Chapter 485
Samuel couldn't quite explain what was happening to him. He found himself worrying about Evelyn, the woman he'd always disliked.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, convincing himself it was just exhaustion from work playing tricks on his mind.
The car soon arrived at Silver Moon Estate. After parking, Evelyn followed Samuel out and stepped into the grand manor.
A few steps in, Samuel suddenly halted. He glanced at Evelyn from the corner of his eye, his tone indifferent. "Are you cold?"
It was early winter, and the night air had turned sharp.
Evelyn's bare arms were flushed from the chill, but she shrugged. "I'm fine."
Samuel studied her for a moment before turning away. "Oliver, bring the jacket Amelia bought me last week. Let Miss Whitmore wear it."
Oliver blinked in surprise but obeyed without question.
Evelyn stiffened slightly as the jacket settled over her shoulders. "Thank you for your concern, Mister Rivers."
Samuel's reply was icy. "Don't read into it. I just don’t want you getting sick and spreading it at work tomorrow."
A faint smile touched Evelyn’s lips. "I wasn’t. But regardless of your reasons, I should still thank you for the gesture."
Samuel gave her a dismissive glance and strode ahead, leaving Evelyn to follow in silence.
Silver Moon Estate was the Rivers family’s domain, and their presence alone granted them entry. However, guests were only permitted into the banquet hall after signing in with their partners at the reception. Solo attendees, no matter their status, were turned away—a long-standing rule for Beatrice Sterling’s birthday celebrations.
As her nephew, Samuel couldn’t skip the event without causing offense. Every year, he brought a partner purely for formality’s sake.
His arrival stirred whispers in the hall.
Samuel rarely attended social gatherings, making his appearance tonight a rarity. Only someone of Beatrice’s standing could draw him out.
"Look, Mister Rivers is here with his date!"
"Who is she? I’ve never seen her before."
"She’s stunning. And she’s wearing his jacket—there must be something between them."
"Not surprising. He’s at that age. Bringing his girlfriend to his aunt’s party makes sense."
"I remember Gabrielle Winslow used to be his plus-one every year."
"That was only because she’s close to Amelia. Now that he has someone else, of course he’s moved on."
"Exactly. He was never interested in Gabrielle anyway."
Ignoring the chatter, Samuel scanned the room before speaking flatly to Evelyn. "Find a seat. I need to greet my family."
"Of course, Mister Rivers," Evelyn replied politely. She assumed he didn’t want unnecessary rumors by introducing her to his relatives.
After a few steps, Samuel paused and glanced back at her.
What exactly was bothering him?