Chapter 162

Evelyn couldn't pry Nathaniel's large hand off her, so she quickly raised her other hand and slammed the door shut.

Lucas was using his body to block the stairwell entrance, but Cassandra turned aggressive, trying to force it open through the small gap.

The more she was denied entry, the more suspicious she became. She needed to see what Nathaniel was doing inside - whether he was alone or with someone.

Lucas had enough of Cassandra's antics. "Miss Cassandra," he warned angrily, "if you keep forcing your way in, I won't be held responsible for what happens next!"

Cassandra scoffed at his threat. In her eyes, Nathaniel's assistant was beneath her, just like her own staff. "How dare a mere secretary threaten me? Once I become Mrs. Grayson, my first order will be firing you!"

"Go ahead and try! Lay one finger on me and I'll scream assault!"

"You—" Lucas was speechless against such shamelessness. Reasoning with this woman was pointless.

Seeing her tactic worked, Cassandra deliberately pressed her body against Lucas, pushing her chest forward to make him retreat.

Lucas recoiled uncomfortably, unable to avoid her advances. He couldn't bring himself to strike a woman, even one like her.

Seizing her chance, Cassandra shoved past him into the stairwell.

What she saw stunned her.

Nathaniel's tall frame leaned casually against the wall, his expression bored yet weary. A freshly lit cigarette dangled between his elegant fingers as he took a slow drag, exhaling a thin stream of smoke.

Cassandra was mesmerized by his handsome profile, the mature way he smoked. After a long moment, she managed to speak. "Why are you here alone? Won't you come back for lunch?"

Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "Nicotine craving."

She smiled coyly. "I see... Well, come eat when you're done. The food will get cold."

He flicked ash indifferently. "Go ahead without me."

Even this simple motion was unbearably attractive. Cassandra suppressed her lustful thoughts, adopting a gentle tone. "I'll wait for you. I couldn't possibly eat first!"

"I don't care if you do," he said coldly.

Misinterpreting his concern, she blushed. "I'm not hungry yet! I can wait!"

A flash of irritation crossed Nathaniel's eyes. He stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette and straightened. "Let's go then."

Cassandra's heart raced. 'He's putting out his cigarette for me!'

So consumed by this fantasy, she failed to notice the fresh handprint on Nathaniel's left cheek.

As they exited, Lucas closed the stairwell door.

Below them, Evelyn sat on the steps, her stinging palm pressed between her knees.