Chapter 210

"Ah-choo!"

Evelyn Langley sneezed violently.

"Excuse m—Ah-choo!"

Three consecutive sneezes left her eyes watering.

Adrian Klein immediately pulled a tissue packet from his coat, swiftly offering her one.

"Cover your nose. Breathe deeply."

She pressed the tissue gently against her nose, finding instant relief.

They hurried back to their apartment complex.

After parting at the elevator, Evelyn sneezed over a dozen times the moment she stepped inside.

Rubbing her reddened nose, tears welled in her eyes.

Boston had many charms, but this damned pollen season wasn't one of them.

Even after years here, her allergies never improved.

A cup of hot water and antihistamines later, she finally recovered.

Tying on an apron, she began preparing tomorrow's lunchbox.

By the time she packed the meals into insulated containers and cleaned the kitchen, it was nearly eleven.

Sighing at the full trash bag, Evelyn carried it downstairs.

Her phone rang as she reached the building entrance.

"Dylan?"

"Evelyn! Nathan's heading your way! He's drunk—I couldn't stop him—"

Her gaze darted around nervously when a dark figure suddenly lunged at her.

"Ah!"

"Evelyn..." The man reeked of alcohol, his glassy eyes fixed on her.

Dylan's frantic voice came through the phone. "Evelyn? What's wrong?"

Nathan Evans snatched the device and ended the call.

"First Ethan, now Dylan." His words slurred with venom. "You claim not to love me, yet cozy up to my friends?"

"You're drunk." She turned away. "I won't talk to you like this."

"Drunk?" His hands clamped on her shoulders, shaking her. "You used to fuss over me when I drank—"

"That was the past." She shoved him back forcefully.

The intoxicated man staggered two steps.

"My compassion is reserved for those who deserve it."

"...I don't anymore?" His voice trembled.

"You stopped deserving it long ago."

Evelyn spun to leave.

Nathan suddenly grabbed her long hair.

"Ah!"