Chapter 302

Evelyn flashed a bright smile. "Don't worry about it. You were just standing up for what's right. Those jerks had it coming yesterday. I would've punched them myself if you hadn't."

Nathan shook his head firmly. "A lady like you shouldn't resort to violence. That's what men are for."

He paused suddenly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Come to think of it, I never got your name. What should I call you?"

"Evelyn Carter," she replied, tilting her head slightly.

Nathan gave a slow nod. "Evelyn Carter. I won't forget that."

Now it was her turn to be curious. "And you? What's your name? I can't keep shouting 'hey you' across campus whenever we meet."

He chuckled, studying her face with amusement. "If you really want to know, meet me at the university's east gate tomorrow at four. I'll tell you then."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Why all the mystery?"

But Nathan was already walking backward, flashing that infuriating grin. "Don't be late, Evelyn Carter. Four o'clock sharp!"

She huffed in frustration, yet couldn't deny the flutter of anticipation in her chest.

The next day crawled by at a snail's pace. Evelyn found herself checking the clock every five minutes.

She spent an absurd amount of time picking out her outfit, finally settling on a sky-blue dress that brought out her eyes. By three-thirty, she was already pacing near the east gate.

But Nathan never showed.

Days turned into weeks, and Evelyn's hopeful excitement curdled into bitter disappointment.

She graduated with her master's degree without ever seeing him again. Eventually, she convinced herself that their paths would never cross again.

Until two years later.

Returning home after completing her studies abroad, Evelyn had a layover in Veridia. That's where she spotted him in the bustling airport terminal.

Nathan Sterling looked completely transformed - dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his posture radiating authority. The carefree boy she remembered had been replaced by this serious, imposing man.

Yet those piercing eyes were unmistakable.

"Hey, wait up!" Evelyn called out, rushing forward with years of pent-up frustration.

Her voice trembled slightly. "You never showed up that day. Do you have any idea how long I waited for you?"

She expected at least some explanation, some half-hearted apology she could pretend to accept.

Instead, Nathan regarded her with cold detachment, his brow furrowing slightly. "Do I know you?"

Three simple words that shattered her completely.

The man who'd occupied her thoughts for years didn't even recognize her.

Evelyn swallowed hard, forcing herself to continue. "It's me, Evelyn. Evelyn Carter? From university?"

Nathan's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "That's the oldest pickup line in the book."

Without another glance, he strode away with his entourage.

Not one to give up easily, Evelyn hurried after him. "You still owe me your name!"

Nathan turned with an exasperated sigh. "In Veridia, everyone knows who I am. If you're going to try your luck, at least do your research first."

His cutting remark left Evelyn rooted to the spot, her cheeks burning.

By the time she recovered, Nathan had disappeared into the crowd.

That moment sealed her decision - Evelyn Carter wasn't leaving Veridia until she got answers.