Chapter 35

The memory had completely slipped Nathaniel's mind until Sophia mentioned it again. He immediately summoned his assistant to return the phone to her.

With her phone back in hand, Sophia glared at them irritably. "I told you Nathaniel is my uncle. Do you believe me now?"

"Yes! Absolutely! Our deepest apologies for doubting you!"

"We swear we didn't know she was your niece, Mr. Grayson!"

"Please forgive us!"

No one could have guessed the pink-haired intruder was actually Nathaniel's niece. They'd assumed she was just another groupie trying to get close to him.

They were lucky their foolish actions hadn't led to more serious consequences!

The three men gathered before Sophia, bowing deeply to her and Evelyn in apology. "We're truly sorry! Please find it in your hearts to forgive us?"

Sophia jerked her chin toward the Snow Room's exit. "Get out. And don't let me see your faces again."

They scrambled away like prisoners granted a last-minute pardon.

By now, Evelyn had regained her composure. She calmly extricated herself from Nathaniel's lap. "Enjoy your evening. I'll take my leave now."

Sophia rushed after her. "Evelyn! Wait up! I'm coming with you!"

......

As Evelyn and Sophia exited the Snow Room together, Cassandra—who'd been lurking near the restrooms—suddenly blocked their path. "Not so fast, Evelyn! I have questions for you."

Evelyn's mood had already soured. She frowned impatiently. "What?"

Cassandra demanded, "Explain how you got into the Snow Room!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Is it really that hard?"

Her casual dismissal only fueled Cassandra's anger. 'Of course it is! Even someone of my status can't get in!'

"Well? Are you going to tell me or not?"

"Nothing to tell." Evelyn brushed past her, Sophia in tow.

Sophia glanced back curiously. "Who was that?"

Evelyn answered flatly, "A nuisance."

Cassandra clenched her teeth, snapping a photo of Evelyn walking away with the pink-haired Sophia. "Fine. If you won't talk, Father will make you! Just wait!"

Outside Twilight, a sleek Mercedes-Benz pulled up. The tinted window lowered to reveal Nathaniel's sharp profile. "Get in."

Evelyn frowned but complied without argument.

Sophia moved to follow, but Lucas intercepted her. "Miss Bennett, you're with me. Mr. Grayson's orders—you're grounded until further notice."

"Grounded?" Sophia's face twisted in outrage. "Uncle! Uncle?!"

The Mercedes sped away.

Inside the quiet car, Nathaniel leaned back, massaging his temple. His piercing gaze held the sternness of an overprotective guardian. "You could have called me. Why play the hero?"

Evelyn muttered, "I don't have your number."

He extended his hand. "Phone."

She handed it over without protest.

After programming his contact, he returned it. "Evelyn, remember this—I'll give you anything you ask for. Except my heart. So next time, call."

Evelyn's mind blanked momentarily. She turned, lips curling in a sardonic smile. "Anything except your heart? Does that include what happened earlier too?"