Chapter 49
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. "Then why would you give such a valuable item to someone else so casually? Once it's gifted, it's hers to do with as she pleases."
Evelyn's expression twisted in discomfort.
Benjamin still took Gabrielle's side. "Nathaniel, that woman is—"
He stopped mid-sentence when Nathaniel shot him a chilling glare.
"And you," Nathaniel warned, voice low and dangerous. "If I ever hear you speak ill of my wife again, don’t bother calling me next time."
Wife? Nathaniel just called Evelyn his wife?! Benjamin was stunned into silence.
With that, Nathaniel turned and strode out of the restaurant.
Benjamin clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. "If Evelyn is your wife, then what about my sister?"
Nathaniel paused but didn’t respond. Instead, he quickened his pace to catch up with Evelyn.
Sophia finally snapped out of her daze and hurried after them. "Uncle Nathaniel! Evelyn! Wait for me!"
Gabrielle and Benjamin exchanged grim looks.
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder. Benjamin scowled and snapped, "What are you all staring at? Mind your own business!"
Sophia was sent home first. Without her chatter, the car fell into an uneasy silence.
Evelyn rolled down the window, letting the cool night air brush against her skin.
"That watch was worth a hundred and fifty thousand dors," Nathaniel remarked, breaking the quiet.
Evelyn scoffed. "My reputation is priceless."
A smirk tugged at his lips. "So now I owe you?"
She turned to him, eyes wide. "Tell me, did you actually think I stole Gabrielle’s watch?"
He studied her, gaze sharp. "Does it matter what I thought?"
She frowned. "Even if this marriage is fake, we’re still partners. The least we can do is trust each other. Otherwise, this arrangement won’t work."
Nathaniel nodded, an amused glint in his eyes. "Fair point. But for the record, I never doubted you today."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled with skepticism.
He reached out, tucking a wind-tousled strand of hair behind her ear. "If you wanted money, you could’ve taken anything from the house. No need to steal from others."
Evelyn smirked. "What if I decide to empty your vaults?"
Unlike his usual cold demeanor, his expression softened. "The things at home are outdated anyway. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll have it delivered."
Right. He did promise me anything—except love—for these three months. He’s serious about that.
She sighed. "All I want is for these three months to be over."
His gaze darkened, irritation flickering across his face. "My apologies for the inconvenience of being stuck with me."
She pursed her lips. "It’s too much drama. The wealthy have too many problems, and I don’t want any part of it."
Nathaniel studied her troubled expression, an odd pang forming in his chest. Does she really despise my world that much?
Ding!
Evelyn’s phone buzzed. She pulled it out to find a message from an unknown number.
[If you don’t want your relationship with Mister Nathaniel exposed, meet me at the café near Starry Bridge tomorrow at 3 p.m.]
Attached was a photo of her and Nathaniel sitting together in the restaurant, taken from outside.
Evelyn’s brows furrowed. Who sent this?