Chapter 314

The two little troublemakers had perfected the art of sweet-talking.

Gregory nodded abruptly. "In that case, Mr. Boucher is truly going above and beyond to help promote our products. While we're benefiting from this partnership without any prior conditions, we can't simply exploit his generosity without showing proper gratitude."

"I know," Evelyn murmured, crossing her arms with a thoughtful smile. "Perhaps I'll treat Mr. Boucher to dinner when I have some free time soon."

Most people wouldn't dare dream of buying Adrian Boucher a meal, but Evelyn couldn't accept his favors without reciprocation. A dinner invitation seemed the most appropriate way to express her appreciation.

The thought made her recall Felix from the training camp as well.

'How did I end up indebted to both Boucher brothers?' she wondered with mild exasperation.

At noon, the office emptied as everyone left for lunch, leaving Evelyn alone sketching jewelry designs.

Frequent distractions shattered her concentration, leaving her inspiration in tatters. She crumpled another failed sketch and tossed it into the overflowing wastebasket.

Rubbing her temples, she sighed. "Two weeks at that camp, and I still can't recapture my creative flow since returning."

A Facebook notification interrupted her thoughts.

[J has sent you a friend request.]

Evelyn tapped the alert, scanning the sparse profile.

'This looks like some elderly gentleman's first attempt at social media. Probably a spam account.'

She rejected it without hesitation.

Moments later, her phone buzzed with a text from Nathan: "You rejected me?"

Evelyn's lips twitched.

'That was Nathan's account? Well, he does behave like a cranky old man sometimes.'

Before she could reply, her phone rang. Startled, she nearly dropped it before answering.

"Hello?"

Nathan's deep voice rumbled through the receiver. "Why did you reject my friend request?"

She gritted her teeth. "Accidental misclick."

"Send one back." His tone brooked no argument.

Evelyn reluctantly sent the Facebook friend request.

'No wonder it seemed odd - he probably hasn't logged in for years.'

Nathan added, "I'm waiting in my office."

Arriving at the administrative suite, Evelyn knocked before entering at his permission.

Her breath caught at the lavish lunch spread across his coffee table.

Nathan set aside his documents, unfolding his long legs as he rose. "You haven't eaten. Join me."

Without waiting for confirmation, he captured her wrist, guiding her to the sofa.

Evelyn sat rigidly beside him, last night's intimate memories flooding back. Heat prickled across her skin, her pulse accelerating.

Noticing her discomfort, Nathan smirked. "What's wrong? Has your affection cooled so quickly?"

"Must you always talk?" she hissed.

'He's infinitely more tolerable when silent.'

Nathan's eyes glinted as he leaned closer. "Shall we revisit last night's enthusiasm then?"

When his lips brushed her neck, Evelyn gasped, her protests dissolving into weak shivers.

"You were quite eager last night," he murmured against her skin, fingers tilting her chin up. "Don't tell me you've forgotten?"

Evelyn trembled as his proximity overwhelmed her senses. With effort, she shoved him away. "Nathan! Be serious!"