Chapter 423

Evelyn's ears rang with Victoria's desperate, broken voice. She could hardly process what was happening right before her eyes.

Nathaniel finally broke the kiss, his dark eyes studying Evelyn's stunned expression. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "I believe that explanation was rather persuasive, don't you think?"

Evelyn stood frozen, her mind reeling.

Up this close, Nathaniel's sharp features were even more striking. Her jaw tightened in frustration.

She raised her hand to slap him, but Nathaniel caught her wrist effortlessly. His palm burned against her skin.

With effortless strength, he pulled her against him, tilting her chin up with his other hand. His voice dropped to a dangerous murmur. "Were you planning to hit me?"

"And what if I was?" Evelyn snapped.

"You could try," Nathaniel mused, releasing her wrist. His lips curved. "Haven't you heard? 'Lovers' quarrels are but love renewed'?"

The suggestive glint in his narrowed eyes made her blood boil.

Evelyn's hand trembled midair. "You vile, insufferable—"

Nathaniel merely tilted his head, clearly amused by her fury.

Victoria chose that moment to intervene, her tear-filled eyes accusing. "Nathaniel! How could you? Did she seduce you?"

The idea that Nathaniel would initiate a kiss was unthinkable. He'd always been untouchable, keeping women at arm's length.

Yet here he was, cradling Evelyn's face with surprising tenderness, his gaze burning with unmistakable desire.

Jealousy twisted Victoria's heart into knots.

Why did Evelyn deserve his attention? Victoria was the heiress—beautiful, wealthy, accomplished. What did this nobody orphan have that she didn't?

Evelyn turned to see Victoria weeping dramatically. She felt no sympathy—only bitter amusement.

Watching Victoria's meltdown reminded Evelyn of her own past heartbreak. She'd learned the hard way that men weren't worth the pain.

Nathaniel regarded Victoria with icy detachment, clearly annoyed by the interruption. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn blinked in surprise at his harsh tone.

Victoria recoiled as if struck. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her perfect makeup smearing.

Evelyn couldn't stomach the scene any longer. She reached for her canvas bag, ready to leave.

Victoria grabbed her arm viciously. "Oh no, you don't! Explain yourself!"

"Let go!" Evelyn yanked free, but the sudden movement sent her bag tumbling. Papers scattered across the floor.

A thick document slid to Victoria's feet.

The bold print on the first page read: "DIVORCE AGREEMENT."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. She'd nearly forgotten about the papers.

She lunged for them, but Victoria was faster, snatching the documents with a triumphant smirk.

"Well, well," Victoria purred, waving the papers. "All this drama, yet you're still getting divorced. Planning to seduce Nathaniel again for round two?"