Chapter 194

"I won't last long anyway, so there's no need for a honeymoon! He'll be going on a honeymoon with my sister in the future, regardless."

"You don't get it at all!" Dominic smirked, raising an eyebrow at his brooding friend seated in the office chair. "So. Are you going, Nathaniel?"

Nathaniel flipped another page of the document, eyes scanning the text as he replied, "She's exhausted today. We won't be heading over. I'll bring her with me to meet you all early tomorrow morning."

Dominic snapped his fingers. "Then it's settled!"

With that, he slid his hands into his pockets and turned to leave.

When he noticed Benjamin still standing there, Dominic paused and clapped the younger man on the shoulder. "What are you still doing here, Ben? Come with me to the ranch!"

Benjamin was eager but hesitated, frustration flickering across his face. "Could you call my brother and talk to him? I'm worried he won't let me go."

Dominic chuckled. "How old are you? Still scared of your brother?"

Benjamin sighed. "You know Samuel! He's ruthless—way stricter than our father ever was."

"Fine, I'll call him and put in a good word for you."

"Thanks, Dom! If you convince him to let me go riding, I'll treat you to a whole roasted lamb at the ranch!"

Later that evening at the Grayson estate, Evelyn woke up starving after sleeping through the afternoon. She headed to the kitchen to whip up some instant mac and cheese.

Though the household had plenty of servants, only Theodore showed her any respect. The rest, siding with Abigail, treated her with open hostility.

Most ignored the young woman Nathaniel had hastily married—especially since he rarely came home after their wedding.

So when Margaret left, none of the servants bothered to prepare dinner for Evelyn unless Nathaniel returned.

Not that she cared. She never considered herself part of the Grayson family anyway. Growing up fending for herself, she had no problem cooking when hunger struck.

When Nathaniel walked in, he found her alone in the kitchen—no servants, no butler in sight. His expression darkened slightly as he approached. "What are you doing?"

Evelyn, grating cheese, startled at his voice. She turned, flashing him a quick smile. "Mister Grayson! You're back. I'm making mac and cheese. Want some?"

She wore a snug apron, the bow tied tightly at her back, accentuating her slender waist.

Nathaniel's gaze lingered, throat tightening. He glanced at the ingredients on the counter and nodded. "I don't mind trying it."

She'd expected a disgusted refusal. Surprised, she suppressed a smirk. "Then wait in the dining room. It'll be ready in ten minutes."

Instead of leaving, he set down his belongings, shrugged off his suit jacket, and tossed it onto the sofa before returning.

Rolling up his sleeves with deliberate slowness, he asked flatly, "Need any help?"

Evelyn blinked. A pampered CEO offering to cook? After a beat, she gestured. "How about dicing two strips of bacon into thin pieces?"

He grunted. "Where's the bacon?"

Her lips twitched. "Isn't this your house? You don't know where the bacon is?"

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Do I look like someone who inventories the kitchen in my free time?"

Evelyn snorted. "Second drawer from the bottom in the fridge."