Chapter 123

Evelyn froze when she spotted that unmistakable silhouette from behind. Her breath caught in her throat.

Nathaniel Whitmore? Here?

Victoria Sinclair approached him with a bright smile. "Nate, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!"

Nathaniel stood surrounded by his usual entourage, his tailored navy suit accentuating his commanding presence. He barely acknowledged Victoria's greeting.

Then his gaze drifted past her - and locked onto Evelyn. His eyebrows drew together slightly.

Victoria quickly explained, "I'm renovating my penthouse, and Ms. Carter's design firm comes highly recommended."

"Though I certainly didn't expect her to personally handle such a trivial matter," she added with a dismissive wave.

Penelope Whitmore called out sharply, "Evelyn! Stop dawdling and help us choose!"

Evelyn squared her shoulders and approached, carefully avoiding Nathaniel's piercing stare.

Maintaining professional composure, she asked, "Ms. Sinclair, what specifications are you looking for in a mattress?"

Victoria turned to Nathaniel with a coy smile. "Nate darling, which collection would you recommend? Which one promises the most... comfort?"

Nathaniel gestured to the store manager beside him. "Show us your premium selections."

The manager launched into an enthusiastic spiel about various luxury mattress lines.

Meanwhile, Evelyn shivered. The mall's aggressive air conditioning made her feel lightheaded and nauseous.

After the presentation, Victoria fixed Evelyn with a challenging look. "Well, Ms. Carter? What's your professional opinion?"

Though she'd barely processed the manager's speech, Evelyn forced a polite smile. "Any of these would suit, depending on your personal preferences."

Victoria pressed, "But as our designer, surely you have a recommendation?"

Evelyn's hand moved almost involuntarily toward a display model. Suddenly, the room fell silent. She realized dozens of eyes had turned her way.

Blinking, Evelyn read the description of her chosen mattress: "King-sized latex waterbed, engineered for enhanced intimacy."

Heat flooded her cheeks. She'd accidentally pointed to the most provocative option in the store.

Victoria covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. "Nate, what do you think of Ms. Carter's... interesting choice?"

Penelope chimed in with false sweetness, "Evelyn certainly has unique taste. No wonder men find her so fascinating."

Victoria shot Penelope a warning look. "Let's keep this professional."

Penelope smirked. "Some people have no problem acting inappropriately but lack the courage to admit it."

Evelyn's patience snapped. "Ms. Sinclair, have you made a decision?" she asked through gritted teeth.

Penelope huffed. "Evelyn, are you trying to leave already? Is this the service your firm provides?"

Victoria added, "We haven't even discussed the feature wall yet."

Suddenly, black spots danced before Evelyn's eyes. She reached out blindly to steady herself - and grabbed someone's wrist.

As her vision cleared, she murmured, "Thank you."

"You look pale," came Nathaniel's deep voice.

Evelyn startled when she realized whose arm she'd seized. She tried to pull away, but Nathaniel tightened his grip.

"Sit down," he ordered.

Penelope whirled around. "Evelyn! Unhand him this instant!"

Victoria's expression darkened when she saw their connected hands.

Evelyn yanked her wrist free and met Nathaniel's gaze coolly. "I'm fine. This is part of my job."