Chapter 301

Evelyn never imagined she would run into Nathaniel here. Fate had a cruel sense of humor when it came to her.

Of course, Jonathan noticed him too. His eyes brightened the moment he recognized Nathaniel—the man engaged to Victoria Sinclair, heiress of the Sinclair dynasty.

The air grew thick with tension as they stood facing each other outside the restaurant.

Evelyn immediately looked away.

"Mrs. Reeves, let's head to our private dining area," she suggested quickly.

But Jonathan stepped forward, approaching Nathaniel with an eager smile.

"Mr. Whitmore, what a pleasant surprise! Are you dining here as well?"

Evelyn's pulse stuttered. Since when had Jonathan become so chummy with Nathaniel?

She dared a glance at Nathaniel, who looked as effortlessly striking as ever. When their eyes met, he gave her a detached nod and said nothing.

Meanwhile, Jonathan was practically vibrating with excitement. Getting close to Nathaniel Whitmore—a member of the most powerful family in the city—could open doors for him. Any scrap of opportunity Nathaniel tossed his way could skyrocket his career.

Standing next to Nathaniel, Jonathan looked painfully out of his depth—like a boy playing dress-up beside a king.

Evelyn wanted to disappear. This entire situation was mortifying.

Then, to her horror, Judith joined the conversation. She sidled up to Nathaniel and chirped, "Jonathan, is this your friend? Why don’t we all dine together? It’s such a lovely coincidence!"

Evelyn stiffened. There was no way Nathaniel would agree. He was notoriously private, borderline reclusive when it came to meals.

Jonathan seemed to realize how inappropriate his mother’s suggestion was. He rushed to intervene. "Mom, Mr. Whitmore is a very busy man. I’m sure he doesn’t have time—"

Evelyn nodded internally. Exactly what she’d been thinking.

Then Nathaniel spoke.

"Sure."

Evelyn’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Had she heard that right?

Jonathan looked just as stunned. This was the last thing he’d expected.

Evelyn’s mind raced. Was the world ending? Had Nathaniel lost his mind?

She seriously considered bolting.

But Judith was already beckoning her over.

"Evelyn, don’t just stand there! Come join us!"

Evelyn hesitated. She really didn’t want to.

Judith looped an arm through hers and whispered, "Don’t be shy, dear. It’s just dinner among friends. Mr. Whitmore is Jonathan’s acquaintance, after all. It’ll be fine!"

Evelyn had no choice but to let herself be dragged along, dread pooling in her stomach.

Jonathan tried to reassure her. "You know Mr. Whitmore too, don’t you, Evelyn? No need to be nervous."

Judith’s eyes sharpened with curiosity. "Oh? You two are acquainted? How do you know each other?"

Evelyn panicked. How was she supposed to answer that?

She glanced at Nathaniel, who simply said, "We have an… unconventional relationship."

Her breath caught. She quickly added, "Yes, very unconventional. We’re actually relatives."

Judith’s eyes gleamed. "Relatives? So he’s your…?"