Chapter 459

Nathaniel was right, but Samuel remained composed.

"We didn't file the paperwork in time, but we had a ceremony. In the eyes of the law, it was a real marriage."

"Samuel, I know you're concerned about your sister. I'll spend the rest of my life making up for what she sacrificed for me. But the one thing I can't give her is marriage—or your definition of happiness. I'm sorry."

With that, Nathaniel checked his watch. "Lunch is over. I have a meeting this afternoon, so I'll take my leave now."

He stood and walked away without hesitation, leaving no room for debate.

His cold indifference finally shattered Samuel's restraint. He slammed his hands on the table. "Nathaniel! Do you even have a heart?"

Just then, Amelia returned with the cake. She blinked in confusion at the sight of Nathaniel leaving and her brother's anger. "What's going on? Nathaniel, where are you going? I brought dessert!"

"No need. I have business to attend to." Nathaniel pocketed his hands, brushing past her without a glance. His long strides carried him out before she could protest.

"Nathaniel!" she called after him, but he didn't turn back.

Her shoulders slumped as she watched him disappear through the restaurant doors. Then she whirled on Samuel, eyes flashing with hurt. "What did you say to him? Why did he leave like that?"

Samuel forced his anger down, softening his tone for her sake. "It's nothing urgent. Just a company matter. Come, sit. Let's enjoy the cake."

How could he tell her the man she loved refused to marry her?

Amelia picked at her dessert, the sweetness turning to ash in her mouth. Then she remembered something. "Oh, Samuel—why was Evelyn in your office earlier? She was hiding behind your bookshelf like she was up to no good! I pretended not to see her."

Samuel didn't see a reason to lie. "She applied to be my secretary today."

Amelia's fork clattered onto her plate. "What? You hired her?"

Before Samuel could answer, his phone rang. Oliver's name flashed on the screen.

Samuel smirked, assuming the Almerian client had rejected their proposal and left. Losing such a lucrative deal was unfortunate, but not catastrophic.

He answered, but Oliver's excited voice cut him off. "Sir, it's done! Evelyn secured the deal! The Almerians are signing a ten-year contract with us tomorrow!"