Chapter 463

Nathaniel held the miniature socks in his palm, his throat tightening as an unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest.

He had never been around infants before. The delicate fabric felt foreign against his skin—softer than he’d imagined, almost fragile.

With a quick motion, he placed them back on the shelf, his movements stiff, as if the tiny garments might suddenly come to life.

Evelyn watched him, a flicker of worry crossing her gaze. Did he truly dislike children this much?

But it didn’t matter. She had already resolved to raise the twins on her own. She wouldn’t burden him.

Turning to the sales assistant, she smiled. "Could you help me pick out a few outfits?"

They couldn’t leave empty-handed, not with Victoria Hawthorne lurking nearby, observing their every move.

Before the assistant could respond, Nathaniel cut in. "A few? We’ll take twenty."

The assistant’s eyes lit up. "Of course! I’ll gather them immediately."

Evelyn blinked. "Twenty? That’s excessive."

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Do you think I can’t afford it?"

"That’s not the point," she wanted to say, but bit her tongue.

The assistant returned, eager. "Anything else, sir? Madam?"

Nathaniel gestured lazily at the display. "Everything. Clothes, shoes, coats—whatever you have."

"Everything?" The assistant gaped.

Evelyn tugged at his sleeve, but he merely glanced down at her. "We’ll use them and discard them when they’re worn out."

She nearly choked. Who treated baby clothes as disposable?

Nathaniel guided her out, his grip firm. "Don’t we need a stroller? A crib?"

Evelyn hesitated, wanting to signal that they didn’t need so much. But then she remembered—Victoria was still watching.

This was all for show.

Swallowing her protests, she followed him back inside. The assistant eagerly presented several crib options.

Nathaniel didn’t hesitate. "Wrap them all."

The assistant paled. "All twelve? How many children do you have?"

He shrugged. "The twins might be picky. Better to have options."

Evelyn couldn’t take it anymore. She pointed to one. "Just two of these. They’re perfect."

Nathaniel frowned. "What if they don’t like them?"

"Since when do newborns have opinions?" she shot back. "Not everyone is as fussy as you."

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Fine. We’ll take her recommendation."