Chapter 262

The man lifted his gaze to Evelyn, who stood beside his grandfather.

Her expression remained calm and detached, a stark contrast to the shocked faces of the onlookers. It was as if she existed in her own world, unaffected by the chaos around her.

In truth, she hadn’t even blinked when she first saw the man’s striking features.

Evelyn had considered slipping away the moment she realized the elderly man’s family had arrived, but the men in black still encircled them, leaving no clear exit.

The man offered her a polite nod. "Hello."

Evelyn returned the gesture. "Hello."

Like any woman, she could appreciate a handsome face. The man before her was undeniably attractive—but there was something dangerous lurking beneath that charming smile.

Despite his pleasant demeanor, she sensed no genuine warmth in him. His eyes held a calculated coldness, warning her to keep her distance.

He was nothing like Nathaniel.

Nathaniel wore his hostility openly, his entire presence a silent command for others to stay away.

This man, however, masked his indifference behind a veneer of charm. Yet, the distance in his gaze was unmistakable.

"Thank you," he said.

"You’re welcome," Evelyn replied.

Their exchange was brief, neither of them inclined to continue the conversation.

The elderly man huffed in frustration.

"Girl, what’s your name?" he blurted out. "Do you have a boyfriend? What do you think of my grandson here? He’s over thirty and still—"

"Grandfather." The man pinched the bridge of his nose, shooting Evelyn an apologetic glance. "Forgive him. He speaks without thinking."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "It’s fine."

She had no intention of sharing her name.

"Since your grandson is here, I’ll take my leave," she said smoothly. "I have other matters to attend to."

With a polite nod, she requested the men in black to step aside and walked away, her posture neither arrogant nor submissive.

The elderly man sighed dramatically as she disappeared. "Well? What did you think? She’s beautiful, isn’t she?"

The man watched Evelyn’s retreating figure. "Very."

"Then why didn’t you ask for her number?" the old man grumbled. "I even tried to help you!"

"Grandfather, my love life is none of your concern."

"None of my concern? Bring home a wife, then! At your age, I already had children!"

The man exhaled, unamused. "You’re tired. I’ll have them take you home."

"I’m not tired!"

"Escort my grandfather home," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," his subordinates replied.

Evelyn hadn’t gone far when the leader of the men in black approached her again.

"Miss," he said, holding out a check. "My employer wishes to express his gratitude for saving his grandfather. You may write any amount you desire."

Evelyn glanced at the check and smirked. "A blank check with a cap of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars? And he expects me to name my price?"

The leader stiffened. Was she implying the offer was insulting?

Before he could respond, Evelyn had already descended the stairs and slid into Sebastian’s pink sports car.