Chapter 394

Evelyn's face lit up with pure delight. "Absolutely stunning, darling," Victoria cooed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Nathaniel's mother kept showering her with compliments until Evelyn had to lower her gaze, cheeks warming under the praise.

Victoria suddenly turned to her son. "Nathaniel, don't you think Evelyn looks breathtaking today?"

Evelyn froze. Her eyes darted toward Nathaniel involuntarily.

He was already watching her with that intense gaze of his. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away, but not before hearing his deep voice rumble, "Exquisite."

"See? Even my son agrees," Victoria said triumphantly. "I wasn't exaggerating, was I?"

Evelyn's face burned hotter. She peeked at Nathaniel through her lashes, pressing her lips together to suppress a smile.

After collecting their purchases, Victoria whisked Evelyn off to more boutiques, with Nathaniel trailing behind like a dutiful pack mule, arms laden with shopping bags.

The morning passed in a whirlwind of retail therapy, followed by an elegant lunch at a bistro.

Evelyn noticed Nathaniel's subtle exhaustion. As they finished their meal, she gently suggested, "Victoria, I'm feeling rather tired. Perhaps I should head home to rest."

"Oh dear, I've worn you out!" Victoria exclaimed, immediately concerned. "Are you unwell?"

"Just a bit footsore. Some rest will do me good."

Victoria turned to Nathaniel. "Take Evelyn home, darling. I'll have the car fetch me."

"Wouldn't you prefer to come with us?" Evelyn offered.

"No need, dear. I'm meeting the ladies for bridge this afternoon. The driver can drop me directly."

Knowing Victoria's passion for card games, Evelyn didn't press further. They waited together for the car, then parted ways.

During the drive home, Evelyn broke the comfortable silence. "Is shopping more exhausting than board meetings?"

Nathaniel kept his eyes on the road, but his lips quirked. "Not particularly."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm."

"But most men hate shopping, don't they?" Evelyn pressed, genuinely curious.

Nathaniel's grip tightened slightly on the wheel. "Other men?" His voice dropped an octave. "Who else have you gone shopping with?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. "No one," she said quickly. "Charlotte mentioned most men dislike shopping as much as women dislike fishing."

"Is that so?" Nathaniel's tone held quiet amusement.

His knowing look made her squirm. When he didn't press further, Evelyn gratefully changed the subject.

Back at the penthouse, Nathaniel helped carry her numerous purchases upstairs before preparing to leave for Martin Group headquarters.

Before he left, Evelyn mentioned, "Let's take Charlotte to dinner tonight. She's been so helpful with my project."

"Scarlett, then. You enjoy their cuisine," Nathaniel stated matter-of-factly.

Evelyn laughed. "We're treating Charlotte, not me."

"She's not my concern," Nathaniel replied smoothly, brushing his thumb along Evelyn's cheekbone. His voice softened. "If I'm delayed, go ahead without me."

"Drive safely," she murmured, watching him leave before closing the door, her skin still tingling where he'd touched her.

The moment Nathaniel stepped into the elevator, his phone buzzed with Samuel's call.

"Mr. Martin," Samuel reported, "the subject you asked about flew from Marseille to Dresden last week. Our team in Dresden is already investigating."

"I see." Nathaniel's voice gave nothing away.

Samuel hesitated. "There's... something else."

Nathaniel's tone remained even. "Continue."