Chapter 450

Evelyn's breath hitched. 'If I step out now, I'll run straight into Amelia and Nathaniel! What the hell am I supposed to do?'

Samuel observed Evelyn's panicked expression with amusement. 'She's far more entertaining like this than when she's putting on that icy facade,' he mused. With a mocking smirk, he drawled, "Well, well. The unshakable Evelyn Whitmore actually knows how to panic."

Evelyn shot him a glare. She had zero patience for Samuel's taunts right now. 'Damn it! Of all the scenarios I prepared for, this wasn't one of them.'

She'd been banking on the long-standing feud between the Graysons and Rivers families. That animosity had always ensured Nathaniel would never set foot in this building. The tension between Nathaniel and Samuel whenever they occupied the same space had been palpable.

'One month away and suddenly they're all buddy-buddy? Did the family elders finally bury the hatchet?' Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. 'That would explain the sudden engagement announcement.'

Samuel's eyes narrowed. Without sparing a thought for Evelyn's predicament, he ordered Oliver, "Let them in."

"Yes, Mr. Samuel."

'Shit!' Evelyn's eyes darted around the office as the door began to creak open. Anywhere but here. She couldn't face Nathaniel now—not like this.

Before Samuel could object, she bolted behind the massive bookshelf flanking his desk. Only when fully concealed did she allow herself a shaky exhale.

Amelia's melodic voice filled the room moments later. "Samuel, you sounded so urgent on the phone. Is everything alright?"

Her tone was sweet as honey, dripping with innocent concern.

Samuel's entire demeanor softened—a stark contrast to his earlier sarcasm. "Just missed my baby sister. You've been spending every waking moment with Nathaniel lately. Starting to think you've forgotten you have brothers."

A playful pout colored his words, though a thread of genuine jealousy ran beneath them.

Amelia giggled, rounding the desk to perch on Samuel's lap. "That's not true! I come home every night."

"At midnight," Samuel countered, wrapping protective arms around her. "You leave before sunrise and don't return until the stars are out. Might as well be living elsewhere."

Amelia buried her face in his shoulder. "I've just been... preoccupied."

"Preoccupied with your fiancé, you mean." Samuel ruffled her hair before lifting his gaze to the silent observer by the door. "Nathaniel. Thanks for bringing her."

Nathaniel inclined his head slightly, hands tucked casually in his tailored slacks. "No trouble."

The sound of his voice sent a physical jolt through Evelyn. A month without hearing that deep timbre, and now it wrapped around her like a vice. Her chest constricted painfully.

Through the reflection on his computer monitor, Samuel caught sight of Evelyn's hiding spot. A wicked grin curled his lips.

"Nathaniel, since you're here—let's discuss your engagement to Amelia. Got time for that now?"