Chapter 394

Beatrice gasped when she saw the intimidating Marcus blocking her path. Her hands trembled as she instinctively stepped back.

"W-Who are you?" she stammered.

Marcus didn't bother with introductions. He shoved the door open forcefully.

With a deep, commanding voice, he announced, "Miss Sinclair, after you."

Evelyn walked past without sparing Beatrice a glance. There was no point pretending sentimentality.

The woman had always been Nathan's spy anyway.

Ignoring the nanny's nervous expression, Evelyn strode inside confidently.

Her designer heels clicked sharply against the polished hardwood floors. The sound echoed through the grand foyer.

In the living room, Nathan sat in his wheelchair wearing light gray loungewear. His pale complexion couldn't hide his striking features.

The cast on his right leg made him appear vulnerable, softening his usual intimidating presence.

When he saw Evelyn, his grip tightened on the wheelchair arms. His eyes brightened instantly.

"Evelyn," he said softly, almost reverently. "You're finally home."

Evelyn's lips curved slightly as she scanned the room. Then her expression froze.

Everything remained exactly as she'd left it.

Not a single item out of place. The entire space gleamed spotlessly.

She looked away abruptly, narrowing her eyes.

"I'll take my things to the guest room first."

Turning sharply, she motioned for Marcus to follow upstairs.

"Let Beatrice handle that," Nathan interjected, frowning. "You shouldn't be carrying your own luggage."

His sharp gaze landed on the trembling nanny.

Beatrice jumped to attention, rushing forward to take the suitcase from Marcus.

"Allow me, Mrs. Blackwood. Your room is ready, just as you left it."

Marcus shifted away, blocking her with a warning glare.

Beatrice withdrew her hand nervously, glancing at Evelyn for direction.

But Evelyn wasn't looking at her. Instead, she fixed Nathan with a sideways glance.

"What's this about?"

Did he expect her to sleep in their old bedroom?

Nathan pressed his lips together before answering gently, "The guest room isn't prepared yet. Your old room has all your belongings. It would be inconvenient to move everything."

Evelyn didn't care enough to argue. She'd only be staying temporarily anyway.

She arched one perfect eyebrow. "Fine."

Her easy agreement visibly brightened Nathan's mood. A rare smile touched his lips.

As Evelyn ascended the stairs with Marcus, Beatrice called out hesitantly, "Mrs. Blackwood—"

Evelyn stopped mid-step. When she turned, her gaze could freeze fire.

"Nathan Blackwood," she said icily, "I came here out of mutual respect and a shred of guilt. But if your staff oversteps again, consider our arrangement terminated."

Mrs. Blackwood? As if she'd ever want that title again.

She wouldn't tolerate repeated disrespect.

Though the words weren't directed at Beatrice, they struck like a physical blow. Evelyn's tone cut sharper than any blade.

Nathan's smile faltered briefly before he recovered smoothly. "Understood," he murmured pleasantly.

The moment Evelyn turned away, Nathan's expression darkened. His glare at Beatrice could have turned wine to vinegar.

The nanny trembled violently. What had she done wrong? Evelyn used to insist on being called Mrs. Blackwood.

Back when no one in the Blackwood household respected her, Beatrice had addressed her as "Miss Sinclair."

Evelyn had thrown a fit, accusing her of deliberate disrespect.

From then on, Beatrice had reluctantly used the formal title.