Chapter 409

Evelyn inhaled deeply, catching the rich aroma wafting through the air. "What's that delightful smell?" she asked.

"I prepared hot chocolate using Amedeis 70% dark chocolate. The texture is absolutely divine. You must try it!" Theodore beamed with pride, his round cheeks flushing pink with excitement.

He immediately began pouring the steaming liquid into delicate porcelain cups. "Would you care for some?"

The irresistible scent made Evelyn nod eagerly. "Is Mr. Blackwood resting?"

"Mr. Blackwood is currently in his study attending a video conference." Theodore sighed dramatically while adjusting his bowtie. "A man of his stature - wealthy, powerful, yet still so dedicated - is truly one in a million!"

Marcus stood rigidly by the doorway, his muscular frame casting a long shadow across the marble floor.

"Theodore, would Marcus like some too?" Evelyn suggested after taking her first sip, savoring the velvety smoothness. "This is exceptional."

Marcus turned his chiseled profile away, his expression unreadable. "No thank you. He can keep it."

Undeterred, Theodore waddled over with surprising speed for his size and practically shoved the reluctant bodyguard toward the table. The effort left the plump butler panting, tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Now now, no need for formalities! I've already indulged while preparing it." Theodore punctuated his statement with an exaggerated burp that made Evelyn stifle a laugh.

After finishing her drink, Evelyn rose gracefully. "Don't let this go to waste. I'm retiring for the evening. You both should get some rest as well."

Theodore waved enthusiastically, his multiple chins wobbling. "Such a refined, compassionate lady like Ms. Sinclair is a rare treasure indeed!"

Evelyn quickened her pace upstairs before Theodore could continue his effusive praise.

Turning to Marcus, Theodore opened his mouth to deliver another compliment, but the bodyguard downed the chocolate in one gulp and stalked off without a word, his scowl deepening.

Theodore examined the empty cup with admiration. "Even the way you drink hot chocolate exudes such masculine energy, Marcus!"

If Theodore hadn't been Nathan Blackwood's personal butler, Marcus would have tossed the irritating man out the nearest window.

Passing the study, Evelyn paused briefly when she heard Nathan's voice flowing in perfect French, the rich baritone sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. The melodic rhythm of the foreign language suited him surprisingly well.

What a captivating sound.

Choosing not to disturb him, Evelyn continued to her room. Before bed, she video-called Alexander, William, and Lucas.

Meanwhile, Marcus unrolled his military-grade sleeping bag outside Evelyn's door with practiced efficiency. Just as he settled in, a loud thump announced Theodore's arrival as he dramatically spread out his pink floral bedding right beside him.

The contrast between Marcus's utilitarian setup and Theodore's frilly ensemble was almost comical. When Theodore lay down, his considerable girth completely blocked Marcus's view of the hallway.

Marcus glared daggers at the intruder. "What exactly are you doing here?"

"Keeping watch over Ms. Sinclair, of course." Theodore adjusted his sleeping mask with a self-satisfied smile. "You're still a man, after all. Can't be too careful about these things. Ms. Sinclair wouldn't stand a chance against someone of your... physical attributes."

He patted Marcus's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't fret, I don't snore or grind my teeth."

With that, Theodore turned away and promptly fell asleep.

Marcus clenched his jaw, watching in disbelief as Theodore began emitting soft snores within seconds. The urge to kick the rotund nuisance down the stairs was overwhelming, but the logistics of moving 100kg of dead weight deterred him.

Thus, two very different men found themselves keeping vigil outside Evelyn's door.

Ten minutes later, Theodore's gentle snores escalated into thunderous rumbles that jolted Marcus fully awake. The rhythmic vibrations continued at a volume that would put a chainsaw to shame.