Chapter 298

Nathan Blackwood approached the ticket counter, his striking features immediately drawing every eye in the lobby.

The young attendant's cheeks flushed pink as she recommended several romantic comedies.

With barely a glance at the options, he selected the film with the nearest showtime.

His gaze drifted sideways, noticing a couple sharing an oversized bucket of popcorn and soda. A slight frown creased his forehead.

Evelyn Sinclair sat nearby, idly scrolling through her phone with one hand propping up her chin.

Her group chat with Isabella Montgomery and Natalie Beaumont buzzed with ski trip plans.

She hesitated to contribute, knowing their reactions if they discovered she was at the movies with Nathan Blackwood of all people.

A college-aged boy approached with nervous energy. "Excuse me, miss. Are you from NYU? Which department?"

Evelyn blinked. NYU's campus was just blocks away. A thrill ran through her at being mistaken for a student.

Before she could respond, the boy extended his phone. "Could I get your number? Our theater group needs a leading lady."

Her starry eyes crinkled with amusement as she smiled.

The boy remained oblivious to the glacial presence materializing behind Evelyn.

Nathan's hand came to rest on the back of her chair like a territorial claim. His stormy gaze pinned the younger man in place.

"What seems to be happening here?" His voice carried the chill of Arctic winds.

The Rolex on his wrist represented more money than the student would see in years. Everything about him screamed power and privilege.

The boy's shoulders slumped as he pocketed his phone with mumbled apologies before fleeing.

Evelyn's smile faded as she watched him go. Nathan noted her disappointment, his mood darkening like storm clouds gathering.

When she turned back, her eyebrows lifted at the sight in his hands. The massive popcorn bucket and soda looked absurd against his tailored Burberry trench coat.

Noticing her expression, Nathan cleared his throat. "They came with the tickets."

She accepted this without question. Nathan Blackwood buying movie snacks? Preposterous.

Inside the theater, Evelyn glimpsed their tickets. "A horror film?" Her tone flattened as they entered.

The nearly empty auditorium held only one other couple. Horror had fallen out of fashion against comedies and prestige dramas.

Nathan moved to sit beside her when she plopped the popcorn between them like a barrier.

His displeasure showed plainly. Evelyn met his gaze coolly. "Friends maintain boundaries, Mr. Blackwood."

Harrison's advice from earlier echoed in his mind: Patience is key when pursuing someone like Ms. Sinclair. Storming off won't work.

After half a second's consideration, Nathan took the designated seat.

Progress, he reminded himself. Merely sitting through a film together counted as progress.

The couple ahead alternated between passionate kisses and exaggerated screams during scary scenes.

"Ah! Too terrifying!" the girl shrieked, burying her face in her boyfriend's chest.

Nathan's fingers tightened around the armrests. This wasn't exactly the romantic atmosphere he'd envisioned.