Chapter 95

Evelyn felt the mattress dip behind her as she cracked one eye open cautiously.

The movement stopped abruptly when Nathan settled in. After several tense moments, she dared to turn her head.

He lay with his back to her, a respectable distance between them on the expansive king-sized bed.

Her grip on the sheets loosened slightly, but sleep remained elusive. The standoff lasted until exhaustion finally claimed her in the wee hours.

Nathan stirred at the unexpected weight pressing against him. His brow furrowed as he turned to find Evelyn sprawled like a starfish, the duvet barely covering half her body.

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Who would've guessed she sleeps like a hurricane?"

As he moved her wandering arm, realization dawned. He studied her peaceful face intently.

Dawn's first light triggered the automated curtains, flooding the room with golden sunshine.

Evelyn's lashes fluttered as she instinctively reached for the covers, nuzzling into what she thought was her pillow.

Something felt... wrong.

Her eyes flew open, body freezing when she registered the man beside her.

Nathan lay perfectly still in a military-straight position, hands folded neatly over his abdomen.

Meanwhile, she'd wrapped herself around him like cling wrap.

Evelyn inhaled sharply, carefully extracting her limbs before snatching the duvet and making a strategic retreat.

Nathan's lips curved as he watched her flee through half-lidded eyes.

At Goldmann Group

Evelyn and Gregory stepped off the elevator, her gaze deliberately skirting Nathan when they crossed paths in the lobby.

She breathed easier thinking he couldn't possibly know about this morning's incident.

"Going out?" Nathan's voice stopped her, one eyebrow arched.

Evelyn forced a smile. "To Taylor Jewelry. We can't let your investment go to waste."

As she passed him, Nathan murmured just loud enough for her to hear, "You've already gotten your money's worth."

Evelyn stiffened, whirling to see the elevator doors closing on his smirk.

"Zoe?" Gregory studied her curiously.

"Let's go," Evelyn muttered, striding toward the exit.

In the car, Evelyn rested her forehead against the cool window, frustration evident in her tense shoulders.

"That arrogant jerk knew everything! I should've duct-taped myself to the bed!"

Gregory chuckled. "Are you and Mr. Goldmann...?"

"No." Evelyn's frown deepened. "The kids have a relationship with him. That's where it ends."

Even living under the same roof didn't mean anything.

"Zoe, I don't know your history, but children need both parents."

Evelyn watched the city blur past. "I know, but I can't promise—"

She couldn't promise Nathan wouldn't shatter their children's hearts like her father had.

The thought of illegitimate siblings appearing someday made her stomach churn. Her children wouldn't relive her childhood trauma.

Gregory recognized her fears. "Not all men are like your father, Zoe. Time reveals true character. Why not give him—and yourself—a chance?"

Evelyn remained silent, the weight of past betrayals pressing against her ribs.