Chapter 50

Nathan Evans pressed his temples. "No more drinks. You guys carry on."

Julian Roscente arched an eyebrow as he watched Nathan walk away.

Nathan never missed these gatherings. Tonight was unusual.

Could it be... he'd gotten back together with Evelyn Langley?

Of course. Newly reunited couples had no interest in partying.

"Julian, what's the hold-up? We're waiting on you," someone called from the stairwell.

Julian shook off his thoughts and rejoined the boisterous crowd.

......

The villa was silent, the clock ticking past ten.

Mrs. Watson had already tidied the master bedroom and walk-in closet, arranging Evelyn's personal belongings neatly in a corner.

Nathan pivoted and pushed open the study door.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were packed with biology textbooks.

Though Evelyn had abandoned grad school, she'd never stopped studying.

Each book was a treasure she'd hunted down—some out of print, others expensive imports.

He remembered how she'd present each rare find like a prized offering.

Her eyes would sparkle, lips curling in an irrepressible smile...

Nathan's gaze swept the shelves—then narrowed.

A rustling sound came from downstairs.

Mrs. Watson jumped when Nathan suddenly appeared as she carried out the trash.

"Let me borrow your phone."

She instinctively clutched her pocket. "Sir, you broke my last one—"

"You got a replacement."

"But—it's brand new..." Her face fell.

Nathan frowned impatiently. "I'll have two latest models delivered tomorrow."

Mrs. Watson beamed and handed it over.

The call connected. Before the other person could speak, Nathan said coldly:

"If we're done, clean out your junk tomorrow. I won't wait."

Evelyn froze before realizing he meant her books.

"...Fine."

The dial tone pierced the silent study.

Evelyn stared at her phone, then dialed Sophia Laurent.

"Sophia, can you help me move my books tomorrow?"

"Absolutely! Those are your life's work—no way that jerk keeps them!" Sophia fumed. "I'll pick you up."

Yet the next morning, Adrian Klein stood at Evelyn's door.

Rarely dressed in a white tee and light-wash jeans, his tousled bangs and lean frame made him look like a college student.

"Where's Sophia?" Evelyn blinked.

Adrian adjusted his glasses. "She pulled an all-nighter. Still asleep."

Evelyn understood—probably gaming until dawn.

"Thanks for stepping in." She smiled ruefully.