Chapter 102

"Leave me alone," Evelyn muttered without looking up.

Nathaniel rested his chin on his hand, studying her profile. "Where did you learn to play like that?"

His question carried genuine curiosity. It defied logic how effortlessly Evelyn had mastered the ukulele. Though their marriage began as a transaction, he'd thoroughly investigated her background afterward.

The Whitmores were decently well-off, but Evelyn was the illegitimate daughter raised in rural poverty by distant relatives. Musical education shouldn't have been accessible to her. Yet her performance earlier required at least eight years of dedicated practice.

The contradictions intrigued him.

Evelyn ignored his probing stare, glaring at her bank balance. The party expenses had drained her account down to forty dollars. All because of the man sitting beside her - who now dared mock her musical skills!

She clenched her teeth. "We're not actually married, Mr. Grayson. My past has nothing to do with you. In three months we'll never see each other again, so stop prying."

Nathaniel's brow furrowed at her sharp tone. "I compensated that girl for her broken ukulele. Is this how you show gratitude?"

'Gratitude? I should tell you to mind your damn business!'

She rolled her eyes. "You're the one who smashed it against the wall. Who else should pay for it?"

For the first time, Nathaniel experienced the sting of true ingratitude.

Evelyn huffed. "And thanks to you, I just spent my entire month's allowance treating fifty classmates!"

Ah. So that was the real issue.

Nathaniel smirked. "I thought you enjoyed socializing. Is money all you care about?"

"Socializing doesn't mean bankrolling everyone! Not all of us can throw cash around like you." She crossed her arms. "Large groups always split checks. You cost me a month's salary!"

This fiery side of Evelyn was new. Since their arrangement began, she'd been carefully diplomatic. Now her pout made her lips resemble a duck's bill.

"I'll reimburse you," he said casually.

"Really?" Her eyes sparkled as she instantly pulled up her payment app, amount already calculated to the cent.

Nathaniel blinked at her shameless efficiency.

Evelyn saw no reason for pretense. She never wanted to spend that money! He'd manipulated the situation, announcing she'd treat everyone. Backing out would've made her look stingy. But these funds were meant for her mother's paintings, not frivolous parties.

With an amused chuckle, Nathaniel scanned her QR code.

The instant transfer visibly lifted Evelyn's mood. Her tense expression softened. "You know my classmates think you're either my sugar daddy or adoptive father now?"

Nathaniel stiffened. "Do I look that old?"

She smirked. "Not exactly. They assume I'm your kept woman since you're too young to be my real father."

His gaze darkened at the implication she'd endured humiliation.