Chapter 477

Evelyn had nearly given up hope when Nathaniel appeared out of nowhere, stepping between her and the two strangers who had cornered her.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

With a tight voice, Nathaniel admitted, "If something had happened to you, I wouldn’t have known how to face Grandmother."

Evelyn lowered her lashes, hiding the storm of emotions behind them.

She forced a small smile. "Thank you for stepping in."

"Well, I couldn’t just ignore being called ‘sweetheart’ like that," he muttered dryly.

Silence stretched between them.

As they walked out of the secluded grove, Evelyn spotted a security vehicle nearby.

Two men were being shoved inside—bruised, limping, their earlier arrogance completely shattered.

If not for their clothes, she might not have recognized them.

She glanced at Nathaniel. "They look terrible. Did you do this?"

His expression remained icy. "They deserved worse."

A small, satisfied warmth curled in Evelyn’s chest as she watched them struggle.

Who wouldn’t appreciate someone defending them like this?

Then, her phone buzzed.

Julian’s name flashed across the screen.

She hesitated, stealing another glance at Nathaniel.

His jaw tightened when he saw the caller ID. "Go ahead. Answer it."

Stepping away, she lifted the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

"Evelyn, are you still on campus? I just finished work. I can pick you up."

"It’s fine. I’m already in the car. I’ll head back myself."

"Alright. Don’t forget your prenatal check-up tomorrow. For the next one, we can schedule it in Nord City. No need to hide it there."

After confirming, she hung up, his words lingering in her mind.

Yes. She was leaving Bern City soon.

When she turned back, Nathaniel’s voice was firm. "Get in the car. I’ll drive you home."

She nodded after a pause.

But Nathaniel didn’t move. His gaze pinned her in place.

Once inside the car, he finally asked, "Why did you lie? You weren’t in a car. Why refuse Julian’s offer?"

"Because I needed to talk to you."

Her almond-shaped eyes met his, clear and unwavering.

Nathaniel’s breath caught. "So. Have you made your decision?"

"Yes."

His pulse spiked.

Given her past deceptions, he had assumed he knew what she’d choose.

Clearing his throat, he said, "I trust you’ll make the right choice."

Evelyn inhaled deeply. "I’ve decided to leave. I’m moving to Nord City."

Nathaniel’s fingers twitched. Disbelief flickered in his eyes.

The air in the car turned suffocating.

His voice was dangerously soft when he finally spoke. "What does Julian have that I don’t?"

Evelyn looked away, afraid he’d see the truth in her eyes.

Swallowing hard, she whispered, "I’m having the twins in Nord City. They deserve a stable home. I won’t let them grow up in a broken family."

She knew Nathaniel despised children.

And she would never tell him the twins were his.