Chapter 214

The crisp morning air carried excited chatter as Benjamin proposed the challenge. "Let's make it interesting! All four of us racing to the forest edge - winner takes bragging rights!"

Sophia Bennett's hand shot up immediately. "You're on!"

With unanimous agreement, they lined up behind the makeshift starting point, each adjusting their positions to ensure fair spacing between their horses.

"Nathaniel's voice cut through the preparations like a blade through silk. "Evelyn."

She turned Stardust sharply, spotting the imposing figure of Nathaniel Grayson astride Celestial Pursuit. The morning sun glinted off his polished riding boots, casting him in an almost regal light. Every inch the powerful CEO, yet here he sat like some medieval monarch surveying his domain.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Yes, Mr. Grayson?"

"Come here." Two simple words delivered with that quiet authority that made refusal unthinkable.

Frowning, she nudged Stardust forward, aware of three pairs of curious eyes watching this unexpected interruption.

When they stood mere feet apart, Nathaniel's gaze swept over her - first the nearly healed swelling on her ears, then down to her gloved hands gripping the reins. "Your hand."

Without understanding why, Evelyn found herself extending her bare palm toward him. His fingers turned it over carefully, inspecting the skin where the allergic rash had been. She saw his shoulders relax minutely at the healed condition.

"Mr. Grayson?" Impatience colored her tone.

Wordlessly, he produced a chilled water bottle from his saddlebag, cracked the seal, and offered it. "Hydrate before you exhaust yourself."

Evelyn blinked. That was it? She'd expected... something more dramatic. Still, her throat was parched, so she accepted, drinking deeply before handing it back. "Satisfied? May I race now?"

Nathaniel merely nodded, watching as she wheeled Stardust around without a backward glance. The thought crossed her mind - Since when did the formidable Nathaniel Grayson turn into a mother hen?

Behind her, Nathaniel took a measured sip from the same bottle before recapping it, his gaze lingering on Evelyn's retreating form.

Dominic Prescott chose that moment to arrive, mischief dancing in his eyes. "How gallant, Nathaniel! Delivering refreshments to your blushing bride like some knight errant!"

Nathaniel's glare could have frozen lava. It didn't deter Dominic, who snatched up his own water bottle and mimicked Nathaniel's stern tone to Harrison Ford beside him. "Drink, my darling, before you perish of thirst! Your cracked lips wound me deeply!"