Chapter 128

"Absolutely not!" Evelyn answered before Nathaniel could. "Why would someone like me know an important man like Mister Grayson? I'm completely beneath his notice!" She yanked her hand back with all her strength.

The sudden movement tipped the teacup, sending hot liquid splashing across Nathaniel's hand. His skin turned an angry red from the scalding.

"Evelyn! What's wrong with you? Can't you even serve tea properly?" Cassandra shrieked, shoving Evelyn aside to fuss over Nathaniel's injury.

"Does it hurt, Mister Grayson? I'm so sorry about my incompetent assistant. I'll make sure she's properly punished!"

Nathaniel withdrew his hand coldly, avoiding Cassandra's touch. He shook off the remaining tea droplets with deliberate calm, accepted a tissue from the waiter, and methodically dabbed at his skin. His piercing gaze never left Evelyn's face throughout the entire ordeal, not even flinching from the pain. After a weighted pause, he remarked icily, "She certainly deserves punishment."

Cassandra flushed at the rejection but quickly turned her embarrassment into fury. "Don't just stand there, Evelyn! Get on your knees and apologize to Mister Grayson this instant!"

Evelyn gave a stiff bow. "My apologies, Mister Grayson. It was an accident."

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable, though the dangerous glint in his eyes sent shivers down Evelyn's spine.

The other men at the table observed the scene with detached amusement, sipping their tea like spectators at a private performance.

The tension grew suffocating. Vincent Blackwood shifted uncomfortably - offending Nathaniel Grayson was unthinkable. He shot Cassandra a meaningful look.

Taking the hint, Cassandra waved Evelyn away with disgust. "Enough! Mister Grayson wouldn't waste his time with some country bumpkin like you. Since you can't even handle simple tasks, stay away from the table. Get out before you ruin his mood further!"

Truthfully, Cassandra wouldn't have minded seeing Evelyn suffer Nathaniel's wrath. But as her assistant, any offense would reflect poorly on Cassandra herself. Better to remove the problem entirely.

Besides, Evelyn's mere presence irritated her. Dressed in those hideous clothes yet still managing to draw attention - it was intolerable.

Evelyn nearly sighed in relief at the dismissal. With a quick nod, she turned and walked away without hesitation.

Finally free from that oppressive atmosphere.

The VIP tea room was expansive. Aside from Nathaniel's party and a few discreet wait staff, the space stood empty.

Evelyn spotted an isolated mahogany sofa in a quiet corner. Perfect. She settled onto the plush cushions and pulled out her phone, losing herself in a mobile game.

Suddenly, a tall glass of orange juice appeared before her, held by a well-manicured hand.

Evelyn looked up in surprise to find Jonathan Blake smiling down at her, his handsome features alight with amusement.