Chapter 500

A sudden tension gripped the air, silencing the entire room. Everyone sensed something peculiar in the way Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn, Samuel's secretary.

His expression shifted between conflict and something far more dangerous, sending shivers through those who noticed.

Beatrice Sterling caught Nathaniel's unusual focus too. It made no sense for him to stare so intently at a mere secretary.

'First he strings Amelia along, now this?' she thought bitterly. 'Typical man. Always wanting more. Though I can't blame his taste—Evelyn is striking enough to turn any head.'

Disgusted, Beatrice nearly signaled her staff to remove him when one of her attendants rushed over.

"Madam Sterling!" he whispered urgently. "The patriarch requests your immediate presence. He says it's critical."

Beatrice frowned. "Did he say why?"

"No, ma'am. Only that it couldn't wait."

With a curt nod to her guests, Beatrice followed the servant out.

The tension broke like a spell. Whispers erupted.

"Why is Mr. Grayson staring at that woman?"

"Do they know each other?"

"Amelia's right beside him, yet he hasn't glanced her way once!"

"What's happening?"

Amelia's smile tightened as the murmurs reached her. She tugged Nathaniel's sleeve coyly. "You must be exhausted from your trip. Would you like to rest?"

His eyes never left Evelyn. "No. I'm leaving."

Amelia's face faltered. "I'll come with you."

Samuel finally intervened. "You just arrived. Stay for a drink."

Gabrielle moved strategically to block Evelyn from view. "Dominic and Harrison are here too."

Nathaniel's expression remained icy. "Another time."

As he passed Evelyn, he paused abruptly. Their eyes met—his glacial, hers wary. Then he continued walking without a word.

Amelia hurried after him, secretly relieved he'd ignored Evelyn completely.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. She'd been foolish to worry. Their business concluded months ago—she meant nothing to him now. That brief panic when their eyes met? Just residual nerves.

The party resumed its rhythm. Gabrielle shot Evelyn a triumphant look before approaching Samuel with flushed cheeks. "Would you... care to dance?"

Samuel ignored the invitation. "Please escort Amelia home. It's late."