Chapter 427

Nathan lowered his head, his fingers tangling in Evelyn's silken hair as he deepened their kiss.

The Ferris wheel myth seemed trivial, but for her, he'd embrace any fairy tale.

When they finally parted, Evelyn's cheeks were flushed crimson, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

Nathan chuckled, thumb brushing her swollen lips. "After all this time, you still forget to breathe during kisses?"

Evelyn batted her lashes, too breathless to retort.

"Clearly you need more practice." His fingers tilted her chin as he claimed her mouth again.

An eternity later, Evelyn wrenched away, chest heaving. "Enough!" She pressed a hand against his chest when he leaned in again. "I've got it now."

Her lips tingled - any longer and they'd be embarrassingly swollen.

As they disembarked, a freckled boy in a newsboy cap approached with a basket of roses. "Mister, your lady's the prettiest I've seen today. Roses would make her shine brighter."

Nathan flashed a grin, pulling bills from his wallet. "I'll take them all. Keep the change."

The boy beamed, handing over the basket with a theatrical bow before skipping away.

Evelyn buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. "Mr. Goldmann, such extravagance for little old me?"

He leaned close, breath warm against her ear. "Do you like them?"

She smirked. "I adore roses... but cold hard cash more."

Her eyes sparkled at the mention of money. Without hesitation, Nathan pressed his wallet into her hands. "Bank's open, sweetheart."

Click.

A shadowy figure captured their intimate moment.

The photo transmitted instantly, receiving a chilling reply:

[He doesn't leave this park alive.]

[Understood.]

The assassin adjusted his earpiece, signaling to black-clad operatives blending into the crowd.

Evelyn dragged Nathan through the bustling park, her laughter infectious. He followed indulgently - until his instincts screamed danger.

He whirled around, scanning the crowd with razor focus.

Evelyn was gone.

"Damn it!" Nathan shoved through panicked visitors while dialing Oliver. A deafening explosion shattered the festive atmosphere.

Screams erupted as people stampeded. Masked gunmen advanced through the chaos.

Then Nathan spotted her - roses crushed underfoot, cradling a sobbing, injured girl.

"Zoe!"