Chapter 285

Evelyn Sinclair felt a dull throb behind her temples. Until this moment, she had believed Adrian Blackwood was simply a struggling adventurer.

Had she known he was Nathan Blackwood's nephew, she would never have so recklessly promised to support him indefinitely.

"I can't possibly afford to maintain this aristocrat," Evelyn thought bitterly. Before she could voice her protest, Lucas Sterling cut her off.

"Is the Blackwood family trying to extort us? Just name your price then. It's not like we can't afford fifteen billion dollars!" Lucas scoffed, his aristocratic features twisting in disdain. "Only provincial pirates would consider that a fortune."

He turned his sharp gaze toward Adrian, lip curling. "What makes you think you can leech off our family? You'd just be wasting our resources! Get lost!"

Adrian remained unfazed by Lucas's hostility. Instead, he offered a charming smile. "Third Brother Sterling, I'm young, capable, and obedient. I swear I won't be a burden. Besides, I can earn my keep."

"All I want is to stay by Evelyn's side forever." The moment these words left Adrian's lips, the temperature in the hospital room plummeted.

Lucas felt the sudden chill and turned to see Nathan's expression had darkened dangerously.

"Don't even dream about it!" Lucas snapped, recognizing the brewing storm in Nathan's eyes.

Evelyn sighed and intervened. "Lucas, enough. I did make Adrian a promise."

Adrian's face lit up with hope.

"But that was before I knew your true identity," Evelyn continued firmly. "Since you concealed the truth, any promises I made will be significantly reduced."

Adrian's bright expression dimmed instantly, replaced by heartbreaking disappointment.

Remembering Nathan's earlier comment about Adrian being disowned from the Blackwood family, Evelyn softened slightly. The young man must have endured hardships.

"How about this, Mr. Blackwood," she proposed, "I'll have my brother reimburse you double for all expenses during this ordeal—including manpower, ransom, and Adrian's share."

She met Nathan's intense gaze steadily. This was her way of settling accounts cleanly between them.

The offer only made Nathan's expression grow stormier. His dark eyes churned with suppressed emotions as he visibly struggled to maintain control.

The silence stretched uncomfortably. Evelyn shifted on the hospital bed, her injuries making her appear paler and less guarded than usual.

The prolonged quiet became unbearable. "Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn finally said, her voice calm but firm, "let's be direct. What exactly do you want from me?"

Nathan's jaw tightened. Countless unspoken emotions flickered in his eyes—longing, frustration, vulnerability. Under Evelyn's expectant gaze, he finally lowered his defenses.

His voice emerged rough with emotion, carrying years of unexpressed desire. "I need you, Evelyn."