Chapter 454

Evelyn Carter never gave a damn about what others thought. She lived by her own rules, doing exactly as she pleased. She was convinced that if she showed indifference, people would eventually back off.

And Nathaniel Whitmore was the root of it all. He should be the one dealing with the fallout.

"Evelyn, try this dessert. It's rum-infused—absolutely divine," Christopher Montgomery said, shooting Nathaniel a smug look.

Nathaniel's voice was sharp. "No, she can't have that."

"Why not?" Christopher arched a brow.

"It contains alcohol." Evelyn was pregnant. Alcohol was off-limits.

Nathaniel threw a questioning glance at Evelyn. Did Christopher not know about her pregnancy?

Evelyn caught Nathaniel's silent warning. She eyed the dessert and shook her head. "I'm full. I don’t want any dessert right now."

Christopher still hadn’t pieced it together. Reluctantly, he set the dessert aside, accepting her refusal.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. He draped his arm over the back of Evelyn’s chair. "Since you're done eating, let’s head back."

Evelyn was stunned. When would he stop with these ridiculous displays?

His arm made it seem like she was tucked against him. Furious, Christopher shoved Nathaniel’s arm away. "Back off, you bastard! Stay the hell away from her!"

The tension in the room thickened. Theodore Winslow, sensing the brewing storm, interjected, "Mr. Whitmore, it’s perfectly normal for a couple to leave together after dinner. You’re crossing a line here."

He’d chosen his side quickly. Nathaniel was the wealthiest man in Bern City, while Christopher hailed from the Montgomerys of Nord City—impressive, but not enough to intimidate Theodore.

Christopher scoffed. "A couple? They’re divorced. Cut the act!"

Theodore’s jaw dropped. He looked like he’d just been slapped.

Nathaniel remained unshaken. He met Christopher’s glare. "The divorce isn’t finalized. Legally, she’s still my wife."

His piercing gaze was mesmerizing under the soft lighting, but there was something darker beneath it—cold, possessive.

The air grew heavier.

Theodore quickly ushered the remaining guests out of the private room. The less they witnessed, the better.

He never expected Evelyn to be this sought after. The fact that a Montgomery was pursuing her too? Unbelievable.

Silence reclaimed the room.

Christopher jabbed a finger at Nathaniel. "Divorce proceedings or not, it’s over. If you harass her again, I’ll make sure you rot in prison."

It wasn’t an empty threat. With Andrew Montgomery backing him, he could make it happen.

Evelyn tugged Christopher’s arm. "Let it go. We should leave."

"Evelyn." Nathaniel’s voice cut through the air, low and dangerous.

She looked up, meeting his stormy gaze. There was something unreadable in his eyes—something that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I need to talk to you."

Christopher stepped between them. "If you have something to say, say it to me. Don’t you dare intimidate her!"

Evelyn held Nathaniel’s stare. "Go ahead. I’m listening."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "Eleanor keeps asking about you. You haven’t visited her lately."

Evelyn’s smile was brittle. Of course. It was always about Eleanor. To him, she was just a means to keep his grandmother happy.

She nodded. "I’ll make time. Anything else?"

Nathaniel’s fists clenched. The words he’d rehearsed a thousand times lodged in his throat.