Chapter 26

Evelyn maintained an indifferent expression. "Yes, and no."

Nathaniel continued flipping through his documents without looking up. "So which is it?"

"Rachel was the one who posted the video, but I recorded their conversation and edited the subtitles," Evelyn admitted honestly.

Nathaniel let out a dry chuckle. "I brought you here as a bridesmaid, yet you single-handedly destroyed the bride's wedding. How do you plan to explain this?"

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "Honestly, I know better than to interfere with your family matters. But scumbags like Adrian deserve to be exposed. It's practically my civic duty."

The corner of Nathaniel's mouth twitched. "I never pegged you for a self-appointed vigilante."

Indignation burned in Evelyn's chest. "That bastard Adrian cheated on Sophia and even tried to grope me when we shook hands earlier. His disgusting behavior speaks volumes about his character! Surely you don't want your niece marrying trash like that?"

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. "He groped you?"

"Yes! A pervert like him would never treat Sophia right!"

"Explain exactly what happened."

Evelyn huffed, frustrated he'd missed the point. "He pretended to shake hands politely but deliberately stroked my palm with his finger."

Nathaniel's dark eyes turned stormy, his jaw tightening as he fell silent.

When they arrived at Silver Moon Estate, Evelyn exited the car alone. Nathaniel appeared buried in work, so she didn't wait, assuming he wouldn't be getting out.

Lucas called after her. "Miss Evelyn! Wait a moment!"

She turned. "Yes?"

Lucas retrieved a carefully wrapped painting from the trunk. "Mr. Grayson won this at auction as thanks for saving his grandmother yesterday."

An auction painting? Realization struck. With trembling fingers, Evelyn peeled back the wrapping paper. Just as she suspected - 'Geese in Late Autumn'!

Nathaniel had bought her mother's painting as a thank you gift? If she'd known, she would've let Sebastian drive the bid higher at the auction!

Evelyn marched back to Nathaniel's window and knocked. The tinted glass lowered to reveal his sharp profile, though he didn't look up.

"Get out. We need to talk," she demanded.

Nathaniel kept reading.

"It's important!" she insisted.

Finally, he turned, noting her unusually bright expression. Curiosity flickered as he closed his file and stepped out. "Speak."

Without warning, Evelyn pushed him against the wall and threw her arms around him. "Hold my head!" she ordered.

Nathaniel's brows furrowed dangerously. "Excuse me?"

Evelyn blinked up at him, ignoring his question. "Do it now!"

"Three seconds to release me," he warned.

Undeterred, Evelyn rose on her toes and boldly looped her arms around his neck.

Nathaniel's gaze darkened as her floral scent enveloped him.

"Your grandmother's watching from upstairs," Evelyn whispered urgently. "Make it convincing!"

A subtle glance confirmed Margaret's spying from a second-floor window.

Evelyn began exaggeratedly bobbing her head in a terrible imitation of kissing.

Amused despite himself, Nathaniel cupped the back of her head firmly, tilting his face to match her rhythm while maintaining careful distance.

Their eyes locked in the charged space between them. Breathing shallowed. Heartbeats quickened.

Lucas spun around abruptly, suddenly very interested in the clouds overhead.