Chapter 762
Theodore's mouth opened, then closed without a sound.
Several seconds ticked by in silence.
When he finally regained composure, he remembered his mission. "Mr. Blackwood isn't doing this for money, Ms. Sinclair. It's all for you!"
Evelyn's crystal-clear eyes widened momentarily. The purpose of Theodore's visit became clear.
She chose not to call him out. Instead, she simply smiled and continued eating her meal.
Seeing her lack of response, Theodore pressed on. "When Mr. Blackwood discovered your identity, he didn't sleep for two straight days. He rushed to Sandford like a madman the moment he got the news." His voice dropped. "But when he returned... he was a completely different man."
Evelyn's fingers stilled. A barely perceptible tremor ran through her.
That day when she woke up, Nathan hadn't been there.
Could he really have gone to Sandford?
Theodore continued, "Then he came here once. After returning home, he collapsed from exhaustion. The moment he felt slightly better, he buried himself in work again." He hesitated. "Truth is... he wants to see you. But when I suggested it, he said..." A pause. "You wouldn't want to see him."
He stole a glance at Evelyn.
She chewed slowly, her expression serene. Even while eating, she exuded effortless elegance.
Theodore frowned. Why wasn't Ms. Sinclair showing any concern? He'd poured his heart out!
Setting his jaw, he pressed forward. "I've never seen Mr. Blackwood so... broken. Like he lost his soul." He sighed dramatically. "If a man like him ever looked at me that way, I could die happy!"
Evelyn couldn't suppress a chuckle. Amusement sparkled in her eyes as she regarded him.
"Theodore, I've always wondered something. Nathan's hiring standards are notoriously high. Harrison graduated top of his class from an Ivy League university - his competence is the only reason Nathan keeps him around." She tilted her head. "You're not a professional butler, yet you've remained by his side all these years. Is it really just because you're Harrison's cousin?"
Her words were diplomatic.
Theodore didn't meet any of Nathan's usual criteria.
Before their divorce, even cooks and housekeepers got fired for failing Nathan's exacting standards. After endless replacements, household chores ultimately fell to Evelyn.
So how did Theodore - unremarkable in both appearance and ability - survive so long?
Unless he possessed some hidden talent?
Theodore blinked, momentarily thrown.
'Obviously because I help Nathan scheme to win you back!'
But he couldn't say that. Betraying Nathan was unthinkable.
Scratching his head, he feigned confusion. "Maybe... I'm just exceptionally good at surviving?"
Evelyn stared, then nodded with a faint smile. "Yes. That must be it."
'Who does he think he's fooling?' she thought. But she had little interest in probing further about Nathan's staff.
Theodore brightened and launched into tales of his culinary prowess, completely unaware Evelyn had derailed his "poor Nathan" narrative.
After the meal, Theodore efficiently cleaned until not a crumb remained. His professionalism was undeniable.
As he prepared to leave, still rambling about perfecting his cooking skills in college cafeterias, Evelyn's tired expression forced him to gather the trash and go.
Only when he reached the lobby did realization strike. 'Wait - I spent the whole time talking about myself! What about Nathan's situation?'