Chapter 48

"Does Nathaniel think I stole the watch too, just like Benjamin and the others?" Evelyn wondered.

The realization hit her - theirs wasn't a real marriage. Trust had never been part of their arrangement. Though slightly disappointed, she quickly brushed it off.

She shook her head calmly. "I didn't take it."

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "Fine. Let's go." The restaurant's overpowering food smells were making him uncomfortable.

Benjamin looked shocked. "You're just leaving?" He blocked their path angrily. "She was caught red-handed!"

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "The watch isn't missing. What more do you want?"

"But she's a thief!" Benjamin insisted. "How can you keep someone like that around?"

Nathaniel's displeasure became visible.

Benjamin stiffened, suddenly fearful despite his righteous stance. He pointed at Evelyn. "It's...her..."

Nathaniel's expression turned dangerous. "Say that again."

Gabrielle intervened gently. "Benjamin, let it go. I'm embarrassed this watch caused so much trouble." She took the watch from Benjamin and approached Evelyn. "If you like it, I'll give it to you."

She clasped the watch around Evelyn's wrist with a bright smile. "Consider this a gift to remember our first meeting."

Benjamin scowled. "Gabrielle!"

She gave him a patient look. "I believe Evelyn didn't mean to take it."

"You're too kind," Benjamin muttered.

Evelyn examined the feminine watch with its diamond-studded dial. She smiled delightedly, tracing the gems. "Are you sure? Didn't you say this was your grandfather's last gift?"

Gabrielle smiled indulgently, assuming Evelyn had never owned anything valuable. "Of course! Though it's precious to me, I'm happy to give it to you. This can symbolize our new friendship."

Evelyn chuckled. "Then I'll accept your gift."

Benjamin sneered. "You're actually taking it?"

Evelyn ignored him. She waved her wrist at Nathaniel. "Darling, would you buy me this watch if I wanted it?"

Nathaniel's eyebrows rose at the endearment. "Certainly."

"Perfect!" Evelyn nodded. Then she carefully removed the watch...and dropped it into their unfinished soup.

Gasps filled the room. That watch cost a fortune!

Gabrielle shrieked. "My watch!"

Benjamin roared. "Evelyn! What the hell?"

Calmly, Evelyn wiped her wrist and fingers with tissues as if removing something filthy. She tossed them aside. "Darling, no need to buy me one. Just reimburse Miss Winslow."

Without waiting, she strode out.

Gabrielle's mask slipped. "Nathaniel! How could she?"

Nathaniel watched Evelyn's dramatic exit with amusement before turning cold eyes on Gabrielle. "She's impulsive. Tell Lucas the watch's value - I'll transfer ten times the amount."

Gabrielle looked wounded. "We've known each other for years! You know I don't care about money! That watch held sentimental value. Wasn't Evelyn completely out of line?"