Chapter 398

Nathaniel glanced up at the balcony crowd before draping his arm around Evelyn's shoulders to guide her upstairs.

Evelyn planted her feet firmly. "I'm staying right here for those wings. No interest in mingling with your fancy friends."

He didn't push, just ruffled her hair affectionately. "Fine. Enjoy your snack. I'll make quick rounds upstairs then come straight back."

She gave a thumbs-up and took a satisfying bite of the perfectly grilled skewer he'd handed her.

As Nathaniel disappeared inside, Dominic passed Evelyn a plate piled high with barbecue wings, his smirk knowing. "Impressive how you've tamed the legendary Nathaniel Grayson into such an obedient puppy."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You're the weird one here. Throwing your own birthday party just to play chef for everyone. Don't you ever get tired of being a martyr?"

Dominic froze mid-motion, his striking eyes locking onto hers with sudden intensity.

"Everyone else just cares about the food. You're the first to ask if I'm okay." His voice dropped dramatically. "I'm genuinely touched."

He abruptly dropped his tongs and moved to embrace her. Evelyn sidestepped just in time, nose wrinkling in disgust.

Undeterred by the failed hug, Dominic's grin widened. "You're absolutely right! Those ungrateful leeches are stuffing their faces while I slave away. Be a darling and watch the grill? Just need a quick bathroom break."

Evelyn saw right through his escape plan but agreed anyway—small price to avoid awkward socializing inside. She took over grill duties, meticulously basting the sizzling wings.

'If those social butterflies stay occupied,' she mused, 'maybe I'll get to keep all these perfectly crisped wings to myself.'

"Evelyn!"

The sudden voice made her jump. Benjamin stood across the grill, his usual haughty expression firmly in place—that perpetual look like she'd personally offended his ancestors.

She raised an eyebrow. "Finished your homework before coming to play, kiddo?"

His frown deepened at the patronizing tone. "It's all done!"

"Good for you. Run along then." She turned her attention back to the grill.

Benjamin lingered awkwardly, opening and closing his mouth several times before blurting out, "About last time... My brother's usually reasonable. He just... loses it when someone mentions Luna."

Evelyn took a deliberate bite of chicken. "Fascinating."

"Are you... still mad at me?" His voice held uncharacteristic vulnerability.

She shrugged. "Why would I be?"