Chapter 44

Nathaniel stepped out of the car with Evelyn at his side, his polished shoes clicking against the pavement outside the bustling Asian eatery.

Lucas remained by the vehicle, his jaw slack as he watched his usually refined boss enter the chaotic restaurant without hesitation.

When Evelyn had casually mentioned craving Asian cuisine earlier, Lucas had only made the call to Nathaniel out of obligation. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Nathaniel would cancel their reservation at the exclusive French bistro for this.

The spicy aromas hit them immediately upon entering. Evelyn claimed a window seat, scanning the laminated menu with practiced ease. "Can you handle spicy food?" she asked without looking up.

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "I can."

Evelyn marked two fiery soups on the order sheet. The cramped space buzzed with activity, neighboring conversations carrying clearly over the sizzle of woks.

"Oh my God, look at him!"

"Who wears a three-piece suit to a noodle shop?"

"Do you think that's his daughter?"

"More like his mistress - look at that age difference!"

Nathaniel's presence was absurdly out of place - a marble statue in a street market. His sharp gaze swept the noisy dining area. "Don't they have private rooms?"

Evelyn's lips curved. "That defeats the whole point. Real Asian food needs this atmosphere." She pushed the menu toward him. "Your turn, Mr. Grayson."

He barely glanced at it before handing it to the starstruck waitress. "Mineral water. Chilled."

The young server nearly dropped her notepad, flushing scarlet when Nathaniel's icy stare snapped her back to reality. She scurried away without another word.

Evelyn pulled out her phone, content to play games rather than force awkward conversation. The silence between them felt more comfortable than any small talk could.

A sharp rap on the window startled them both.

Sophia Bennett's wide eyes peered through the glass, her palms pressed against it in disbelief. Behind her stood two familiar figures - the elegant woman from Twilight's Snow Room, and the online "friend" who'd tripped Evelyn days before.

Sophia burst into the restaurant like a hurricane. "Uncle Nate! I thought my eyes were playing tricks! Since when do you eat at places like this?"

Nathaniel's expression remained impassive as he gestured toward Evelyn. "Her choice."

That simple phrase sent visible shockwaves through Sophia's companions. The implications hung heavy in the air - since when did Nathaniel Grayson change his plans for anyone?