Chapter 294

Evelyn's body tensed instantly. Too late to escape now.

Nathan Blackwood had already closed the distance between them with powerful strides.

He pulled a photograph from his pocket. His brow furrowed as he studied the painting on the wall with laser focus.

Identical. His face paled.

"How did you—" Mr. von Strauss glanced at the photo in Nathan's hand and remarked casually, "Ah, so you're the thief who stole my photograph?"

Nathan's expression darkened.

His gaze flickered to Evelyn, but she deliberately avoided eye contact.

Evelyn's subtle makeup enhanced her delicate features. The blush-pink gown hugged every perfect curve, transforming her into a vision of ethereal beauty.

Gone was her usual icy demeanor. Tonight she radiated softness. A breathtaking sight that held Nathan captive.

His eyes darkened dangerously.

"Mr. von Strauss, this photo—"

"Yes, my work." The old man nodded proudly. "I captured that moment when this young lady pulled you from danger while I enjoyed my espresso across the street."

"One of my finest pieces. Interested?" His words shattered Evelyn's earlier denial about being the painting's subject.

Evelyn's temper flared.

"Master von Strauss! I inquired first! You refused to sell it to me—first come, first served should apply!"

The artist merely smiled at Nathan.

"I sell to whomever pleases me most at the moment."

He'd treated Victoria Ashford the same way when she'd begged for a portrait last season.

Nathan's gaze burned with intensity. A smirk played on his lips.

"Name your price. I'll pay any amount."

Von Strauss extended one gnarled finger.

Without hesitation, Nathan turned to Harrison. "Transfer $100 million immediately."

Harrison's jaw dropped.

"A hundred million for one painting? Not even Renaissance masterpieces command—"

The artist chuckled, nodding toward Evelyn. "Send the money to her. The muse deserves compensation."

Evelyn nearly choked on her outrage.

The man had gone mad! She couldn't stay another second. As she turned to leave, Adrian appeared with a roguish grin.

"Evie! There you are—" His smile faltered when he noticed Nathan. "Uncle? What brings you here?"

Nathan's face turned thunderous.

His glare turned arctic when Adrian affectionately called her "Evie." The temperature in the room plummeted.

Adrian casually looped his arm through Evelyn's. "Feel like catching a movie later?" he asked, flashing a charming smile.

The atmosphere grew palpably tense.

Von Strauss observed them with amused curiosity, clearly puzzled by the dynamics.

Adrian introduced himself boldly while gazing at Evelyn with undisguised admiration. "Adrian Blackwood. Evie and I have faced death together—we share an unbreakable bond."

Nathan's expression darkened visibly.

The old artist muttered something noncommittal before hastily excusing himself from the charged scene.

Left alone, Nathan's voice cut like ice. "Adrian. You've grown bold."

Adrian met his uncle's glare with feigned innocence. "You're divorced, Uncle. Can't two single people explore their connection?"

The air turned lethal.

Harrison frantically signaled Adrian to stop, but the younger man deliberately ignored him.

"Evie, shall we?" Adrian asked casually. Evelyn nodded eagerly—anything to escape this nightmare.

As they turned, Nathan's voice froze them in place.

"Shall I shut down your studio permanently, Adrian?"

Adrian stumbled mid-step.

"That's low, Uncle." He hesitated, not wanting to lose face before Evelyn. After a tense pause, he whispered, "Evie, go ahead. I'll catch up."

Evelyn vanished without a backward glance.

Adrian squared his shoulders, adopting a defiant smirk. "Empty threats won't change her feelings, Uncle."

Nathan advanced like a storm. "Who gave you permission to call her 'Evie'?"