Chapter 396

The atmosphere grew thick with tension.

Nathan knew he was testing his luck, but if he didn't take this chance, how would he ever discover the truth?

Evelyn hesitated briefly. She rested her chin on her palm, studying him with amusement dancing in her eyes.

A delicate smile played across her lips.

Yet her voice remained cool and detached when she finally spoke.

"Did your brain get injured along with your arm?"

Her smile never reached her eyes, yet it was impossible to resist its charm.

Seeing she wasn't angry, Nathan's grin widened. He immediately adopted a self-mocking tone.

His voice dropped to a regretful murmur.

"Are you really going to abandon me so quickly? Can't you do this one small thing for me?"

Evelyn's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly. What was wrong with this man? If he weren't injured, she'd have left him in the dust already!

Why was she still here enduring this ridiculous performance? His acting skills were atrocious!

She turned away with an exasperated sigh. Just bear with it a little longer.

In the next instant, Marcus stepped forward and picked up the soup bowl in front of Nathan.

"Mr. Blackwood, allow me—"

Marcus held the spoon to Nathan's lips with a terrifying scowl that contrasted sharply with his gentle actions.

He was feeding Nathan like an infant.

Marcus even exaggeratedly opened his own mouth, making an "ahh" sound as if teaching a toddler to eat.

Silence descended upon the dining room.

Evelyn couldn't contain her laughter any longer.

Nathan's expression froze into something decidedly unpleasant.

But as Evelyn's bodyguard, Marcus couldn't care less about Nathan's feelings.

Within seconds, Nathan's mouth twitched. He reached out to take the bowl from the bodyguard's hands, his voice icy.

"My arms work perfectly fine. I'll feed myself."

Marcus wisely retreated behind Evelyn, standing guard like a stone sentinel.

After that incident, Nathan behaved much better, finishing his meal quietly with his head bowed.

Evelyn focused on responding to urgent emails from Bennett on her phone.

She didn't notice Nathan's lingering gaze fixed upon her.

After sending her replies, she set the phone down and looked up at him.

"Finished?"

Nathan nodded, his eyes softening with warmth.

Evelyn stood to clear the dishes when Nathan caught her wrist, giving her a helpless look.

"I didn't invite you here to be my maid."

Beatrice emerged from the kitchen immediately. "I'll take care of this, Miss Sinclair."

Evelyn arched a brow. She hadn't wanted to do it anyway.

Nathan patted his wheelchair, his gaze steady. "Let's go to the study."

Evelyn could handle small favors like this, so she moved behind him to push the wheelchair.

He could easily maneuver it himself, but having her do it filled him with quiet satisfaction.

Evelyn rolled her eyes discreetly as she guided him toward the elevator.

He probably had work to attend to in the study.

She made a mental note to go out with Isabella and Natalie later that evening.

In the second-floor study, Nathan studied Evelyn intently.

"There are too many confidential company documents here. Have your bodyguard wait outside."

Evelyn shrugged. "Fine."

Without needing instruction, Marcus took his position by the door.

Evelyn pushed Nathan inside. The study had transformed dramatically since her last visit.

Originally two adjoining rooms, the space had been nearly empty when only Evelyn used it.

Now floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes.

Neatly categorized files occupied the arched shelves flanking the room. A massive rectangular desk dominated the center, bearing two laptops and scattered documents.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a peaceful glow across the space.

Evelyn paused momentarily before continuing to push him forward.

Nathan stopped her, pointing toward the tatami area across the room. "Over there..."