Chapter 207

Sophia Bennett giggled and nodded. "Yes, I've eaten. You don't have to worry about me!"

Nathaniel Grayson narrowed his eyes in displeasure. "Then why are you still here?"

Sophia blinked before bursting into laughter. "Oh, I see! I'll get out of your way and stop third-wheeling. Bye! I'm off to check if my pony has grown!"

Once Sophia dashed away, Nathaniel lifted a spoonful of soup to Evelyn Whitmore's lips. She glanced at it, then back at him with a frown. "Nathaniel, do we really need to put on this act in front of Sophia?"

Did she think this was an act?

Nathaniel's gaze turned icy, the rare softness in his eyes freezing over. "Just drink."

Evelyn was baffled but obediently parted her lips, swallowing the soup while internally grumbling, This man's mood swings are ridiculous.

As she took another sip, Nathaniel suddenly called her name sharply. "Evelyn."

"Yes?" She met his eyes, waiting.

He held her gaze with unsettling intensity. After a long pause, he spoke. "Remember this—you never have to prove anything to anyone. Especially not by hurting yourself."

Evelyn frowned. "What if someone frames me? Shouldn't I defend myself?"

Nathaniel's voice was firm. "No matter what happens, I'll believe you. You don't need to prove your innocence to anyone else. To me, you are innocent. Understand?"

Her heart hammered violently. Why does this sound like a vow? Where is this coming from?

Another spoonful hovered near her mouth, but she shook her head. "I'm full."

Nathaniel didn't push. Instead, he brought the spoon to his own lips and drank.

Evelyn's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing.

Sharing utensils? That was something only couples did. And Nathaniel was notoriously particular about hygiene. Why would he do this?

She exhaled sharply. "Nathaniel, you're confusing me. This isn't like you."

Unfazed, he finished the soup. "Get used to it. It won't be a problem later."

Evelyn forced an awkward smile. "Later? Our contract ends in two months. I'll have to break this habit once we—"

"Then let's not end it," Nathaniel said calmly, as if discussing the weather.

Evelyn froze. Did he just suggest... staying together?

Before she could process it, Benjamin Rivers appeared, his expression grim. "Evelyn, I need to talk to you."

Nathaniel cut in coldly. "Say it here."

Benjamin hesitated under his glare. "Nathaniel, this is private."

Evelyn stood. "It's fine, I'll just—"

"Sit down," Nathaniel commanded.

Recognizing his possessiveness, Evelyn leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Relax. I'll tell you everything after."

Instantly, the tension in his eyes eased, and he let her go.

Evelyn followed Benjamin into the woods near Silver Peaks Ranch. "Alright, what's so urgent?"

Without warning, Benjamin braced a hand against a tree, caging her between him and the trunk.