Chapter 18

Evelyn tilted her head, locking eyes with Sebastian. Years of silent partnership made her subtle hint instantly clear to him.

He cleared his throat, adjusting the Bluetooth earpiece habitually perched on his left ear. With practiced nonchalance, he strode past Nathaniel and Evelyn.

Lowering his voice deliberately, he pretended to be engrossed in a phone call. "Apologies, sir. Situation turned awkward. That Grayson guy overheard my earlier rant about him. Yes, the same one who outbid us for 'Starlight Veil'! Fine, we'll let him have it. Vivian Sterling has other masterpieces we can acquire."

By the time he finished speaking, Sebastian had already put considerable distance between them.

Evelyn blinked innocently at Nathaniel. "He seemed quite upset with you, mister."

Nathaniel's gaze shifted back to her. "You two don't know each other?"

"Never met him before," Evelyn shook her head vigorously. "Do you? Why was he angry with you?"

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "You still haven't answered my question. What brings you here?"

Evelyn exhaled dramatically. "Remember how you got me fired from Alpha Enterprises? Heard they were hiring auctioneers here. Came for an interview."

His skepticism remained. "Get the job?"

She shrugged, palms upturned. "No. Required three years' experience. I didn't qualify."

Nathaniel studied her petite frame. If she stood on that auction stage, people might mistake her for selling school supplies.

"And you?" Evelyn peered up. "Why are you here?"

"Grandfather wanted the bronze artifact collection. I'm bidding on his behalf."

"How filial of you," she remarked sweetly.

Nathaniel frowned. That compliment sounded suspiciously like sarcasm.

His phone interrupted them. After a terse conversation, he hung up and fixed Evelyn with an intense stare. "Where to next?"

"Job hunting continues," she replied.

Without warning, his calloused hand patted her head. Leaning down, his gravelly voice brooked no argument. "Come with me. I'll employ you."

"What?" The words barely registered before he'd seized her wrist, whisking her away.

Soon, Evelyn found herself back at Silver Moon Estate - the same place Nathaniel had forced their engagement.

Her eyes darted across the floral arrangements, red carpet, and floating balloons. Panic drained her complexion. "What now, uncle? Another wedding?"

Nathaniel smirked. "That eager to marry me again?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes hard, ready to bolt when a feminine voice chirped, "Uncle!"

A young woman in a wedding gown hurried toward them. "Did you find someone?" she asked anxiously.

Nathaniel propelled Evelyn forward. "What about her?"

The bride-to-be blinked at Evelyn, who crossed her arms defensively. "What's happening?"

The bride pouted. "Did you have to pick someone this gorgeous? I'm supposed to be the center of attention! A prettier bridesmaid will steal my spotlight!"

Nathaniel snorted, glancing at Evelyn. "Beautiful? Might want to get your eyes checked."

The bride gaped.

Evelyn shot Nathaniel a glare, finally understanding the situation.