Chapter 170

Evelyn's mind raced. Did he just accuse me of deliberately hitting his car? The audacity!

Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel. It was clearly him who slammed on the brakes without warning.

A fleeting memory surfaced - hadn't she seen a child walking near the Range Rover moments before impact?

No escaping now. She rolled down her window, lips pressed into a thin line before curving into a mocking smile.

"Guilty as charged." Her voice dripped with icy amusement. "I absolutely meant to rear-end you."

Nathan's eyes narrowed, his frown deepening.

"Interesting admission." His gravelly voice held no warmth. "What's your play here?"

Evelyn met his gaze with frosty indifference.

"Name your price. I'll cover the damages."

Truthfully, she could've fought liability. But having admitted fault, there was no taking it back now.

Nathan glanced away, pulling out his phone. "I'll bill you after repairs. Still using the same number?"

"No." The lie slipped out before she could stop it.

He dialed right in front of her. The automated "number unavailable" message made his jaw clench.

Evelyn's pulse jumped. Having the man she'd blocked standing two feet away was... uncomfortable.

"Just give me a figure now." She grabbed her phone, desperate to end this encounter.

"Repairs first." Nathan's tone turned flinty. "Leave me a working number."

His sudden intensity made her pause. This wasn't about money - he wanted her to unblock him.

"Contact my assistant," she countered.

Nathan pocketed his phone with finality. "Forget it then. Consider it a gift."

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. Was he trying to paint her as irresponsible? Or worse - imply she couldn't pay?

Fine. She'd play his game. For now.

"My number's unchanged." She turned the ignition, eager to leave.

Nathan didn't move.

After two tense seconds, he suddenly leaned in, one hand gripping her steering wheel. His long fingers looked sculpted for piano keys.

Evelyn froze at his unexpected proximity.

"Evelyn," his deep voice rumbled dangerously close, "you wouldn't drive off and conveniently forget, would you?"

She inhaled sharply, irritation flashing in her eyes.

"Unlike some, I honor my debts." Snatching her phone, she unblocked his number and called him immediately.

The screen lit up with her old contact name: "Mrs. Blackwood."