Chapter 469

Evelyn Carter's breath hitched as Nathaniel Whitmore's piercing gaze locked onto hers. She quickly averted her eyes, unable to bear the intensity of his stare.

A flicker of confusion crossed her face. Why was Nathaniel here, of all places? He was notoriously private—never one for public appearances.

Around her, excited whispers erupted from the crowd.

Danielle Spencer pinched Evelyn's arm, her grip just shy of painful. "Oh my God, Evelyn! He's coming this way!" Danielle squealed, her voice trembling with excitement. "Who do you think he's looking for? That girl must be the luckiest person alive!"

Though Danielle's words were giddy, Evelyn didn't miss the greedy glint in her eyes. Danielle had written countless romance novels, but she had never imagined herself in one.

Was this her Cinderella moment?

As Nathaniel strode toward them, Evelyn's pulse spiked. Instinctively, she took a step back, her fight-or-flight response kicking in.

Danielle, however, stood frozen, her neck craned as she stared at Nathaniel with wide-eyed anticipation.

Every girl in the vicinity held their breath, hearts pounding, each secretly hoping she was the one Nathaniel sought.

Then he stopped—right in front of Evelyn.

He tilted his head slightly, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on her.

"I've come to pick you up," he stated, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs.

Evelyn's stomach twisted. What was he thinking?

She didn’t move.

The crowd thickened around them, and Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. He hated being the center of attention. Without another word, he reached out, his hand extended toward her.

Before Evelyn could react, Danielle stepped forward, cheeks flushed. "Um, I—I don’t know you," she stammered, misreading the situation entirely.

Evelyn blinked. Had Danielle really just—?

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "I don’t know you either," he said coldly. "Move aside."

Danielle’s face drained of color. She glanced back at Evelyn, humiliation burning in her eyes.

A nearby girl burst into mocking laughter, and Danielle’s composure shattered. With a furious stomp of her foot, she turned and fled.

"Danielle!" Evelyn called after her, guilt gnawing at her.

Growing up in an orphanage had made Danielle painfully sensitive. This would crush her.

Nathaniel loomed over Evelyn, his presence overwhelming. "Shall we go?" he repeated, his tone brooking no argument.

Evelyn swallowed hard, acutely aware of the dozens of eyes fixed on her. If she didn’t leave now, she’d be the talk of the university by morning.

Without a word, she tugged the brim of her hat lower, spotted a gap in the crowd, and bolted.

Nathaniel’s outstretched hand hung in the air as he watched Evelyn disappear.

His expression turned thunderous.

She’d run from him.

Was he really that terrifying?

He withdrew his hand just as a striking woman sidled up to him. "Hey, handsome," she purred. "You look like you could use some company. How about a drink tonight?"

Nathaniel barely spared her a glance. "No, thank you."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode back to his car.

As he drove away, he dialed Evelyn’s number.

No answer.