Chapter 443

"So that means Samuel is my brother? How could we possibly share the same mother when he's so insufferable and cruel? This is—"

"Evelyn?" Jonathan signaled the waiter for a fresh fork before waving it playfully before her dazed eyes.

Evelyn blinked, snapping back to reality. Her brows furrowed as she studied him with grave intensity. "Jonathan, are you absolutely certain about what you just told me?"

"Positive! Remember when I mentioned meeting Vivian Sterling as a child? That's because she and my father were old friends. The three paintings in my gallery were gifts from her to my dad years ago."

A storm of emotions churned within Evelyn. 'If Vivian is Samuel's mother too, then I'm somehow tied to the Rivers family. Did they have something to do with my mother's disappearance?'

Noticing her troubled expression, Jonathan leaned forward. "Evelyn, may I ask why you're searching for Vivian Sterling?"

She remained silent, still processing the shocking revelation. Her thoughts were too tangled to reveal that Vivian was her missing mother.

When thirty seconds passed without response, Jonathan simply smiled. "It's alright. You don't have to share if you're not ready. But I have another question for you—may I?"

Evelyn's appetite had vanished. She sipped her lemon water. "Go ahead."

His gaze locked onto hers with startling intensity. "May I properly pursue you now?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her water before giving him an exasperated look. "Really, Jonathan? You came all the way to a Thssa gallery just to hit on me?"

All traces of humor vanished from his expression. "I'm completely serious, Evelyn. This isn't flirtation—I'm genuinely asking to court you with honorable intentions."

"Is there a difference?"

"Absolutely. Flirting is temporary amusement. Courting is done with marriage as the ultimate goal."

'Marriage? How laughable.' Evelyn's fingers tightened around her glass. 'Nathaniel said those same words once. Men are all alike—they chase women just to feed their own egos.'

"Before, you were technically Nathaniel's wife, and he's my friend. But now that you're both free..." Jonathan continued when she didn't respond. "There's nothing wrong with me expressing my feelings."

Evelyn speared a piece of duck. "I'm afraid the answer is no."

"Why?"

"I have neither the time nor inclination for romance. If you're looking for love, try someone else. With your looks, women probably line up for you."

He arched an eyebrow. "But I only want you."

As Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, he raised a hand. "Before you reject me completely, just promise you'll consider me if you ever change your mind. I'm willing to wait. All I ask is that when that day comes, you'll think of me first."

She stared at him incredulously. "Jonathan, what exactly do you see in me?"

His lips curved into that irresistible smile that probably melted hearts everywhere. "I can't explain it. I just know that I want you."