Chapter 122

Evelyn couldn't shake Nathaniel's words from her mind. He'd been crystal clear during their three-month arrangement - she could have everything except his heart. That single condition spoke volumes about where his true affections lay.

Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Thanks for the offer, but I don't make friends with children." She turned on her heel, strolling away without a backward glance.

Benjamin's face flushed with indignation at the rejection. "Who are you calling a kid, Evelyn? I'm not a child!" He stomped after her, voice rising with each step. "I'm eighteen, for heaven's sake!"

Evelyn tuned out his protests, letting the boy trail her through the glittering ballroom. Her eyes scanned the crowd for any sign of Cassandra, but her stepsister remained frustratingly elusive. Giving up the search, she sank into a rattan swing chair near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The view stole her breath. Moonlight bathed Silver Moon Estate's gardens in an ethereal glow, illuminating the rose bushes and dancing fountain. The entire property radiated understated elegance - not just expensive, but meticulously designed with artistic vision. No wonder the city's elite clamored to host events here.

Normally, Evelyn despised social gatherings. Yet something about this place stirred unfamiliar emotions in her chest.

"Evelyn! Are you even listening?" Benjamin's voice cut through her thoughts. He'd been rambling about friendship obligations and social etiquette for the past five minutes without taking a breath.

She ignored his tirade, gaze fixed on the full moon. "Benjamin," she interrupted suddenly. "You mentioned this estate holds special meaning for your family. What exactly?"

Despite her earlier rejection, Benjamin immediately brightened, thrilled she'd asked. "Father built this for my sister Celeste. She loved lively places, but the estate was too quiet most days. So he opened it for events to keep her memory alive." His voice softened. "Celeste... that was her name."

Evelyn's fingers tightened on the swing's ropes. "Celeste. Beautiful name." She hesitated before asking, "Was she Nathaniel's...?"

"No!" Benjamin shook his head vigorously. "I have two sisters. Nathaniel was with Amelia. Celeste was the eldest, but..." His expression clouded. "She disappeared when I was a baby. This estate is... well, it's more of a memorial now."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pried."

The boy's mood shifted like quicksilver, his sunny demeanor returning. "It's fine! We're friends, after all!"

Before Evelyn could correct him, hurried footsteps approached. Maxwell, the Rivers family butler, appeared looking harried. "Master Benjamin! There you are!"

Benjamin frowned. "What's the emergency?"

Maxwell's eyes widened at the bruise on the boy's face. "Good heavens! What happened to you?"