Chapter 276

Nathan cleared his throat awkwardly.

The usual arrogance was gone from his demeanor. Instead, he shifted uncomfortably, avoiding direct eye contact.

Of course he felt humiliated. He was about to beg a favor from the very woman he despised most.

"Are you free? I'll buy you coffee."

The words came out stiffly after a long pause.

Vivian arched a brow, amused. "Mr. Prescott, since when are we friends? Should I be worried about poison in my cup?"

She knew exactly how Nathan viewed her—with disdain, as nothing more than an irritating obstacle.

Yet here he was, extending an olive branch.

Predictably, his handsome face darkened. "Do you really think I'm that petty?"

"Aren't you?"

His jaw clenched. "Listen—I may want you gone, but I'd never resort to something so underhanded. At worst, I'd curse you under my breath. Drugging someone? That's beneath me."

The sheer indignation in his voice was almost comical.

Vivian decided to spare him further torment. "Fine. I'll humor you this once."

They headed to the nearby Starlight Café.

"Miss Lockhart!"

Evelyn frowned, casting a suspicious glare at Nathan.

Vivian patted her arm reassuringly. "It's alright. He's a friend."

Friend?

The word hit Nathan like a shockwave. His pulse stuttered.

She called him a friend.

After all his snide remarks and open hostility, she still offered him that label.

A strange warmth spread through his chest, followed immediately by shame.

"You can't be too careful these days," Evelyn muttered, eyeing Nathan with open distrust. "Especially with men like him. He looks like trouble."

Nathan's eye twitched. "Excuse me? I donate to charity every year. I help old ladies cross the street. I've rescued drowning kids and adopted stray cats. How am I not a good person?"

Evelyn blinked, momentarily speechless.

Vivian bit back a laugh at his earnest defense.

Grabbing his arm, she tugged him toward the café. "Come on. I believe you're a saint."

Nathan froze.

Her fingers against his sleeve sent an odd jolt through him.

For once, he had nothing sarcastic to say.