Chapter 422

A sudden cold sensation sealed Evelyn's lips, making her eyes fly open in shock.

Her breath hitched as she realized Nathaniel was kissing her.

Her mind went completely blank, her body frozen in disbelief.

Three years of marriage, and this was only their second physical contact.

They'd never even held hands before, yet now Nathaniel was pressing his lips against hers with startling intensity.

What was he thinking?

As awareness returned, Evelyn shoved against his chest, but Nathaniel didn't budge.

Her palms flattened against his shirt, feeling the rapid thud of his heartbeat beneath her fingers. It was racing—faster than she'd ever felt it.

Nathaniel's breathing grew uneven, his grip tightening as if intoxicated by her taste.

Everything felt surreal, like a hazy dream she couldn't escape.

When she managed to open her eyes, she saw Nathaniel's face hovering close, his expression unreadable but his posture tense.

"Stop this! What are you doing?" Victoria's sharp voice sliced through the moment.

Nathaniel stiffened at the interruption, breaking away abruptly.

Evelyn seized the chance to push him back, stumbling several steps away, her pulse hammering.

A faint flush colored Nathaniel's sharp cheekbones, his shirt rumpled where she'd gripped it.

His dark eyes burned with intensity, his lips slightly parted and glistening.

For a fleeting second, Evelyn was mesmerized by how devastatingly attractive he looked.

His ragged breathing filled the silence between them, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

She still couldn't process that Nathaniel had just kissed her—without warning, without permission.

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes as she glared at them. "Nathaniel, what was that? Did Evelyn throw herself at you?"

Evelyn let out a disbelieving laugh at the accusation.

The audacity of Victoria to spin it that way!

Fury ignited in her chest, and before she could stop herself, Evelyn closed the distance between her and Nathaniel again.

Nathaniel arched a brow, watching her with faint amusement as she approached.

In one swift motion, Evelyn grabbed his loosened tie and yanked him down, pressing herself against him as she shot Victoria a defiant look.

"Does it matter who started it? We're legally married. Kissing behind a stage curtain isn't a crime, is it?"

Nathaniel's gaze locked onto hers as she held him close.

Though his tie was uncomfortably tight around his neck, he tilted his head slightly, as if silently agreeing with her bold claim.

Victoria's face twisted with rage. "Evelyn, stop lying! Nathaniel would never kiss you willingly!"

Evelyn turned, meeting Nathaniel's eyes with a challenging smile. "Darling, Ms. Sinclair seems doubtful. Maybe you should clarify things for her—once and for all."

She wanted to see how Nathaniel would explain this.

A smirk tugged at Nathaniel's lips as he leaned in. "Words won't convince her."

Before Evelyn could react, Nathaniel kissed her again—right in front of Victoria.

Evelyn's eyes flew wide, stunned by his boldness.

Victoria's face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks as she choked out, "How could you... Nathaniel, how could you do this to me?"