Chapter 397

Evelyn's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She scowled and turned to Nathaniel, whispering sharply, "This is your fault! Showing up empty-handed to a birthday party is beyond awkward, and it's all because you didn't warn me!"

Nathaniel didn't seem fazed by her irritation. He plucked a skewer of grilled meat from the barbecue, took a deliberate bite, then handed it to her.

"You never gave me a birthday present," he countered smoothly. "Why should I let you give one to someone else?"

Evelyn gaped at him, momentarily speechless. She snatched the skewer from his hand. For all his maturity, Nathaniel had a petty streak when it came to the smallest things.

True, she had intended to give him a gift—until she saw him embracing Amelia at Silver Moon Estate. Sophia had even dragged her shopping for it. But that moment had soured everything, and the present had ended up in the trash.

Nathaniel tossed his car keys to Dominic. "Here. Your gift."

Dominic caught them midair, staring in disbelief as if he'd been handed a royal decree. "You're serious? You're actually giving me this beauty?"

"Don't want it?"

Dominic shoved the keys into his pocket instantly. "Hell yes, I want it! You're a saint, and I'm not giving it back!"

Evelyn tugged Nathaniel aside, hissing, "A used car? That's your idea of a birthday gift? What kind of friend does that?"

Nathaniel smirked, ruffling her hair. "There's nothing money can't buy him—except this. It's a limited-edition model, one of a kind. He's been begging me for it for years. I only parted with it today because of you."

Evelyn nearly choked. The man could spin anything into being her fault.

Still, the car was a collector's item, practically untouched since Nathaniel preferred his MPV. And Dominic had been drooling over it forever. Maybe it wasn't such a terrible gift.

She crossed her arms. "And how exactly are we getting home now that you've given away our ride?"

Nathaniel shrugged. "You can take me on the subway."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Use your brain! We're in the middle of nowhere. The nearest station is two hours away, with who knows how many transfers. And if we miss the last bus—"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Did she just call me stupid?

Dominic, eavesdropping while flipping chicken wings, couldn't resist chiming in. "Relax, you two. If you get stranded, my guest room has a very spacious bed. Plenty of room for... activities."

Evelyn's face flamed. "You can keep your activities to yourself!"

Nathaniel shot him a glacial glare. "Focus on not burning the food."

Dominic wisely shut his mouth. Note to self: don't poke the bear.

"Nathaniel! Get up here for a drink!"

A voice called from the second-floor balcony. Nathaniel glanced up to see Jonathan waving at him. Beside him sat Harrison, Samuel, and—Evelyn's stomach twisted—Amelia. All of them watching.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Your fan club's waiting."