Chapter 305

Evelyn remained frozen in place, her gaze darting between the two men flanking her. Nathaniel gripped one of her hands firmly, while Jonathan clung to the other.

She exhaled sharply, irritation lacing her voice. "Would you both mind letting go?"

Neither relented. Nathaniel's eyes darkened as he glared at Jonathan. "What gives you the right to hold her hand?"

Jonathan immediately released her, scrambling to pour a glass of warm water instead.

"Evelyn, drink this. It'll help settle your stomach."

"Thanks."

Before she could take it, she glanced pointedly at Nathaniel's hand—still wrapped around hers.

"Nathaniel, I don't need assistance anymore."

Her meaning was clear: Let go.

With obvious reluctance, he released her, shooting Jonathan a venomous look. Annoyance simmered beneath his composed exterior.

Wasn't Evelyn involved with Julian? So why was she here with Jonathan, meeting his mother?

Meanwhile, the warm water did little to ease Evelyn's nausea. After a few sips, she spun around and bolted for the restroom.

This was entirely Judith's fault. The drink beside her had looked like a harmless fruit cocktail—not straight vodka.

After emptying her stomach, she finally felt somewhat human again. Wiping her mouth, she stepped out into the hallway. A cold draft hit her, making her vision swim. Her legs wobbled dangerously.

"Careful."

A strong hand caught her arm, steadying her.

Dizziness overwhelmed her. Vodka was far more potent than she'd anticipated. Weak-limbed, she tilted her head up to meet Nathaniel's piercing gaze.

"Happy now?"

Had he enjoyed forcing her to drink and apologize?

Nathaniel studied her flushed cheeks and glassy eyes.

Adorable, even in this state.

He shrugged. "Just testing Jonathan for you. Pathetic how quickly he folded when I insisted you drink."

Evelyn's jaw clenched.

"You're unbelievable! I bet you're thrilled I had to drink and thank you!"

His lips curved slightly. "Not entirely inaccurate."

"Nathaniel Whitmore, you're insufferable!"

Furious, she shoved him—only to stumble as her legs gave out. Nathaniel yanked her against his chest, his voice dropping to a growl. "Be grateful I didn't expose our real relationship in front of them. Right, cousin?"

The audacity. Here she was, calling him her cousin in front of Jonathan—when he was still her husband.

Evelyn glowered up at him. "There is no relationship. And you're the one who said to keep it secret. Memory problems?"

Nathaniel stiffened. He had said that.

His gaze dropped to her dimple. An impulse struck him—he reached out and pinched her cheek.

Just as soft as he'd imagined. A smirk flickered before vanishing.

Evelyn winced, twisting away. "Let go! I need to get back."