Chapter 387

"Enough." Theodore raised his hand sharply, cutting off Evelyn's explanation mid-sentence. His stormy gaze darkened further. "Just remember your words."

With that, Theodore turned on his heel and strode back into the restaurant.

Rosalind caught the frustration flashing in Evelyn's eyes and sauntered over with a victorious smirk.

"Evelyn, Grandfather still favors me more. Stop wasting your energy."

Evelyn met her gaze and laughed lightly. "Oh Rosalind, you're always stirring trouble to win Grandfather's affection. Since you're so desperate to be a Goldmann, why don't you legally change your name to Rosalind Goldmann? Then you and Nathan can officially be siblings."

Rosalind's face twisted in rage. "Watch your mouth, Evelyn Vanderbilt!"

She deliberately shoved past Evelyn, bumping shoulders hard before rushing after Theodore.

Evelyn exited SS Tower to find Chloe already waiting in the car. She slammed the door shut with more force than necessary.

Chloe took one look at her stormy expression. "Bad meeting?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just swallowed a fly during lunch. Feeling nauseous now."

"What? Flies at SS Tower?" Chloe gasped, completely believing her. "We should file a complaint!"

Evelyn chuckled wryly. "Let's just head back to Viana."

The Viana Jewelry lobby stood eerily quiet, not yet open for business.

The elevator doors had barely closed when Nathan's call came through.

"Done with lunch?" His deep voice soothed her frayed nerves instantly.

"We only discussed business. Didn't eat." She leaned against the elevator wall.

A brief pause. Then his teasing tone returned. "Lost your appetite without me there?"

Entering her office, Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa. "Ran into Rosalind and Grandfather at SS Restaurant. Grandfather found out about my meeting with Harrison. His misunderstanding has deepened."

"Leave it to me. I'll explain everything." His reassuring tone wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

"Miss me?" The sudden question caught her off guard.

"What?"

"Say you miss me, and I'll appear before you instantly." She could hear his smile through the phone. "I never break my promises."

Evelyn moved to the window, scoffing. "You're in Coralia. Unless you've mastered teleportation—"

"Maybe I have."

An odd silence stretched on the line. Then... footsteps? Her pulse quickened. "You—"

Nathan's reflection appeared in the glass. He stood at her office doorway, phone still at his ear. "Told you I'd come."

Evelyn whirled around as he approached. "You're really here?"

He cupped her face, thumbs brushing her cheeks. "Couldn't have my girl upset." His lips found hers in a searing kiss that left her breathless. "Better now?"

"Much." She wound her arms around his neck.

Nathan lifted her effortlessly onto the desk, his heated gaze dropping to her lips. "Good. Because I'm not done cheering you up."

Evelyn's cheeks burned. She placed a hand on his chest when his fingers began tracing dangerous patterns. "Nathan Goldmann, it's broad daylight!"

He trapped her between his arms, leaning in until his breath warmed her ear. "Then who would you prefer to have 'daylight activities' with, hmm?"