Chapter 196

Nathaniel pulled out a tissue and handed it to Evelyn. He sighed, shaking his head like a disapproving parent. "Slow down. The food isn't going anywhere."

Evelyn struggled to chew and swallow the meat in her mouth. She took the tissue, wiped her lips, and turned her face away, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. "Mister, can we please stop talking about last night?"

"Why?" Nathaniel arched a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Is Miss Evelyn feeling shy?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not shy! I just don't want to remember it!"

Unbearable to remember?

His expression darkened for a brief moment before he smirked. "Oh, come on. You sacrificed yourself to save a life—that's noble. Shouldn't it be a memorable experience?"

The words were so blunt Evelyn's cheeks burned crimson. Her eyes darted away, fingers tightening around her chopsticks.

He's mocking me! The nerve! I wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t dying!

The heat spread to her ears, and she suddenly lost her appetite.

Nathaniel chuckled, relenting. "Fine, I’ll stop. But tell me—do you have plans tomorrow?"

Evelyn finally dared to look at him again. "No. Why?"

"Good. You're coming with me to Silver Peaks Ranch."

She frowned. "Do I have to?"

His gaze sharpened. "Do you have something better to do?"

"Not really, but I’d rather stay home."

His tone left no room for argument. "You’re coming. Staying in bed all day isn’t healthy."

Ugh. He’s not asking—he’s ordering. She exhaled sharply. "Is this another performance for the contract?"

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. "Is that all you think about?"

Evelyn stabbed at her noodles. "Then why else would you drag me along? Or is this supposed to be a date?"

Date?

He sipped his water, unfazed. "Considering what we’ve already done, wouldn’t that make sense?"

She choked. "Again with that?!"

Her face flamed anew, hotter than before.

Nathaniel reached over, patting her back as she coughed. "Relax. I’ll stop. Just be ready early tomorrow. We’re going out."

Going out? For fun? She stared at him like he’d grown a second head. Since when does he care about fun?

"Fine," she muttered, shoveling noodles into her mouth to avoid further conversation.

Once finished, she bolted to her room.

Nathaniel worked in his study until late. When he finally returned to rest, the bedroom door was locked.

His jaw clenched. That little—

He could easily get the key from Theodore. But after a moment’s thought, he smirked and walked away.