Chapter 94

Evelyn spotted the sleek Maybach gliding toward her, its polished exterior gleaming under the streetlights. It rolled to a smooth stop beside her, and her pulse quickened when she glimpsed the shadowy figure behind the tinted glass.

The silhouette was unmistakable.

Her breath hitched.

"Evelyn, what's caught your attention?" Jonathan stepped out of his modest sedan and approached her, his gaze flickering toward the luxury car with poorly concealed envy.

He forced a smile. "Do you like that car? Once my business takes off, I'll get one just like it. Maybe I'll take you for a ride someday."

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond.

Just then, the Maybach's window slid down, revealing Nathaniel's sharp profile. His voice was cool. "Get in."

Her instincts had been right—it was him. But why was he here? There was no way he'd come for her willingly.

Jonathan frowned. "Evelyn, do you know this guy?"

She swallowed hard. "Jonathan, you should head home first."

He hesitated, eyeing Nathaniel warily. "Are you sure you're safe with him? I can drive you instead."

Nathaniel stepped out of the car in one fluid motion, his icy stare pinning Jonathan in place. "Grandmother sent me to pick her up."

Ah. That explained it. Evelyn had video-called Eleanor earlier while working late. The older woman must have noticed her exhaustion and ordered Nathaniel to fetch her.

Evelyn offered Jonathan an apologetic smile. "Thanks, but I have a ride already."

Jonathan nodded stiffly. "Take care, then."

As his car disappeared down the street, Nathaniel's lips curled. "That's the kind of man you're interested in? A guy who drives a tin can?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Not your concern."

"What happened? Did that actor already dump you? Moving on so quickly?"

She shot him a saccharine smile. "Oh, I'm just keeping my options open. If one doesn't work out, there's always another."

Without waiting for a response, she climbed into the passenger seat and rolled down the window. "Drive me home. Thanks."

Nathaniel leaned against the car door, looming over her. "I'm not your personal driver."

"Then why are you here?"

"Because Grandmother ordered me."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Exactly. So stop complaining and drive."

Lately, she'd been distant, and Nathaniel found himself missing the days when she was sweet and pliant.

He wasn't about to let her win. "You drive."

"Really? With my skills, we might not make it home alive."

Nathaniel scoffed but slid into the driver's seat. The engine roared to life, and he accelerated sharply, the city lights blurring past.

Evelyn gripped the seat. "Are you trying to kill us?"

"Relax. You'll survive."

Exhaustion soon overtook her, and she drifted off. When she stirred, she found Nathaniel's face inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin.

Her eyes flew open.

What was he doing? Trying to steal a kiss while she slept?