Chapter 390

"Fine, do whatever you want. I can't stop you anyway. If you can run to her the second she gets hurt, hold her close, and rush her to the hospital, then what can't you do?"

Nathaniel's brows drew together, his expression darkening as he replied in a low voice, "I didn't go because she was injured. I had questions for her. She fell after I arrived, and I never intended for it to become a scandal." He was trying to explain.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone icy. "Nathaniel, you don’t owe me an explanation."

"If I don’t explain, will you believe me?"

"Whether I believe you or not doesn’t matter anymore. You know the truth better than I do. You always demand I stay away from Gregory. What about you?"

"You’re married too. Why can’t you keep your distance from Isabella? Sure, you can claim it was business, but that’s just an excuse. If you care so much about her reputation, why not just make it official?"

"Evelyn, I have no reason to lie to you. Haven’t you listened to anything I’ve said before?"

She stayed silent.

She was torn.

On one hand, Nathaniel swore he felt nothing for Isabella. On the other, every headline screamed otherwise.

Evelyn didn’t know whether to trust his words or the evidence flashing across every screen.

His patience wore thin. His voice dropped, rough and heavy. "Like you said—I could’ve given her a title. Then I wouldn’t need to explain myself to you. But Evelyn, I didn’t. Do you understand what that means?"

She lowered her gaze, her face unreadable.

She didn’t answer.

She didn’t know when she’d become like this—retreating into silence when upset, unaware of how much it hurt him.

Nathaniel tilted her chin up gently. "Evelyn. Answer me. Have you thought about what I said?"

Her lashes flickered. "I don’t want to think right now. My grandmother’s surgery is all that matters."

The mention of it silenced him.

His expression cooled instantly.

She didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want to give him an answer.

What was she hesitating over?

Because of Isabella?

Nathaniel’s gaze darkened, unreadable.

The conversation died there. He drove her back to the apartment in silence.

He’d thought about asking her to move back to Pineview Manor. But knowing her stubbornness, he didn’t push. As long as she was nearby, he could wait.

Rosalind had dinner ready when they arrived.

Lately, Charlotte had been joining them, but tonight it was just Evelyn and Nathaniel.

They ate without speaking, the only sounds the clink of silverware and quiet breaths.

Afterward, he asked softly, "Want to take a walk?"

"No. I’m tired."

"Then a movie?"

Her brows pinched slightly. "Don’t you have work?"

"Let me take one night off. Just to be with you."

His voice was deep, the last word rough with something unspoken.

She looked away.

He chose an old classic. They sat on the sofa, a careful space between them. He didn’t move closer—if she got upset, she’d leave. And when Evelyn shut down, she was capable of anything.