Chapter 165

Evelyn pulled out her phone. "Mister Nathaniel likely hasn't gone far. I'll call his assistant and ask him to return."

Cassandra stiffened, suspicion flashing in her eyes. "Wait—why do you have his assistant's number?"

Evelyn shrugged, her expression indifferent. "Oh, I ran into his assistant when I left the restroom earlier. We chatted briefly, and I asked for his contact."

Cassandra scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And why would you need that? Planning to seduce him too?"

Evelyn shook her head, feigning innocence. "No, nothing like that. I'm your assistant now, and you're paying me well. It's only right I take my job seriously. I thought having his contact might help secure resources for your work. Dad also reminded me this morning to be more grateful and assist you however I can."

Cassandra studied her for a long moment before letting out a derisive laugh. "Good to see you're finally learning your place. Well? Call him. Let's see if you can actually get Mister Nathaniel to come back."

Evelyn lowered her gaze and dialed the number.

The call connected quickly. "Miss Evelyn?" Lucas's voice was polite but guarded.

Evelyn softened her tone. "Mister Lucas, could you please tell Mister Nathaniel that I regret my earlier actions? I'd like him to return so we can have lunch together."

Lucas hesitated, caught off guard by her uncharacteristic politeness. "I'm sorry, Miss Evelyn, but Mister Nathaniel is heading back to the company for a meeting. He won't be available for lunch."

Evelyn sighed. "I see."

Cassandra watched her closely, straining to hear the other side of the conversation.

Evelyn paused, then tried again. "What about dinner tonight? I'd like to personally cook for him as an apology. Could you ask if he'd be willing to give me another chance?"

Lucas hesitated. "Uh—hold on a moment. Let me check."

Evelyn nodded. "Of course."

Inside the sleek black Mercedes, Lucas glanced back at Nathaniel, who sat in the rear seat, his sharp features shadowed with irritation. A faint red mark still lingered on his cheek from earlier, his expression colder than usual. He leaned back, eyes closed, his mood unreadable.

One thing was certain—Nathaniel was in a foul temper.

Lucas cleared his throat cautiously. "Sir, Miss Evelyn called. She wishes to apologize for earlier and has invited you to dinner tonight. She offered to cook for you personally."

At the mention of her name, Nathaniel's frown deepened. He didn't open his eyes. "No."

Lucas turned back to the phone. "Miss Evelyn, he—"

Nathaniel's eyes snapped open. "Ask her for the time and place."

Lucas blinked, startled, then quickly relayed the question. After a brief exchange, he hung up and turned back. "She said dinner will be at eight tonight in room 808 at the Starlight Hotel."

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "A hotel room?"