Chapter 38

"How can she be treated as a customer?" Penelope shrieked. Being forced to apologize to Evelyn was worse than death itself.

Nathaniel's voice was icy. "As a Whitmore, your behavior has tarnished our family's reputation. If you refuse to apologize, you'll be banned from every Whitmore-owned establishment. Security, escort her out."

His tone left no room for argument.

Penelope's face paled as the guards approached. If she were publicly removed and barred from Whitmore properties, she'd become the laughingstock of high society.

With gritted teeth, she shuffled toward Evelyn, her eyes burning with humiliation. "I'm sorry," she spat.

Evelyn blinked in surprise, glancing at Nathaniel. She hadn't expected him to actually enforce this. Was it for her sake—or simply to protect the Whitmore name?

Olivia crossed her arms. "Is that really an apology? Your tone says otherwise."

Penelope's manicured nails dug into her palms. What more did they want from her?

Nathaniel's gaze remained frosty. "It only counts if the customer accepts it."

Tears welled in Penelope's eyes as she bowed her head. "I'm sorry," she muttered, barely audible.

Olivia smirked. "How about this? We'll forgive Ms. Whitmore if she personally assists us today."

Penelope's stomach twisted at the thought, but Nathaniel's unyielding expression told her she had no choice.

To Evelyn's shock, Nathaniel didn’t leave. Instead, he leaned against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. "To ensure our sincerest apologies are conveyed, I'll oversee this myself."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. Since when did the notoriously busy Nathaniel Whitmore have time to supervise a shopping trip?

Olivia, however, looked pleased. "Evelyn, try this on," she urged, holding up an elegant evening gown.

Evelyn hesitated. "Maybe we should just go..."

The idea of changing in front of Nathaniel made her skin prickle.

Olivia nudged her toward the dressing room. "Relax. We're paying customers. By the way, do you know the Whitmores? That woman clearly had it out for you."

Evelyn's breath hitched. Had Olivia noticed something? "I... used to work as a caretaker for Mrs. Whitmore Senior," she murmured. "I met the family then."

"Ah, that explains it." Olivia winked. "But remember—you're not their employee anymore. Hold your head high."

Before Evelyn could protest, Olivia pushed her into the dressing room. A sales assistant followed, offering a grateful smile. "Let me help you."

"Thank you," Evelyn said softly.

The assistant lowered her voice. "No, thank you. For standing up for me earlier."

Their eyes met in silent understanding.

Minutes later, Evelyn stepped out, the gown hugging her curves perfectly. The assistant had styled her hair into a loose updo, a few tendrils framing her face.

She turned toward the mirror, admiring the reflection. The dress was stunning.

Then she caught Nathaniel's gaze in the mirror.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as she quickly looked away. "Well?" she asked Olivia.

"Gorgeous!" Olivia beamed. "You could make a potato sack look glamorous."

Penelope scoffed silently. Country bumpkins. But she kept her mouth shut—Nathaniel was still watching.

Nathaniel's eyes darkened as he studied Evelyn. The dress accentuated every curve, but the daring open back revealed far too much skin.

His jaw tightened. "Where exactly are you wearing this?"

Why was Evelyn suddenly buying an evening gown? And why did the thought of other men seeing her in it make his blood boil?