Chapter 934

Nathan's voice dropped to a husky whisper, deliberately coaxing as he inched closer to Evelyn.

Evelyn's eyelid twitched. Something was definitely off about Nathan tonight.

Her gaze instinctively darted to Preston beside her. The usually warm and composed Wall Street tycoon now wore an icy expression.

Noticing Evelyn's reaction, Nathan's face darkened further.

Just as he suspected...

Evelyn forced a polite smile, her tone carefully detached. "My doctor restricted phone use during recovery. It slipped my mind after discharge. My apologies."

Nathan's jaw tightened imperceptibly. He recognized the excuse for what it was, yet had no choice but to accept it.

"That's alright. Seeing you standing here unharmed is relief enough."

The orchestra began playing a waltz.

Nathan's eyes gleamed as he abruptly extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Evelyn remained motionless, silently observing his outstretched palm with an amused smile.

Their first dance had been at a post-divorce gala, back when her true identity remained concealed.

How swiftly things changed. Now another man stood by her side. As she hesitated, a second elegant hand appeared before her. Preston smiled gently. "I'd also like to request this dance with Ms. Sinclair."

Preston wouldn't let Nathan steal this moment. Nathan's expression turned thunderous as he glared at his rival.

"Mr. Sinclair, haven't you heard of first come, first served?" Preston arched a brow calmly. "I only know opportunity shouldn't be wasted." Both men awaited Evelyn's decision, the concept of priority irrelevant now. Without hesitation, Evelyn chose Preston.

Just as her fingers brushed Preston's, Nathan suddenly seized her wrist. His grip was punishing, eyes burning with intensity.

Evelyn winced, unable to break free as pain shot through her arm.

"Mr. Blackwood—"

Preston's expression darkened instantly as he grabbed Nathan's forearm. "Show some respect!" Nathan shrugged him off violently, pent-up rage erupting. "Back off!"

Then he dragged Evelyn toward the exit. "We need to talk!"

His restraint had reached its limit watching them together. Every second in Preston's presence tempted him to violence.

But Evelyn wrenched free with a sharp movement. "Mr. Blackwood, we have nothing to discuss." When it came to emotions, Evelyn never wavered. She'd made her stance clear since their divorce.

What more could she do when he refused to accept it?

Fortunately, the music drowned their confrontation, sparing them from becoming the evening's spectacle.

Evelyn had no interest in starring in some melodramatic scene.

Nathan froze momentarily. His gaze darkened, breath turning ragged. "Evelyn, why him?"

Why choose Preston?

Her voice remained steady. "Because he's my boyfriend. Mr. Blackwood, I expect you to treat him with courtesy moving forward."

Preston's eyes flickered with surprise at her direct acknowledgment before Nathan. He'd prepared for evasiveness, yet she claimed him openly.

Boyfriend?

The word made Preston feel their relationship had accelerated unexpectedly.

Nathan's face turned to stone, his glare at Preston murderous. "Boyfriend?"