Chapter 39

Before Evelyn could respond, Olivia spoke first. "For an awards gala, naturally."

Awards gala? Nathaniel's mind flashed to the finalists list for the prestigious Fleur International Design Competition.

Indeed, Evelyn had made it to the finals. He hadn't anticipated that.

When Eleanor had insisted on securing Evelyn's participation, Nathaniel had doubted she'd progress this far. His gaze lingered on Evelyn as he murmured, "Congratulations."

Evelyn maintained her composure. "Thank you."

Nathaniel abruptly changed subjects. "That evening gown doesn't suit you."

"Why not? I find it quite elegant."

"It exposes too much of your back."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. The dress was intentionally designed with intricate back cutouts. Of course it revealed skin.

Olivia examined the dress critically. "He's right. Let's consider other options."

Alexander and the Montgomery brothers would likely have collective heart attacks seeing Evelyn in something so daring. Something more modest would be preferable.

Evelyn tried on several more gowns, acutely aware of Nathaniel's piercing gaze following her every move. The scrutiny made her skin prickle. It felt disturbingly like she was modeling these dresses specifically for his approval.

When decision time arrived, Evelyn hesitated. Olivia asked, "Which is your favorite?"

"They're all acceptable." Evelyn's attention kept drifting to Nathaniel's imposing presence. Two hours had passed, yet he remained rooted in place!

Nathaniel pointed decisively at a champagne-hued gown. "This one."

It revealed only Evelyn's delicate shoulders, with full back coverage and no thigh-high slits. Perfectly conservative. Perfectly appropriate.

For reasons she couldn't articulate, Evelyn rebelled against Nathaniel's choice. She reached for the initial daring design. "I prefer this one."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened visibly.

Olivia, fatigued from pregnancy, interjected, "Your choice matters most, Evelyn. Let's proceed with payment."

Penelope approached with false cheer. "This is a limited edition collection. Our policy requires purchasing an additional item. You understand how exclusive boutiques operate, yes? Standard procedure across all Whitmore properties."

"I'll take this as well." Nathaniel brought forward the champagne gown. "Both."

Penelope's smile turned brittle. She addressed Evelyn directly. "That will be twenty thousand dollars. Cash or card?"

Twenty thousand? Evelyn's breath caught. She'd never intended to shop at this luxury boutique, only agreeing because Olivia promised employee discounts. Running into Penelope here had been disastrous luck.

"My card."

"My card."

Two voices overlapped. Evelyn glanced between Olivia and Nathaniel. Olivia's offer didn't surprise her, but Nathaniel's?

Evelyn couldn't risk Olivia discovering their connection. She gently stayed Olivia's hand. "Never mind. Let's leave."

Nathaniel's voice turned smooth. "Don't misunderstand. The Whitmore Group values customer satisfaction. Since our policies created this inconvenience, it's only proper we compensate you."

"Our accounting requires I use a personal card for such exceptions. Consider this the Whitmore family's apology."

Evelyn froze. Since when did Nathaniel Whitmore apologize? His behavior was... unsettling.

Olivia found the explanation perfectly reasonable. "Very well. We accept your apology. Come, Evelyn."

As Olivia collected their purchases, Evelyn caught Penelope's murderous glare and Nathaniel's unreadable expression.

Nathaniel watched Evelyn depart, already imagining which dress she'd wear to the gala. Her deliberate rejection of his conservative choice spoke volumes - she was intentionally defying him.