Chapter 331

Gregory's gaze lingered, avoiding the question. "What's wrong?" he countered instead.

Evelyn studied him carefully. "Nothing serious. I was just wondering...where did you get that hat?"

"Danielle bought it," he shrugged. "She insisted I wear it. Didn't want to upset her, so I left it in the car."

"I see."

"Does it bother you?" Gregory asked casually, his eyes never leaving her face.

Evelyn offered a faint smile. "Not at all. It just doesn't seem like your style, that's all."

"Agreed," he echoed.

The conversation lapsed into silence before Gregory changed topics. "Take these groceries home. If Nathaniel asks, just say you ordered them online. Saves you the trouble."

She understood his meaning perfectly. "That's thoughtful of you, but why lie? I appreciate the gesture."

"I don't want to cause problems between you two."

"You won't."

"Alright then. You should head back—it's getting late. I need to take Danielle to her therapy session. She's been resistant, so I told her we're just meeting a friend."

Evelyn nodded. "Thank you."

Gregory watched her drive away before getting into his own car. His gentle expression vanished instantly.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's thoughts churned. That hat in Gregory's trunk haunted her.

Back at the penthouse, she went straight to Samuel. "Can you send me last night's footage again? I need to review it."

The video arrived immediately. Evelyn scrutinized it multiple times but reached the same conclusion. Many people owned similar hats—was she overthinking this?

Guilt gnawed at her. How could she doubt someone who'd been nothing but kind?

The front door opened, interrupting her thoughts. Nathaniel stood there. Their eyes locked.

"Samuel said you wanted the footage," he said. "Find anything?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Just wanted another look."

Nathaniel nodded silently.

Though they weren't fighting anymore, their conversations remained sparse and formal. Even meals passed in near silence, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words.

Morning came. Evelyn woke to an empty bed. After getting ready, she found no trace of Nathaniel.

"Rosalind, where's Nathaniel?" she asked the cook.

"He left early—probably went to the office."

Evelyn checked the clock. Too early for his usual schedule. Strange, but she didn't call to inquire.

After breakfast, she crossed to her grandmother's residence. "Mrs. Beatrice is still resting," the caregiver informed her. "Come back later."

Evelyn smiled. "Grandmother slept in?"

"Stayed up reading. She's already eaten breakfast and wants to sleep more."

Evelyn headed to work, unaware her grandmother wasn't sleeping at all—she was at the hospital with Nathaniel.

Today was Beatrice's long-delayed physical. Originally scheduled during the Mitchell family crisis, Dr. Harrison had rescheduled it for today. Nathaniel accompanied her through the exhaustive hour-long examination. By the end, Beatrice looked drained.