Chapter 407

That hand didn't belong to Christopher.

Sophia Bennett gasped. Her eyes lifted to meet Nathaniel Grayson's icy stare. His sudden, dominating presence made her instinctively step back.

"M-Mister Nathaniel!"

Nathaniel wordlessly opened the shopping bag, inspecting the clothes. The tags still attached confirmed they were new.

'These will have to do.'

Christopher flashed a smile. "Nathaniel, you made it."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "Where's my wife?"

"She's inside—completely soaked. I took her to the guest room to dry off before she catches a cold."

"Appreciate it." Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "Though next time, think twice before taking another man's wife into a private room. Your help creates more problems than it solves."

Christopher's smile faltered, then returned with a dry chuckle. "Had no choice. She looked like a drowned kitten wandering around. Besides, if you'd prioritized your wife over your so-called savior, I wouldn't have needed to intervene. Don't you agree?"

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. After a tense pause, he replied, "Our marriage isn't open for your commentary. You know nothing about what's really happening."

Christopher shrugged. "Fair enough. My bad for prying."

Without another word, Nathaniel slid off his luxury watch and handed it to Sophia.

"I'm short on cash. Consider this payment for the clothes. It's worth more, but if it's insufficient, visit Grayson Enterprises tomorrow. My assistant will compensate you further."

He turned sharply and headed for the guest room where Evelyn waited.

Sophia stared dumbfounded at the Rolex in her palm—a rare 100th Anniversary edition. Its value dwarfed the clothes she'd given Evelyn. This single timepiece exceeded what she'd earn in multiple lifetimes.

She clutched it nervously, turning to Christopher. "Mister Christopher, this watch... Mister Nathaniel—"

"Keep it," Christopher said distractedly. "Its value will appreciate. Sell it later if you prefer."

Sophia examined the watch, curiosity piqued. "That woman who fell in the pond... She's really Nathaniel Grayson's wife?"

"Indeed."

"But I heard he married some nobody. How does an ordinary woman command that level of devotion? He just traded a fortune for her dry clothes."

Christopher's lips curved knowingly. "Oh, she's anything but ordinary."

Sophia blinked in confusion. Something was off about Christopher today. His usual detached demeanor had given way to something far more unsettling—an almost predatory glint in his eyes.