Chapter 498

Nathaniel Grayson's unexpected arrival sent shockwaves through the gathering. The murmurs began instantly.

"Is that really Nathaniel Grayson at the Rivers' party?"

"He must have come for Miss Amelia! How romantic that he's willing to cross family lines for love!"

"Looks like the Rivers and Graysons might finally be ending their feud!"

"I heard he defied his entire family to propose to Miss Amelia!"

"Ugh, she's so lucky! First a doting brother, now this gorgeous billionaire fiancé?"

The whispers grew louder as Nathaniel lowered his gaze to meet Amelia's expectant eyes.

"Yes."

That single word carried volumes. His deep voice resonated with quiet confidence, making their connection seem far more intimate than anyone imagined.

It spoke of a relationship where words weren't necessary - where two people understood each other perfectly.

Samuel Rivers' eyes narrowed dangerously at the sight of his sister standing so close to Nathaniel. He hadn't anticipated this intrusion.

Instinctively, his gaze flicked to Evelyn Whitmore, searching for any reaction.

Evelyn remained impassive, her expression unreadable.

But Beatrice Sterling wasn't so restrained. She shot Nathaniel an icy glare before turning her disapproving stare toward her lovestruck niece.

Her designer heels clicked sharply as she approached. "I don't recall extending you an invitation, Mr. Grayson. Is crashing parties standard behavior for your family?"

Nathaniel's frosty gaze remained fixed on one person across the room. After a long moment, he finally acknowledged Beatrice. "My apologies. I'm here to find someone."

Beatrice arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "Who exactly could you be searching for at my birthday celebration?"

"A woman."

Beatrice couldn't care less about Nathaniel's mysterious quarry. Her rules had been broken, and that was unacceptable.

"Not only do you arrive uninvited, but you dare bring a female companion? Have you no respect for protocol?"

Nathaniel's lips thinned as he prepared to respond.

Amelia quickly intervened with a bright smile. "Aunt Beatrice, Nathaniel came to see me! I'm his companion for the evening!"

Beatrice's disgust deepened at her niece's pathetic eagerness. Though she shot Amelia a withering look, she held her tongue.

Nathaniel ignored Amelia completely. Instead, he moved purposefully through the crowd in a straight line toward one particular woman.

Evelyn's breath caught. 'Not again. Why can't he just leave me alone?'

She braced herself, determined to maintain her composure no matter what Nathaniel did next.

His intense gaze never wavered as he closed the distance between them, his focus absolute.