Chapter 284

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with recognition as the familiar voice reached her ears. Her entire demeanor softened instantly.

"Samuel, you came!"

The sudden shift in Gabrielle's expression made Evelyn turn around to see who had arrived.

The man standing behind her was impeccably dressed in a tailored slate-gray suit, his tall frame exuding effortless elegance. His features were striking—sharp yet warm, with an artist's precision in every line. His gaze held a quiet intensity, the kind that spoke of privilege and detachment from ordinary concerns. He carried himself like someone who had never known what it meant to want for anything.

Their eyes met, and recognition flickered in his expression. "You?"

Evelyn recognized him immediately—the grandson of the blind elderly man she had helped the day before.

Gabrielle's smile tightened as she watched them exchange glances. "Do you two know each other?"

Samuel barely spared Gabrielle a glance before turning his attention back to Evelyn. "Your name is Evelyn?"

She nodded. "That's right."

Without another word, Samuel gestured to his assistant, Oliver, who handed him a sleek leather wallet. He pulled out a checkbook, signed it with practiced ease, and tore off the slip before offering it to Evelyn.

"I heard you weren't satisfied with the amount yesterday," he said smoothly. "See if this meets your expectations."

Evelyn glanced down at the check. This time, the figure was clear—750,000 dollars. A significant jump from before.

Gabrielle stared in stunned silence, confusion knitting her brows. She wanted to demand an explanation but held her tongue, not daring to interrupt.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Do you really think seven hundred fifty thousand can buy a person's self-respect?"

Samuel's expression remained unreadable, his smile polished and cold. "Generally speaking, most people's dignity doesn't come at such a high price."

Her gaze sharpened. "So what you're saying is, as long as the price is right, anyone can be bought?"

His smile didn't waver. "Essentially, yes."

Evelyn took the check between her bandaged fingers, brought it to her nose, and inhaled deeply. A slow, deliberate smile curved her lips. "Money does have a lovely scent. Is this really for me?"

"Consider it yours." A flicker of disdain crossed Samuel's eyes as he watched her reaction. He had thought she might be different, but it seemed even she wasn't immune to the lure of wealth.

The amount was more than generous.

Without warning, Evelyn snatched the check back from Samuel's hand, her lips curling into a smirk. "This sum could support an average person for decades. But you—" Her gaze swept over him deliberately. "With that face and pedigree? I'll consider this payment for keeping you away from me for a full year."

Samuel stiffened. Did she just—?

Never in his thirty-two years had anyone dared speak to him like this.

Beside him, his secretary Oliver tensed, ready to intervene. Gabrielle's face flushed with outrage. "Have you lost your mind, Evelyn? How dare you—"

A raised hand silenced them both.

Samuel studied the check now back in his possession, his expression darkening. "Miss Whitmore," he said slowly, "you saved my grandfather's life yesterday. This is merely a token of gratitude. Are you certain you wish to refuse it?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "Oh, I'm taking it. Consider it compensation for enduring your presence today."

Samuel's smile turned glacial. "And how exactly do you plan to spend seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to avoid me?"

"Simple." Her voice dropped to a blade's edge. "Stay out of my sight for twelve months."

The air between them crackled.

Samuel's aristocratic composure fractured. Behind him, Oliver and Gabrielle gaped.

None of them noticed the broad-shouldered figure leaning against the doorframe of Room 302.

Nathaniel had recognized Evelyn's voice the moment it carried down the hallway. What he hadn't expected was witnessing her dismantle Samuel Rivers—the so-called "Silver Fox" of Wall Street who'd outmaneuvered Nathaniel in three major deals last quarter—with nothing but words and a dismissive flick of her wrist.

The corner of his mouth twitched. He'd pay double to see this scene again.