Chapter 306

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely."

With Nathaniel's confirmation, he immediately released Evelyn's hand, watching as her body swayed dangerously to the side.

Instinct took over. Evelyn clutched at Nathaniel, determined to keep her balance. Falling now was not an option!

"Evelyn, let go!" Nathaniel's voice was laced with irritation.

Glancing up, Evelyn realized she had a death grip on his tie. Nathaniel's face had flushed red, his composure slipping.

A mischievous glint flickered in Evelyn's eyes. Feigning intoxication, she tightened her hold. "Oh dear, I feel so lightheaded. If I let go, I might just collapse."

Gasping for air after nearly being choked, Nathaniel wrapped his arms around Evelyn in a firm embrace.

"Evelyn, are you trying to be the death of your husband?" he quipped, having narrowly escaped suffocation.

Pressed against Nathaniel's chest, Evelyn could feel the warmth of his body through the thin fabric of his shirt.

The steady rhythm of his heartbeat thudded against her ear.

For a moment, Evelyn froze.

Why had Nathaniel pulled her into such a tight hold?

Struggling to breathe, she attempted to wriggle free, but Nathaniel's grip only tightened around her waist.

His voice dropped to a husky murmur. "Don't move."

The weight of his tone sent a shiver down her spine. This couldn’t continue.

Thinking fast, Evelyn leaned into her drunken act. "I want to go home! You brute, let me go!"

Despite the discomfort from her earlier tugging, Nathaniel softened his voice. "Hmm, stay still. I’ll take you back now."

Evelyn had expected anger, for him to release her so she could leave on her own.

Instead, his tone had turned unexpectedly gentle.

Was this really Nathaniel?

Just then, Jonathan's voice cut in. "Evelyn, are you alright?"

Caught off guard, Evelyn hesitated—should she respond or maintain her act?

Instinctively, she tried to turn toward him, but Nathaniel pulled her back firmly against his chest.

Evelyn's eyes widened slightly as she stole a glance at Nathaniel. What was he doing?

Shielding her in his arms, Nathaniel addressed Jonathan coolly. "She's had too much to drink. I’ll take her home."

"Is Evelyn really drunk? I’m sorry—my mother mixed up the drinks earlier. She mistook whiskey for juice."

Jonathan had only just learned Evelyn had been sipping whiskey, known for its strong kick.

A flicker of irritation crossed Nathaniel's expression. Now it made sense why Evelyn seemed so affected.

Holding her close, Nathaniel brushed past Jonathan with a warning. "Be more careful with drinks in the future."

Jonathan flushed. "My apologies, Mr. Whitmore. It was an honest mistake. My mother’s eyesight isn’t what it used to be."

Ignoring him, Nathaniel guided Evelyn into the elevator.

Trapped in his arms, Evelyn couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Jonathan.

Hearing Nathaniel defend her stirred something unfamiliar in her chest.

As the elevator doors closed, Jonathan turned back toward the private dining room.

Judith stood, frowning. "Jonathan, where did they go? Where’s Evelyn?"