccable taste!
Evelyn hesitated, acutely aware of the dagger-like stares from every socialite in the room. Accepting this dance invitation would make her public enemy number one.
Sophia gave her an enthusiastic push from behind, practically shoving Evelyn into Adrian's arms.
Adrian caught Sophia's eye and winked approvingly.
Evelyn shot her traitorous best friend a glare over her shoulder. Some wingwoman she was!
As Adrian took Evelyn's hand, another strong grip closed around her other wrist. She turned in shock to find Nathan holding her captive.
Sophia's expression turned positively gleeful, as if she wished she had popcorn for this showdown. The surrounding guests erupted in hushed whispers.
Evelyn Vanderbilt, who moments ago had been invisible, suddenly became the center of attention with Bassburgh's two most powerful men vying for her.
Adrian smirked. "Mr. Goldmann, surely you're not trying to steal my dance partner?"
Nathan's voice remained icy calm. "I don't believe this is an appropriate situation."
"I think it's perfectly appropriate," Adrian countered, his smile never wavering.
"Who will you choose?" Both men demanded simultaneously, their gazes locked in a silent battle.
Trapped between the most famous actor in the country and the man who'd given her a $150 million contract, Evelyn felt sweat bead on her neck. Offending either would be disastrous.
Remembering Nathan's complicated history with Vivian, and considering this was the Boucher family's event, Evelyn made her choice.
She gently pulled her hand from Nathan's grasp. "My apologies, Mr. Goldmann."
Nathan's eyes turned arctic as he watched Adrian lead Evelyn onto the dance floor.
He must have been out of his mind to make such a public scene over her.
The orchestra began a waltz. Under the glittering chandeliers, Adrian and Evelyn moved gracefully together, the picture of elegance.
Adrian scanned the room before leaning closer. "You know Mr. Goldmann?"
Evelyn kept her expression neutral. "Professionally. He offered $150 million for me to join Viana Jewelry."
"There's something more there," Adrian murmured with an actor's perceptiveness. "The way he looks at you..."
Evelyn met his gaze evenly. "Your imagination is as impressive as your acting skills."
Adrian chuckled. "Ms. Zara, you're delightfully sharp."
"Thank you," Evelyn replied with practiced politeness.
Across the ballroom, Nathan's stormy gaze followed their every move, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached.
"Look at that beauty dancing with Mr. Boucher," a nearby man whispered too loudly. "I'd pay a fortune for one night with a woman like that."