Chapter 450

Evelyn's lips formed a pout, but a cunning glint flashed through her eyes as an idea struck her.

Nathan stepped under the icy shower spray, desperately trying to quell the fire burning within him. A pang of regret twisted in his chest at his own hesitation.

'Will I truly be able to let her go if I keep her close like this?'

The thought tormented him. 'I don't want to, but I must.'

Though Nathan spoke of divorce, he found himself indulging Evelyn's whims when it came to their children. Perhaps this was his selfishness - grasping at these fleeting moments of happiness while he still could.

Emerging from the bathroom, the sight before him reignited the flames he'd struggled to extinguish. His self-control teetered on the edge.

Evelyn lounged across the bed, propped on one elbow in a pose that was nothing short of intoxicating. Any man would have lost his composure at such a vision, let alone Nathan.

He turned his face away sharply, jaw clenched. "Evelyn Vanderbilt, do you realize what you're doing?"

"You claimed I no longer attract you," she purred, twirling a lock of hair around her finger while giving him a sultry smile. "Then why can't you look at me?"

Nathan's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre. "Stop this pointless game."

"I disagree." Evelyn sat up straight. "Nathan Goldmann, look at me."

When he finally met her gaze, the stubborn determination in her beautiful face struck him. But what truly burned him was the raw vulnerability shining through her eyes.

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Evelyn's heart twisted as she questioned herself, 'Here I stand before him, offering everything, yet he remains unmoved. Have I truly lost my appeal? Or has he simply grown tired of me?'

Her fingers trembled slightly as they clutched her nightdress. Defeated, she lowered her gaze, biting her lip as she dressed once more.

"I'll sleep with the children," she murmured, the words laced with unspoken bitterness.

As she moved to rise, a powerful force suddenly pinned her to the bed. Nathan's lips crashed against hers with desperate intensity.

"Nathan—" she gasped between breaths.

His eyes burned crimson, his movements growing increasingly rough. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

Evelyn stared up at him. Everywhere his lips touched ignited like wildfire, scorching her skin and searing her soul.

Just as she surrendered to the moment, anticipating his next move, he pulled away abruptly.

The cruel truth dawned on her - he was torturing them both.

"I'll sleep in the study," Nathan declared coldly, striding from the room without a backward glance.

Evelyn lay frozen, watching the door slam shut, her heart plummeting into darkness.

In the study, Nathan chain-smoked. Normally not a heavy smoker, he'd found himself increasingly dependent on the habit lately. Gazing out at the misty night, his expression mirrored the cold darkness outside.

Morning light found Nathan descending the stairs.

Noticing the absence of Evelyn and the children, he inquired of Mr. Chester, "Where are they?"

"The young mistress took the children out early this morning," the butler replied with a warm smile.

Nathan's gaze fell upon the meticulously arranged breakfast spread - unmistakably Evelyn's handiwork.

'She still made breakfast...'

The thought brought an involuntary smile to his lips, though he quickly schooled his features.

At the Vanderbilt manor...

The three children's laughter filled the air as they chased Rusty around the garden, their joy infectious.

Richard observed the scene with mixed emotions. It had been years since the Vanderbilt estate had known such liveliness, especially with the children's presence. Turning to Evelyn, he ventured cautiously, "Have you and Mr. Goldmann resolved your differences? Does he... truly intend to divorce?"