Chapter 440

Jonathan's dark eyes twinkled with mischief as he flashed Evelyn a charming smile.

Evelyn's brows knitted together the moment she recognized him. "What are you doing here?"

Dressed in an impeccably fitted espresso-colored suit, Jonathan exuded aristocratic charm with a playful edge. "I heard two Vivian Sterling paintings were being exhibited," he said, leaning casually against the display case. "Thought I'd test my luck."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Bad timing. I just purchased both pieces."

Undeterred, Jonathan closed the distance between them, his grin widening. "On the contrary, my luck's holding strong. I came hoping to see you, and here you are."

Her lips twitched in irritation. 'Still the same incorrigible flirt.'

Their last encounter replayed in her mind - how he'd refused to sell her the three Vivian Sterling paintings from his gallery, teasing her relentlessly until Nathaniel intervened. Of course Jonathan knew about her obsession with the artist's work.

Something else nagged at her - his long-standing friendship with Nathaniel made her suspicious. "You came specifically to see me? Why?"

Jonathan's gaze turned serious. "We need to talk."

"About?"

"How about lunch after the exhibition?" His voice softened. "It's been too long. We could catch up."

Evelyn remained unmoved. "Not interested. Say what you need to now or save it for never."

The hurt flickering across his face was genuine. "Evelyn, we're friends, aren't we?"

She recalled how he'd helped her after her pond incident, how she'd reluctantly agreed to friendship. "Technically."

"Is this how you treat all your friends?"

"Cut the games, Jonathan." Her patience wore thin. "Get to the point."

With a resigned sigh, he lowered his voice. "You're always so guarded around me. I only want to help."

"Help with what?"

He stepped closer, his intense gaze searching her face. "I don't know why, but I can tell you're searching for Vivian Sterling." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I might be able to assist with that."

Evelyn's posture stiffened. "You know where she is?"

Jonathan's mysterious smile returned as he deliberately avoided answering. "Now about that lunch invitation..."