Chapter 51

The air in the silent car felt frozen. Adrian Klein's fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel as his peripheral gaze caught Evelyn Langley's tense profile in the passenger seat.

The black Mercedes glided smoothly along the ring road, deliberately moving at a reduced speed. Adrian adjusted the air conditioning two degrees warmer but made no attempt to break the heavy silence.

The gates of the villa district slowly opened. Old Mr. Thompson, the security guard, leaned out. "Miss Langley? You're finally back!"

Evelyn forced a weak smile, her eyes fixed on the familiar tree-lined avenue outside. Adrian noticed her clenched fists and quietly parked the car in front of the villa.

"I won't be long," she said hoarsely, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Adrian frowned. "Those books are heavy."

"Unnecessary." She pushed the door open and strode toward the three-story villa without looking back.

When the doorbell rang, Mrs. Watson was preparing lunch in the kitchen. She hurried to answer, her eyes widening in surprise. "Miss Langley!"

"I came to collect some things," Evelyn murmured, though her gaze drifted past the housekeeper, landing on the spiral staircase.

Nathan Evans leaned against the railing in a silk robe, swirling half a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid refracted harsh light under the sun.

"Alone?" He sneered. "Those books will take you at least three trips."

Evelyn walked straight to the study. "Don't trouble yourself."

The study carried a faint scent of cedar. She efficiently packed pre-sorted books into a woven bag, never once glancing at Nathan, who lounged against the bookshelf.

Sweat trickled down her temple. As she slid the final book into the bag, Nathan suddenly erupted, kicking over a nearby footstool.

"Evelyn!" He seized her wrist. "For these worthless books, you finally step foot in this house?"

"Let go!" She winced, struggling, but his grip only tightened.

Dark fury churned in his eyes. "What the hell am I to you?"

"That's my question!" Evelyn jerked her head up. "Who disappears for weeks without a word? Who ends a relationship via text?"

She yanked her hand free but stumbled backward. The sofa caught her legs, sending her tumbling into the cushions.

Nathan loomed over her, breathing heavily. His gaze dropped to her flushed lips, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Eve..." His voice roughened with that familiar warmth.

Evelyn turned her face away from his approaching kiss, palms pressing against his chest. "Nathan Evans! We're over!"