Chapter 253

Nathaniel exhaled sharply after his niece's scolding. "If it's obvious, why spell it out?"

Sophia crossed her arms. "Because it's crucial! Women despise mixed signals! If you act intimate without clarifying your intentions, we feel disrespected and toyed with. No wonder she's furious!"

A rare hesitation flickered across Nathaniel's face. "She's already angry. How do I fix this?"

Sophia's jaw dropped. Was Nathaniel Grayson actually seeking her advice?

This unprecedented moment made her chest swell with importance.

"Obviously, you compensate properly! Choose the perfect moment, declare your feelings formally, make her feel chosen and secure! And listen—it must be ceremonial! I repeat—ceremonial! No woman rejects a grand romantic gesture from someone like you!"

"You're absolutely right to consult me, Uncle. Also, I think—"

Nathaniel ended the call mid-sentence.

Tossing his shirt aside, he strode into the shower, letting icy water cool his frustration.

Later, buttoning fresh sleeves, he intercepted a maid. "Where is she?"

"Madam retired to the south guest suite, sir. She requested dinner in her room earlier—likely asleep by now."

Nathaniel ascended to the third floor, locating the mentioned door.

The knob refused to turn.

Locked.

Against whom? The answer burned his pride.

"Fetch the key," he commanded.

Inside, Evelyn lay curled beneath satin sheets, brows knitted even in slumber.

Nathaniel perched on the mattress edge, tracing the crease between her eyebrows until it smoothed.

Her lashes fluttered open. Shock widened her eyes at his presence.

Before she could protest, he scooped her—quilt and all—into his arms.

"I leave for Tokyo at dawn. Back next weekend."

Evelyn blinked.

A phone call would've sufficed. Why the theatrics?

He deposited her in his bed, tucking the covers snugly. "We'll define this relationship properly when I return."

Sleep fled her instantly.

"Rest now." He silenced further questions with a fingertip to her lips and exited.

Evelyn stared at the ceiling, pulse racing, long after his footsteps faded.

True to his word, Nathaniel vanished for days, granting Evelyn freedom. She dismissed his overbearing security, visited Seraphina and Sebastian at Newmoon Group, and tackled backlogged projects.

The week evaporated.

Saturday afternoon, Sophia's call shattered her peace.

"Aunt Evelyn! Where are you?"

"Home. Why?"

"It's Uncle Nathaniel's birthday! What did you get him?"

The TV remote slipped from Evelyn's grip. "I... forgot."

"What?! Unacceptable! We're shopping—now!"