Chapter 474

Nathan's eyes darkened, a meaningful smile playing at the corners of his lips. Natalie's cheeks flushed pink, her gaze shimmering like rippling spring water.

His Adam's apple bobbed as heat surged through him. His fingers unconsciously tightened, then slowly relaxed.

"Miss Lowell." His voice came out husky. "Do you recognize who I am?"

Though her consciousness blurred, Natalie still recognized the man before her. Her fingers clutched his collar as she murmured weakly, "Mr. Aldridge... take me away..."

She squirmed restlessly, her dress slipping slightly to reveal a sliver of pale skin glowing enticingly under the lights.

Nathan's gaze deepened. Leaning close, he whispered against her ear, "As you wish."

His warm breath brushed her earlobe, sending shivers through her body. She clung to him like a lifeline.

Daniel scrambled to his feet, about to curse, when bodyguards immediately pinned him down. Without sparing him a glance, Nathan carried Natalie straight to the black Maybach parked nearby.

Evelyn and Scarlett stared in stunned silence.

"Just like that?" Scarlett finally managed. "He took her away?"

Evelyn frowned. The drug Natalie had been given was no ordinary substance—taking her to a hospital might only make things worse. Thinking of the fiercely protective head of the Lowell family, she couldn't help but worry for Nathan.

"Scarlett, do you think Nathan..." Scarlett's eyes sparkled. "Those moves earlier were so dashing!"

Evelyn chuckled. "A man his age should settle down." She winked. "I promised him a villa at Palais de Beauté when he gets married."

"Palais de Beauté?!" Scarlett gasped. "The lake views there are breathtaking!"

"Like it?" Evelyn pinched her cheek playfully. "When you get married, I'll let you stay in half of it."

Scarlett nuzzled her shoulder with a grin. "Love you the most!"

"Don't." Evelyn feigned disgust. "My preferences are strictly conventional."

Scarlett's smile faded. "What's so great about men anyway..."

Evelyn caught the shift immediately. "You and my brother—"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Scarlett cut her off sharply. "I'd rather have you as my sister-in-law!"

The reaction was too telling. Evelyn sighed softly. "He just... has his reservations."

Scarlett turned away. Moonlight caught the glimmer of tears at the corners of her eyes.

"Let's go." She rubbed her eyes. "I'm tired."

The night breeze brushed past as Evelyn watched her friend's slender, solitary figure. A pang of sorrow tightened her chest.