Chapter 556

Evelyn twirled the crystal glass between her fingers. Her hands were delicate, almost sculptural in their perfection.

Not a single inappropriate moment had occurred between them that evening. Even if something had, this would still be her response.

Nathan wanted rumors about their relationship to spread. Fine. She'd handle it her way.

The man was making a spectacle of himself before even securing her affection. Pathetic. It only proved how obsessed he was.

To outsiders, Evelyn appeared far more composed than Nathan.

Which rendered his little performance utterly pointless.

The surrounding guests pretended not to overhear.

This was too scandalous to acknowledge.

Who dared laugh at Nathan Blackwood?

His breath carried the sharp tang of whiskey as he murmured, "We spent the entire night together. How can you be so cruel?"

Though spoken softly, every word carried clearly to eavesdroppers.

Evelyn's temper flared at the reminder.

Nathan had caused her nothing but trouble today. The man was deranged. She should've broken his legs and left him in an alley.

Her icy gaze swept over him. The intensity in her eyes made him feel intoxicated despite her sobriety.

A light, mocking laugh escaped her lips, drawing all attention.

"One night means nothing. Don't tell me you actually thought it was special?"

Dominic immediately regretted asking when Nathan's expression darkened.

This was clearly unrequited obsession.

Nathan had been publicly humiliated.

The table's atmosphere turned glacial.

Suddenly, Nathan chuckled and snatched away the shrimp platter. His dark eyes locked onto Evelyn as he tapped the chair meaningfully.

"I'm working on it."

The submission in his tone shocked everyone.

The realization hit them simultaneously.

"Good luck, Mr. Blackwood!"

"We're rooting for you!"

Nathan's lips curled bitterly. Alcohol fogged his mind as he studied Evelyn's impassive face.

He leaned closer abruptly.

"So it's Ms. Sinclair who prefers—"

Evelyn glanced down and froze momentarily. With deliberate calm, she ignored both him and the offered shrimp.

She reclined in her chair, putting distance between them.

Dominic finally understood after observing Nathan's behavior.

Only one woman could make Nathan Blackwood peel shrimp for her.

"Are you two back together?"

Nathan hesitated.

The entire room held its breath, awaiting confirmation more reliable than any tabloid.

Evelyn's smile held no warmth.

Dominic swallowed his congratulations.

This had been a mistake. He never should've involved Evelyn. The evening had soured completely.

Fortunately, the gathering soon ended without further awkwardness.

Dominic left with Nathan's associates to settle the bill.

Evelyn and Nathan remained alone in the private room.

She grabbed her purse to leave.

Nathan called out, watching her slender silhouette. Restlessness churned within him.

"Do you know the difference between me and Dominic?"

Evelyn didn't dignify this with a response.

He stood and approached.

"His wife was his college sweetheart. They're expecting their second child now."

His voice dropped to a rough whisper as he stared intently.

Evelyn tensed at his sudden intensity.

Nathan continued, "I'm single. You should—"

Jealousy and bitterness laced every word.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, shooting him a scathing look before turning sharply on her heel.

The man was insufferable.

Rain drizzled outside, wind whipping through the streets.

Her driver arrived promptly with an umbrella.

Evelyn never drove after business dinners, even when sober.

Once she left, Dominic returned to find Nathan statue-still, cigarette dangling from his fingers.

He clapped Nathan's shoulder.

"Mr. Blackwood, you've got a long road ahead."

Their dynamic returned to normal after the meal. Adults didn't dwell on insignificant matters.

Nathan exhaled smoke.

"Are you mocking me?"

"Wouldn't dare," Dominic lied.

"Answer me something."

Nathan studied him seriously. "Do you often interact with her privately?"

Dominic paled. Was this jealousy over tonight?

He adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Blackwood, we rarely interact. You're usually present when we meet."

He needed to clarify—he wouldn't become collateral damage just because Evelyn rejected Nathan.

Nathan knew Dominic spoke truthfully.

So she'd done this purely to provoke him. Made him humiliate himself publicly.

He crushed his cigarette violently, fingertips whitening.

His gaze turned dangerous. "Regarding the Preston Sinclair project—"

Dominic nodded hastily. "I'll expedite progress."

Nathan stood, patting his shoulder.

"No rush. After such a major event, the scientists deserve rest."

Dominic was speechless.

The next day at Sterling Manor...

Evelyn had stayed at her apartment for two days. While peaceful, it lacked convenience. She considered hiring a live-in housekeeper.

She returned for lunch. Though William hadn't seen her in two days...