Chapter 499

Nathaniel was mere inches from colliding with Evelyn when he effortlessly sidestepped her, continuing his path without breaking stride.

Evelyn's body tensed momentarily, her expression freezing.

"It's late, Sophia. Why aren't you home? Who authorized you to be here?" His deep voice carried an unmistakable reprimand as he addressed someone behind Evelyn.

Evelyn turned to see Sophia Bennett standing awkwardly among the gathered crowd. The young woman crossed her arms defiantly. "I was just socializing after work! It's not like I committed a crime!"

Sophia pouted at Nathaniel before sneaking a quick wave and mischievous grin at Evelyn.

Realization dawned on Evelyn - Nathaniel had come for Sophia, not her. 'He didn't even react to Amelia earlier. This couldn't have worked out better.'

Amelia Rivers chose that moment to brush past Evelyn, moving close to Nathaniel's side. "When did you arrive, Sophia?" she asked warmly. "I didn't see you earlier."

Sophia's nose wrinkled slightly as she gave Amelia a dismissive look. "I've been here awhile. Dancing downstairs with friends until I heard about the commotion up here. Didn't expect to run into Aunt—"

Nathaniel's glacial stare cut her off mid-sentence. Though his expression remained neutral, the dangerous undercurrent in his gaze made Sophia swallow hard.

"Go home," Nathaniel commanded sternly. "Lucas is waiting at the entrance."

Sophia huffed but knew better than to disobey. "Fine! I'm going!" she muttered, cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being scolded like a child in public.

As she passed Evelyn, Sophia rolled her eyes dramatically and stuck out her tongue in a playful gesture that made Evelyn's lips twitch with suppressed amusement. Some things never changed.

Once Sophia departed, Amelia sighed. "Don't you think you're too hard on her? She could have stayed longer. My driver could have taken her home later."

"She's uncontrollable when she's in one of her moods," Nathaniel replied dismissively.

Amelia smiled gently. "She reminds me of Benjamin - stubborn but good-hearted."

Nathaniel ignored her completely, his intense gaze locking onto Evelyn instead. The weight of his attention made Evelyn's pulse quicken despite her composed exterior. Every instinct screamed at her to escape the suffocating tension.