Chapter 118

Nathan's gaze followed Gregory's pointed finger, landing on a silhouette he'd recognize anywhere.

Even if she turned to dust, he'd still know that figure instantly.

Hadn't she left with Victor Langley? What was she doing here?

Evelyn moved with hypnotic grace on the dance floor. The moment she appeared, every eye in the club turned toward her.

Within minutes, she'd become the radiant epicenter of the entire venue.

Her laughter sparkled like champagne bubbles, radiating confidence that made the air hum with electricity. She looked ethereal, causing Nathan's pulse to quicken against his will.

This was a side of Evelyn he'd never witnessed. He never imagined she could glow like this.

Nathan's fingers tightened around his whiskey glass. He drained it in one burning swallow.

All pretense of restraint vanished. Slamming the glass down, he stalked toward the dance floor.

"Damn, Evelyn! You're setting this place on fire!" Olivia whooped over the music.

She grabbed Evelyn's hand, spinning her under the strobe lights. "Best decision ever bringing you out tonight! Let's burn this city down!"

Evelyn felt electric, alive in ways she'd forgotten. She clinked her cocktail against Olivia's. "To freedom!"

Their shared grin spoke volumes.

Evelyn tossed back her drink, the citrus tang bursting on her tongue. Without hesitation, she signaled the bartender for another.

"Hold my purse," she told Olivia. "Restroom break."

She'd barely turned the corner when Nathan materialized before her like a storm cloud.

Her smile died instantly.

She pivoted sharply, treating him like a ghost.

"Evelyn!" His voice cracked like a whip.

Her pace quickened, heels clicking like gunshots against the tile.

Nathan's jaw clenched. In three strides he had her pinned near the restroom entrance.

"Let go!" She twisted violently, but his grip was steel.

The memory of her accusations about him conspiring with Julian Hawthorne burned in his throat. The whiskey fueled his temper.

"Whatever you think happened with Hawthorne—"

"I don't care!" She kicked at his shins. "Nathan, release me!"

His gaze dropped to her heaving chest. Her signature jasmine perfume wrapped around him, intoxicating. Something primal stirred.

Before he could stop himself, he leaned in.

The slap echoed like a gunshot. His head snapped sideways.

The sting cleared the alcohol fog instantly. What had he almost done?

"Enjoying your little power trip?" Evelyn's voice dripped ice.

She shoved against his chest. "Still think you can snap your fingers and I'll come running?"

"That's not—"

"Save it." She twisted free, eyes blazing. "Stay the hell away from me."

Nathan didn't chase her. Instead, a slow smile curved his lips.

"You good, man?" Gregory appeared, having witnessed the slap.

In the past, Nathan would've made her regret that. Tonight? He just touched his stinging cheek, remembering the fire in her eyes.

At least she wasn't that hollow shell anymore.

He could still make her feel something.

"Isabella!" Vanessa came rushing over in a panic. "Are you hurt?"

Isabella clutched her stomach, face paling. She pointed a trembling finger at Evelyn. "She—she hurt my baby! Somebody call an ambulance!"