Chapter 494

Nathaniel froze mid-step, pivoting sharply toward the voice. Evelyn emerged from the sea of spectators, weaving through the crowd with effortless grace.

She stopped beside him, tilting her head. "Do you need something, Mr. Grayson?"

Amelia, Gabrielle, and Sophia stood shell-shocked. Their expressions mirrored pure disbelief at Evelyn's sudden appearance outside the room.

Nathaniel's gaze burned into her. "Where were you?"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "Nowhere special. I waited downstairs for your return. When I noticed everyone rushing upstairs, I followed to investigate." She paused, lips curving. "Imagine my surprise when I heard you calling my name. Why would you look for me here, of all places?"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched. How could he admit he'd suspected her of sneaking around with another man?

Gabrielle's nails dug into her palms as she stepped forward. "Stop playing dumb! I saw you enter this room with Julian! You must've slipped out during the commotion!"

Evelyn's brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "Julian who?"

Gabrielle's face flushed crimson. "Still pretending?"

Evelyn sighed, turning wounded eyes toward Nathaniel. "Mr. Grayson, perhaps you shouldn't bring your secretary to social events anymore. It seems I've become a target for jealous admirers." Her gaze flicked to Gabrielle. "Though I must say, Miss Winslow, your obsession is becoming... concerning."

Gabrielle spluttered. "That's not—Nathaniel, don't listen to her! She was definitely here with Julian!"

Nathaniel shot Gabrielle a withering look. Her constant meddling had caused enough problems over the years. This entire fiasco likely stemmed from her petty jealousy.

Evelyn scanned the crowd. "Would the real Mr. Blackwood please stand up?"

Julian staggered to his feet, disoriented. "Uh... that's me."

Evelyn offered a polite smile. "Hello. Have we met?"

Julian's mind raced. Admitting he'd nearly assaulted Nathaniel's secretary would be suicide. "Never seen you before in my life."

"Exactly." Evelyn turned back to Gabrielle. "Satisfied?"

Julian seized the opportunity, puffing out his chest. "Nathaniel, I just had too much to drink! Came up here to freshen up, and suddenly people are barging in—"

Nathaniel's expression turned glacial. "Get dressed. Leave."

Julian forced a laugh. "Cousin, is that any way to—"

"Walk out now," Nathaniel's voice dropped dangerously, "or I'll have security remove you."

Julian scrambled to button his shirt, grabbing his jacket. "Leaving! Already gone!"

As the crowd dispersed, Evelyn caught Nathaniel's sleeve. "Shall we return to the party?" Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Unless you have more... accusations to make?"