Chapter 574

Nathan stormed out with a dark expression, cutting through their conversation like a blade.

His voice dripped with barely concealed jealousy.

"What's so amusing that you're laughing like this?"

Preston glanced at Evelyn, who calmly sipped her espresso. Her delicate fingers wrapped around the cup like porcelain. After a brief pause, Preston answered smoothly. "Ms. Sterling just shared a hilarious story. Care to hear it, Mr. Blackwood?"

Evelyn lifted her gaze to Preston but remained silent.

Nathan's jaw tightened. She told Preston a joke?

"Mind if I join?" He didn't wait for permission before sliding into the seat beside Evelyn, his posture territorial.

His knee brushed against hers beneath the table. She shifted away instinctively.

Evelyn's skirt rode up slightly when she moved. Noticing this, Nathan deliberately let his leg press against hers again. Electricity shot through him at the contact.

His gaze dropped to her toned calves. He couldn't look away.

How could mere legs be so damn distracting?

After a few seconds, he forced himself to glance aside before his thoughts spiraled.

Evelyn shot him an icy glare. This time, instead of retreating, she kicked him sharply under the table.

Nathan paled. "Fuck! That hurt!"

The movement was subtle enough that Preston missed it entirely.

Nathan plastered on a smile. "Dining with Mr. Sinclair is quite entertaining. Next time, do invite me."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed dangerously before she turned to Preston. "I should head home now. Goodnight."

Preston hesitated. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask—"

She waited.

"I'll be traveling for business soon. Oliver will be alone here with just his nanny and bodyguard, but he's... difficult. Could you possibly look after him for a few days?"

Understanding dawned immediately.

Nathan scoffed. "Take the brat with you if you're worried. Why burden others?"

That annoying kid always ruined his plans anyway.

Evelyn ignored him. "Of course. I'll arrange for him to stay at Sterling Manor."

Nathan's mood darkened further, but before he could protest—

"Thank you." Preston smiled warmly. "I owe you one."

No one acknowledged Nathan's scowl.

As Evelyn stood to leave, Nathan followed like a shadow.

When she entered her car, he claimed the passenger seat without hesitation.

Evelyn stared blankly at the dashboard. "Where's your car?"

"I had wine earlier." His tone was breezy. "My driver's drunk too."

A blatant lie.

"Evelyn," his voice dropped, rough with need, "stop meeting him alone. I can't take it."

She exhaled sharply. "Nathan Blackwood, remember our arrangement must stay secret."

His eyes darkened. In one fluid motion, he closed the distance between them, his breath hot against her ear. "What arrangement? Being your fake lover is torture. Let's make it real."

Evelyn tilted her head, studying him. So the wolf finally showed his teeth.

Nathan's gaze burned with intensity, but she remained unmoved. With a derisive smirk, she started the engine.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"A hotel." Her reply was clipped.