Chapter 5

"Did Nathan take the wrong pills today?"

Dylan Lowell stole a glance at the man chugging alcohol in the corner, inching closer to Julian Roscente.

Nathan Evans' expression had been stormy since they arrived.

The laughter in the VIP room instantly quieted.

"Someone got blocked," Julian swirled his glass, deliberately raising his voice.

Nathan's gaze turned icy as daggers.

Thud—

His glass slammed onto the table. He yanked open two shirt buttons, revealing sharp collarbones.

"Say her name again. I dare you."

Julian wisely shut his mouth.

The room fell silent. Even the background music cut off.

Dylan choked on his drink. Had Evelyn Langley really gone this far?

Ethan Winston, tipsy, leaned in. "Did Evelyn reply?"

Dylan shook his head frantically. No way he'd tell the truth.

A waiter brought fresh drinks. Someone bravely suggested, "Truth or dare?"

The group caught on immediately, egging them on.

"Dare's more fun!"

The door burst open.

"Perfect timing, Vivian! Nathan needs company—"

The club's top hostess was pushed toward Nathan.

"Mr. Evans..."

Nathan stood abruptly, face dark. "Enjoy yourselves."

He left behind stunned silence and Vivian's disappointed pout.

......

Inside the black Maybach, the driver asked carefully, "Back to the estate, sir?"

Alcohol throbbed at his temples.

The thought of an empty bedroom made him snap, "To the office."

"Mr. Evans? You're—"

His assistant, clutching files, nearly collided with Nathan stepping off the elevator.

The CEO at headquarters this late? Unheard of.

Normally by now, Evelyn would've nagged him to rest. If he refused, she'd cling to him with playful whines until she won.

"Leaving already?"

"Urgent matter, sir?"

A sudden stomach pang made him grimace. "Get me congee."

He paused. "From that Michelin place in West End."

The assistant returned in twenty minutes with an exquisite takeout box.

Nathan's expression darkened further when he lifted the lid.

"Why abalone congee?"

"You praised it last time—"

"Get out."

The congee was exquisite. He set down his spoon after two bites.

Suddenly, he missed that simple bowl of millet porridge...

"Damn it!"

His fist smashed the desk.

......

Rain fell during Evelyn's return from the hospital.

Fumbling in the dark, she unlocked her apartment door—and froze at the sound of heavy breathing.

Light flooded the room, exposing Sophia Laurent straddling a younger man on the couch. Her black lace slip rode up her thighs as his hands disappeared beneath the silk.

"Evelyn?"

Sophia blinked against the light, lips still glistening.

"Don't mind me."

Evelyn spun around.

Time to find a new place.

Sophia lazily adjusted a slipped strap, tossing the boy his T-shirt.

"Wait for me in bed, darling."

The boy grinned at Evelyn. "Hey, sis."

"Hi, Kevin."

"Steven this time," Sophia corrected, swirling her wine.

Evelyn: "..."

"Your eyes are red." Sophia suddenly leaned close. "Saw Professor Roland?"

The warm mug burned Evelyn's palms.

"Went to the hospital."

Sophia's expression turned complex. Professor Eleanor Roland had broken protocol to mentor an undergrad, even chairing her thesis defense.

Most would kill for that chance. Evelyn walked away without hesitation.

"How is she?"

"Didn't go in."

Sophia snorted. "Coward!"

Evelyn's grip tightened.

So the supplements this morning were for the professor.

"How long will you hide?"

"Can't avoid it forever." Evelyn met her gaze. "Come with me tomorrow?"

Sophia's glass paused. "What are you planning?"