Chapter 407

Evelyn Sinclair lounged on the second-floor balcony, the golden hues of sunset painting her face as she sipped from a delicate porcelain teacup.

The warmth made her eyelids heavy. Just as she began to drift, the faintest creak of footsteps reached her ears.

Her brow furrowed. Teddy?

"Ms. Sterling, you're absolutely brilliant! You knew it was me without even turning around." His voice was honeyed with admiration. "Your composure is remarkable—so unlike other women. I've brought you some fresh fruit. Was dinner to your liking tonight?"

Teddy fidgeted, his fingers twisting together. "Mr. Blackwood personally selected the menu. I... I wasn't sure if it would suit your tastes. This is my first day, you see. I'd hate to lose this position over something as trivial as dinner. Especially with my culinary credentials—"

Evelyn's smile froze at the edges.

Nathan had chosen those dishes? She had assumed it was mere coincidence that every course matched her preferences. How would he even know?

A strange tightness coiled in her chest.

The more effort Nathan poured into these gestures, the more it unsettled her.

She exhaled, smoothing her expression. "I'm not particular about food. Prepare whatever you wish."

After all, Evelyn rarely ate much here. If the meals became unbearable, she could always retreat to Sterling Manor.

Teddy opened his mouth to press further, but Evelyn set down her cup with a decisive clink.

"I nearly forgot—I'm meeting friends for shopping tonight. Leave the door unlocked for my return."

"Shopping? Allow me to carry your bags!" Teddy's eyes lit up. Gaining her trust would make his... other duties far simpler.

Evelyn forced a polite smile. "That won't be necessary. Marcus is accompanying me."

——

Inside the glittering mall, Isabella Montgomery and Natalie Beaumont lounged in massage chairs, waiting.

Evelyn arched a brow at their relaxed poses. "Evening shopping sprees? Has your schedule become this packed?"

Natalie rolled her eyes. "We're saving you from wallowing in that mausoleum of yours. Who knows what might happen if you're alone with Nathan Blackwood day and night?"

Isabella nodded vigorously. "Speaking of, I heard that witch Margaret was hospitalized?"

Evelyn settled beside them, lips quirking. "Your intelligence network impresses me."

Marcus maintained a discreet distance, close enough to intervene if needed but far enough to grant privacy.

The women dragged Evelyn through designer boutiques, arms laden with shopping bags.

"Of course I know," Isabella huffed. "My uncle runs that hospital. They wheeled her in covered in blood, and she woke up cursing your name. Strangest part? Not a single Blackwood visited her." She studied Evelyn. "Did you have a hand in that?"

Evelyn's laugh was ice. "She earned it. That blade was meant for me. Marcus took it instead."

A weighted silence fell.

Isabella linked arms with her abruptly. "Enough gloom. Tell me—has Nathan tried anything since you moved in to 'nurse' him?"

"He's wheelchair-bound. What exactly could he do?"

"Good." Isabella squeezed her arm. "We may not approve of reconciliation, but we acknowledge his... efforts this time."

Evelyn lowered her gaze, smiling faintly. Suddenly, Natalie gasped, yanking her sleeve.

"Look who's here!"

They turned to see a uniformed woman kneeling on the polished floor, scrubbing vigorously. All three froze.