Chapter 299

Nathan Blackwood's piercing gaze settled on Evelyn Sinclair beside him.

She was completely absorbed in the horror film playing on the massive screen.

Moonlight from the emergency exit illuminated her flawless profile.

Her delicate nose bridge and porcelain skin seemed to glow in the dim theater.

Unlike the screaming audience around them, Evelyn watched with detached amusement.

When the predictable jump scares came, she merely scoffed at the cheap special effects.

Her fingers never touched the popcorn bucket between them.

The couple in front had long abandoned watching, entwined in each other's arms.

As credits rolled, Evelyn checked her phone with a small sigh.

She turned to Nathan with raised eyebrows. "Mr. Blackwood, is there a reason you've been staring at me all night?"

Her voice carried clearly, making the couple ahead stiffen in surprise.

Nathan's response came low and measured. "You never specified where I should look."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Why aren't you scared?" he demanded suddenly.

Her laugh was brittle. "Real life makes this look like child's play." Her fingers tightened around her phone case.

The couple scrambled to leave, adjusting rumpled clothing with flushed cheeks.

A text notification lit Evelyn's screen. She stood abruptly. "Archibald's here. I'm leaving."

Nathan blocked her path. "I'll drive you."

At the theater entrance, Evelyn froze at the sight of her butler approaching.

Her voice turned glacial. "Even after everything, you had no right to interfere with Adrian. He's my closest friend."

Nathan's jaw clenched. All evening he'd studied her reactions like scripture.

This casual dismissal cut deeper than any blade.

Before he could respond, Evelyn turned toward the exit.

Something inside Nathan snapped.

In three strides, he pinned her against a marble pillar.

His grip on her shoulders bordered on painful. "Listen carefully, Evelyn."

The warning in his voice could freeze hell itself.

"Stay away from Adrian Blackwood." His breath fanned her cheek. "Or I'll make sure he regrets ever knowing you."

His thumb traced her collarbone. "You're the only one I spare, darling. Everyone else is expendable."