Chapter 442

A month had passed since Evelyn left Nathaniel's life. During that time, hardly anyone dared to mention his name in her presence.

Seraphina and Sebastian must have discussed it privately and agreed to keep all mentions of Nathaniel away from her. They even went out of their way to avoid discussing any business dealings with the Grayson Group.

Evelyn told herself it shouldn’t matter. Nathaniel was nothing but a stranger to her now. Yet, despite that, a bitter taste still rose in her throat whenever his name was spoken.

She smirked, swirling the lemon water in her glass. "Kind Sir, do me a favor and never bring up that man’s name while I’m eating. It ruins my appetite."

Jonathan blinked, then chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Consider it done."

She hadn’t answered his question directly, but her reaction spoke volumes—she wanted nothing more to do with Nathaniel Grayson.

Evelyn took a long sip of the lemon water, savoring its crisp tang. Then, she set the glass down with a decisive clink. Time to get to the point.

"You mentioned earlier that you might be able to help me find Vivian Sterling. How exactly do you plan to do that?"

Jonathan poured himself a glass, taking his time before answering. "I don’t plan to help you find her."

The spark in Evelyn’s eyes dimmed instantly. Her brows furrowed. "Are you joking?"

He smirked. "Let me guess—you’re tempted to walk out right now."

She rolled her eyes. "Since I’m already here, I might as well finish my meal. But don’t ever trick me like this again. I don’t appreciate it."

Jonathan studied her, impressed. Most people would’ve stormed off in anger, but Evelyn knew how to hold her ground without making things awkward.

He liked that about her.

Deciding not to push her further, he leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "Evelyn, I didn’t trick you. I can’t help you find Vivian Sterling, but I can give you a crucial lead."

Her eyes sharpened. "What is it?"

"You don’t need to go through Raphael Devereaux to find her. There’s someone else who might be more useful."

"Who?"

"Samuel Rivers."

Evelyn’s grip on her fork tightened. Samuel Rivers? That arrogant, overprotective brother of Amelia?

Her frown deepened. "Why him? What does he have to do with Vivian Sterling?"

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, placing the dishes between them before discreetly stepping away.

Jonathan served a portion onto Evelyn’s plate before continuing. "From what I know, Vivian Sterling was the pseudonym Samuel’s mother used for her paintings. His estate holds many of her unpublished works—including some of her most famous pieces."

Evelyn’s breath caught.

Her fork slipped from her fingers, clattering against the plate.

Vivian Sterling… was Samuel’s mother?

That meant—

Samuel was her son?