Chapter 278

The crimson cigarette tip glowed intermittently in the darkness, wisps of white smoke blurring the man's sharp features.

Nathan Evans leaned against the car door, his silhouette swallowed by the night.

Ash fluttered down silently.

As the last tendril of smoke dissipated, the confusion in his eyes faded.

Evelyn Langley would return to him.

This loss was temporary.

She would be his again whenever he desired.

Nathan crushed the cigarette and strode toward the mansion.

Chloe Valentine stood at the entrance, a saccharine smile plastered on her face.

"Nathan..."

He walked past her without a glance.

Her smile froze.

Quickly recovering, she hurried after him. "I made late-night snacks. I called but you blocked me again—"

Nathan whirled around.

"Complaining?"

"No!" Chloe scrambled to explain. "I just worried when I couldn't reach you..."

A cold smirk twisted his lips as his gaze swept the dining table.

Steamed prawns. Minced pork with eggplant. Sautéed celery with pork slices.

Every dish violated his dietary restrictions.

"Impressive skills." His voice dripped sarcasm. "Never cook again."

Chloe's knuckles whitened around her apron strings.

"Mrs. Watson!"

Silence.

"Mrs. Harrison—"

A maid appeared, trembling.

"Clear the table."

"But these dishes—"

"Feed them to the dogs."

In the master bedroom, Nathan stared at the ceiling.

Suddenly he remembered Evelyn bustling in the kitchen, apron strings tied neatly at her waist.

The girl who once couldn't fry an egg had mastered gourmet cooking for him.

No matter how late, a light always waited.

The table forever set with his favorite dishes—each prepared to perfection.

Now he realized that had been luxury.

......

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Chloe had laid out breakfast again.

Nathan walked past without acknowledgment.

"Nathan." Chloe chased after him with a tie. "Let me help—"

His hand clamped around her wrist like a vise.