Chapter 160

"A dare to make a random call?" Nathaniel growled, loosening his tie with an irritated jerk.

He'd canceled multimillion-dollar meetings to rush here, genuinely concerned about Evelyn, only to discover...

It was just some childish truth or dare game.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched in fury.

"Evelyn Carter, you've truly surpassed yourself this time. Next time you're dying, do me a favor - don't call!" He spun on his heel, storming back toward his Bentley.

Evelyn bit her lip, hesitating to mention her unsettling encounter with Reginald at the villa. She could already picture Nathaniel's mocking smirk if she tried explaining.

Just then, a sleek black Mercedes pulled out of the gated community.

The tinted window rolled down, revealing Reginald's cold stare locking onto hers.

Ice flooded Evelyn's veins.

She sprinted to Nathaniel just as he reached for the car door, throwing her arms around his waist in a dramatic embrace. "Sweetheart, don't be angry," she cooed.

Nathaniel froze, glancing down at her with narrowed eyes. "What game are you playing now?"

Evelyn forced a giggle. "Just teasing you earlier. Let's talk in the car, hm?"

Leaning against the door, Nathaniel tilted her chin up. "Explain. Now."

Her eyes darted to Reginald's idling car. Desperate, she gave Nathaniel's backside a playful smack. "Not here. The car."

Nathaniel's entire body stiffened, shock flashing across his aristocratic features. Before he could react, Evelyn shoved him inside, his forehead thumping against the window.

"Evelyn!" he snarled through gritted teeth. "Have you lost your damn mind?"

Ignoring him, she dove into the car, slamming the door. Pressing against the window, she watched Reginald's car finally drive away.

Only then did she exhale in relief. Had the act worked?

Turning, she met Nathaniel's stormy gaze - equal parts fury and disbelief.

Clearing her throat, she smoothed her dress. "Could you drop me off on your way back to the office?"

With a violent tug, Nathaniel ripped off his tie. "A ride? Why don't you grow wings and fly? Evelyn, you're the most shameless woman I've ever met!"

"Well, now you have," she shot back.

Nathaniel kicked the front seat. "Out! Both of you!"

Robert and Frederick immediately exited.

Evelyn scrambled for the door, but Nathaniel yanked her back by the collar, slamming her against the leather seats.

Blinking innocently, she whispered, "You're busy. I'll just take a cab-"

"You think you can play me and walk away? Where do you get that arrogance?"

"It's called confidence. Believe it or not."

Nathaniel gripped her chin. "Enough games, Evelyn. Just because Grandmother favors you doesn't mean I won't put you in your place."

A cold sweat broke down Evelyn's spine. "I'm sorry!"

His grip tightened. "If apologies fixed everything, we wouldn't need prisons."

"Then what do you want? I touched your butt - feel free to touch mine!"

Silence swallowed the car.