Chapter 240

"What do you think you're doing?"

Nathan's voice cut through the air like a whip, sharp with barely contained fury.

In three quick strides, he crossed the room and seized Evelyn's wrist with unexpected force.

Before she could protest, he was already dragging her out of the mysterious chamber.

"Explain this to me," Evelyn demanded, her wide eyes searching his face for answers.

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Whatever you saw in there, forget it immediately."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. The room had felt... wrong somehow.

"This makes no sense," she whispered, images from the chamber flashing through her mind.

Her gaze locked onto Nathan's. "Why was there a memorial portrait of you in there? Are you...?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Nathan snapped, his grip tightening unconsciously.

"Then explain it to me!" Evelyn twisted her wrist free from his grasp.

Nathan exhaled sharply. "The party's starting. We should return downstairs."

Evelyn hesitated. Maybe she was imagining things. The living, breathing man before her seemed very much alive.

"What about Margaret? Is she alright?"

Nathan frowned. "What?"

"I heard she wasn't feeling well. That's why I came up here."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "She's fine. But don't come back here again."

Evelyn nodded silently, her mind racing.

As they descended the grand staircase, disaster struck without warning.

"Look out!" Nathan's reflexes kicked in as he yanked Evelyn sideways.

A heavy paint bucket crashed onto the steps where she'd been standing, splattering Nathan instead in a rainbow of colors.

The entire ballroom froze.

Gasps echoed through the crowd as everyone turned to stare at the dripping CEO.

Evelyn's hands flew to her mouth. "Nathan! Are you hurt?"

The commotion drew immediate attention.

Rosalind pushed through the crowd first. "Nathan! What happened?" Her eyes darted between him and Evelyn accusingly.

Murmurs spread like wildfire:

"How did paint get up there?"

"Who would leave a bucket on the stairs?"

"Does he need medical attention?"

Nathan flexed his shoulders, wincing slightly. "I'm fine. Just need to clean up."

His gaze found Evelyn in the crowd. "Come with me."

Evelyn blinked. "Excuse me?"

Nathan reached for her again, but she sidestepped smoothly.

While grateful for his protection, she couldn't risk fueling gossip by disappearing with him.

Rosalind stepped forward possessively. "I'll help you, Nathan." She shot Evelyn a venomous look.