Chapter 71

Evelyn halted mid-step when she heard her name being called. She turned to see a breathless young man jogging toward her.

Julian Hartwell, a senior from the literature department, stood before her with flushed cheeks. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to catch his breath.

"What is it, Julian?" Evelyn tilted her head, her dark curls bouncing with the movement.

The bashful upperclassman rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Congratulations on graduating, Evelyn!" His smile was as bright as the afternoon sun streaming through the corridor windows.

"Thank you." Her lips curved in response.

Julian's gaze flickered to the imposing figure beside Evelyn. "And this gentleman is...?"

"My uncle!" Evelyn declared without missing a beat.

Nathaniel Grayson's jaw tightened imperceptibly at the designation.

Upon learning Nathaniel's familial relation, Julian executed a perfect ninety-degree bow. "Pleasure to meet you, sir!"

Nathaniel's icy stare swept over the boy before dismissing him entirely.

Undeterred, Julian turned back to Evelyn with pink-tinged ears. "Could we speak privately for a moment?"

"Wait here, Uncle." Evelyn followed Julian to a quiet alcove near the stairwell.

From his vantage point, Nathaniel observed the exchange with narrowed eyes. The boy removed his second jacket button mid-conversation and pressed it into Evelyn's palm. She examined the offering before smiling.

Lucas Sinclair, ever attuned to his employer's unspoken questions, supplied the explanation without prompting. "In certain cultures, the second button represents one's heart. That young man is essentially declaring his affection."

Nathaniel's expression darkened as Evelyn accepted the sentimental token. Fragments of past conversations resurfaced - her admitted preference for sweet, submissive boys who'd call her 'mommy'. This gangly literature student fit the description alarmingly well.

"Do all university students engage in such juvenile displays?" Nathaniel's voice carried an edge.

Lucas cleared his throat. "With all due respect, sir, they're consenting adults. This hardly qualifies as puppy love."

Nathaniel lit a cigarette, watching through the haze as Evelyn reached up to ruffle Julian's hair. Though he couldn't hear their words, her amused expression spoke volumes. The boy flushed crimson under her attention, despite their near-equal height.

After taking a long drag, Nathaniel stubbed out the half-finished cigarette with unnecessary force.

The car ride commenced in heavy silence. Evelyn busied herself with responding to Sebastian's messages, fingers flying across her phone screen.

Just as the vehicle began moving, Abigail Grayson materialized beside the car, rapping sharply on the window. She slid into the backseat without waiting for invitation. "Nathaniel! Evelyn! Mind if I hitch a ride?"

Nathaniel's glacial gaze met his sister's. "Skipping classes now?"

Abigail shrank back. "No! I have no afternoon lectures—"

A curt nod from Nathaniel sent the car rolling forward.

To everyone's surprise, Abigail scooted closer to Evelyn with uncharacteristic warmth. "I had no idea you attended New Capital University! Why haven't I seen you around campus?"

Evelyn studied the sudden shift in Abigail's demeanor. "I completed most requirements through internships."

"Fascinating!" Abigail's smile didn't reach her eyes.