Chapter 198

Nathaniel's gaze flickered to Benjamin with amusement. "Ben, did you catch that? Evelyn's offering to treat us all tonight."

Benjamin had been staring so intently at Evelyn that he jumped at Nathaniel's voice.

Flushing, he stammered, "Uh...my brother froze my accounts after last night's dinner. I'm completely broke."

Nathaniel shrugged casually. "No matter. She's paying tonight anyway."

She?

Evelyn's eyes widened when she realized he meant her. Her cheeks puffed out in indignation.

What nonsense! Why should she pay for strangers? Nathaniel had dragged her here against her will!

All eyes turned expectantly toward Evelyn.

She crossed her arms stubbornly. "Absolutely not—"

Nathaniel pulled her close before she could finish, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Miss Whitmore, you're holding my wallet. You know the PIN. My money, your generosity. Understood?"

Instantly, her frown transformed into a radiant smile. "Of course! Dinner's on me tonight!"

Dominic chuckled. "In that case, we won't hold back!"

Evelyn waved a careless hand. "Order whatever you like! Let's see if we can bankrupt me completely!"

Dominic rubbed his hands together gleefully. "You heard the lady! Lobster and champagne for everyone!"

Nathaniel studied Evelyn's triumphant expression with amusement. This little minx had done a complete one-eighty the moment she realized his wallet was involved.

"Miss Whitmore," he murmured, "don't you think you're being rather shameless, spending my money so freely?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "If you're going to treat people, do it properly. Don't be such a cheapskate."

Cheapskate?

Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "If you're so generous, why not use your own funds?"

Evelyn smirked. "My money doesn't grow on trees. I'd rather spend it on things that matter—not feeding random strangers. Besides," she added without thinking, "I've already slept with you. Should I be paying you?"

Her face instantly burned crimson. Damn her runaway mouth!

Nathaniel froze for a heartbeat before bursting into laughter. He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Point taken, Miss Whitmore. Keep your money. Mine is yours to spend as you please."

Evelyn exhaled in relief—both at avoiding further embarrassment and successfully conning Nathaniel. Grinning, she declared, "Don't worry, I won't hesitate to drain your accounts dry!"

Nathaniel's lips quirked as he watched her triumphant expression.

Across the room, Gabrielle's nails dug into her palms as she observed the intimate exchange. She'd never seen Nathaniel lower himself to whisper in any woman's ear before. This wasn't the cold, detached man she knew.

An idea sparked in her mind.

Forcing a bright smile, she approached them. "Evelyn! First time riding?"

Evelyn regarded Gabrielle coolly, remembering their unpleasant watch encounter. "No, I've ridden before."

Gabrielle's smile didn't reach her eyes. "How wonderful! Then we must race later!"

Internally, she scoffed. There was no way this country bumpkin had ever touched a horse.