Chapter 416

Dominic Kingsley thought he was about to witness an entertaining spectacle.

Nathan Blackwood shot him a frosty glare.

Evelyn Sinclair had standards—she wouldn’t spare a glance for insignificant underlings like that.

If Benjamin Carter had possessed even an ounce of composure and self-assurance, Nathan wouldn’t have let him off so easily.

Honestly, considering someone like him as competition was an insult to Evelyn.

Evelyn and Preston Sinclair had a seamless discussion, their perspectives aligning effortlessly on nearly every topic.

Nearly half an hour later, they finally stepped out of the office.

Since Preston still had work waiting at the hotel, Evelyn walked him out.

"Oliver hasn’t been around lately. Did the car accident scare him?" she asked.

Preston smiled politely. "He’s survived a bombing before—a little accident wouldn’t faze him. I’ve just assigned him several tutors. His schedule is packed with homework now."

Evelyn immediately understood.

"Poor kid. Childhood shouldn’t be this suffocating."

"If you want to see him, you’re welcome to visit the hotel anytime. He misses you," Preston added.

Evelyn nodded. "Perfect."

They stood in front of the elevator, waiting. Before the doors opened, Nathan’s voice cut through the silence behind them.

"Going home?"

Evelyn blinked in surprise.

He’s still here?

Preston offered a polite nod in greeting, which Nathan returned with equal formality.

Nathan’s gaze, however, remained fixed on Evelyn, his lips curling into a sly smirk.

"You’re free after this meeting, aren’t you? Let’s head back together."

His words carried a deliberate ambiguity.

Go home together? Evelyn stiffened slightly before glancing at her watch. Office hours were technically over.

"I still have—" she began reflexively.

"Teddy dropped me off and already left. You wouldn’t make me go back alone, would you?"

Nathan’s tone was light, but there was an unmistakable persistence beneath it.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Infuriating man.

The elevator arrived just then.

Preston lingered behind them like the perfect gentleman. Nathan made no move to wheel himself inside, instead tilting his head up at Evelyn with an expression that was equal parts innocent and pitiful.

Does he expect me to push his wheelchair in front of Preston? Or worse—have Preston do it?

The thought was absurd.

Both men carried themselves with too much pride. The balance would shatter the moment one yielded.

Evelyn couldn’t picture Preston pushing Nathan’s wheelchair, so with a quiet sigh, she stepped forward and guided Nathan inside, positioning herself behind him.

Nathan looked thoroughly pleased, his smile softening.

Two seconds passed. Preston still hadn’t entered.

He offered another polite nod. "I just remembered—I left that bouquet of white chrysanthemums behind. It wouldn’t do to leave them there. We’ll be in touch."

Nathan gave a slight, detached nod in return before pressing the elevator’s close button.

Evelyn barely suppressed a groan.

Silence settled between them as the elevator descended.

Evelyn pulled out her phone, quickly typing a message to Benjamin with a few reminders.

Marcus was waiting for her downstairs. The moment the elevator doors opened, he strode forward.

Evelyn stepped out—only for Nathan’s voice to stop her.

"Evelyn."

She’d nearly forgotten he was there.

He was waiting for her to push him out.

Evelyn paused, frowning. Just as she turned back, Marcus smoothly intervened.

"Miss Sinclair, allow me to handle such menial tasks."

Nathan’s jaw tightened.

Evelyn nodded approvingly and continued walking.

Marcus took over, pushing Nathan’s wheelchair at a brisk pace to keep up with her.

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose, grinding his teeth.

If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have dismissed Teddy so soon.

At Highland Estates, Evelyn headed straight to her room to organize her notes from the meeting, leaving Nathan with Marcus.

The house was immaculate as always. Teddy, clad in a frilly pink apron, rushed over the moment they entered.

"How do you manage to look so radiant even after a long day? I made you a nourishing vegetarian soup—low-calorie and delicious!"

His ingratiating smile left Evelyn utterly speechless.