Chapter 383

When Nathan had mentioned there was a plan, Evelyn assumed he intended to expose Rosalind in front of Theodore.

Instead, he'd staged an elaborate performance with one of his men?

Oliver smirked, adjusting his cufflinks. "Ms. Vanderbilt, we didn't fabricate this. Someone did ambush Mr. Goldmann and me on our way back. The roads were slick from the rain. If not for my reflexes, we'd be the ones hospitalized."

He leaned in slightly. "The attackers weren’t badly hurt, so we handed them over to the authorities. After that, Mr. Goldmann suggested we… improvise."

Evelyn arched a brow, turning to Nathan. "And you're certain they were Rosalind’s men?"

Why would Rosalind, who’s supposedly in love with him, orchestrate this?

Nathan’s lips curved as he met her gaze. "The police interrogations confirmed it. Someone wanted them to frame the de Armas."

Evelyn recalled Rosalind’s insistence that the de Armas were responsible. Now it made sense—she’d been shifting blame to avoid Theodore’s suspicion.

Oliver nodded. "Exactly. We needed to expose her allies. After tonight, Elder Master Goldmann won’t trust her blindly anymore. And Rosalind? She’ll think her own people betrayed her."

Theodore’s faith in Rosalind had given her confidence. With her military training, she always had an exit strategy.

But desperation had clouded her judgment. She’d been too eager to prove her innocence. If Nathan had actually been hurt, Theodore would’ve blamed the de Armas without question.

Now, Rosalind would suspect her men had turned on her. And when she made her next move—they’d be ready.

After dismissing Oliver, Nathan took Evelyn back to Blue Bay Villa. The storm had eased, but his clothes were soaked.

Evelyn frowned, pressing a hand to his damp sleeve. "You’re drenched. Go shower before you catch a cold."

As she turned to leave, Nathan caught her wrist and pulled her against him. His arms circled her waist, his chin resting atop her head. His voice was soft, almost teasing. "Were you worried when you heard I was in the hospital?"

She scoffed. "Of course. You didn’t answer your phone, and Oliver said you’d been admitted." She pulled back just enough to glare at him. "Turns out, I panicked for nothing."

Nathan chuckled, thumb brushing her cheek. "Left my phone in the car. But I promise—no more scares like this."

Evelyn stayed silent.

His grip tightened slightly. "Are you angry?"

In one smooth motion, he lifted her onto the bed, caging her between his arms. His voice dropped, laced with sincerity. "Zoe, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again."

She just stared at him, lips pressed into a thin line.

"Hit me if it’ll make you feel better."

Before she could react, he grabbed her hand and smacked it against his own cheek—hard enough that her palm stung. She yanked back, eyes wide. "Are you insane?"

Nathan grinned, unrepentant. "So, forgiven?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply, torn between irritation and amusement. "I will get mad if you don’t shower right now."

With a mock salute, he stood. "As you wish."

Minutes later, he emerged with a towel slung low on his hips, water glistening on his toned torso. He raked a hand through his damp hair, the motion effortlessly alluring.

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

Noticing her stare, Nathan smirked. He caught her wrist, tugging her flush against him. One hand splayed possessively at the small of her back.

"Like what you see?"