Chapter 439

Evelyn froze mid-step. Why was Nathan descending so quickly? She spun around to see Nathan maneuvering his wheelchair down the ramp unassisted. The precarious angle made it look like he might tumble down the stairs at any moment.

One wrong move and they'd be rushing him to the emergency room instead of beginning their long-awaited vacation.

"Stop! Don't move!" Evelyn commanded sharply.

Nathan immediately stilled, waiting obediently for assistance. Before Evelyn could reach him, she noticed Marcus standing just behind Nathan's wheelchair. The bodyguard had been loading their luggage and hadn't yet disembarked from the helicopter.

Marcus's expression darkened as he set down the suitcases.

Without waiting for instructions, he firmly pushed Nathan's wheelchair down the ramp. Nathan's shoulders tensed in surprise at the unexpected assistance.

The ramp was stable, and Marcus applied just enough pressure to control the descent. Within moments, the wheelchair touched down safely on the cobblestone path.

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Nathan's jaw clenched with unspoken irritation. He had no way to voice his displeasure.

Marcus turned to retrieve the remaining luggage. Catching Evelyn's eye, he said, "Miss Sinclair, my assistance is always available when you require it."

Evelyn offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Marcus." Without his intervention, she would have needed to help Nathan down herself.

She glanced briefly at Nathan before striding ahead to join William.

Theodore swallowed hard. "Much obliged, Marcus," he murmured before rushing to take control of Nathan's wheelchair. Leaning close, he whispered, "Patience, sir. We'll have ample opportunities later. Remember Marcus represents Ms. Sinclair's interests."

Nathan remained silent.

His expression was unreadable, eyes like chips of ice. Marcus and Evelyn were clearly operating on different wavelengths.

The chateau staff had prepared meticulously for their arrival, setting out an array of teas and pastries tailored to each guest's preferences.

As Nathan entered, the servants bowed in unison. "Good evening, Mr. Blackwood."

He acknowledged them with a curt nod.

"Chairman Sterling," Theodore inquired, "would you prefer to rest or take an evening stroll first?"

William looked invigorated. "I'm ready to explore."

Nathan gave a slight nod, not bothering to consult the others. To the butler, he simply said, "Make the arrangements."

"At once, sir."

Their convoy departed immediately. Within minutes, the cars halted along the banks of River Aurora.

Moonlight danced across the water's tranquil surface. Evelyn caught her breath at the familiar sight. "River Aurora?" Her voice held a note of delighted surprise.

This place held countless memories from her student days in France. She'd walked these banks endlessly, confiding both joys and sorrows to the flowing waters.

Few pedestrians wandered the riverside at this hour, mostly couples enjoying romantic strolls. William was already enthusiastically following young Oliver Sinclair along the water's edge.

Preston Sinclair stood motionless nearby, his imposing silhouette framed against the Gothic architecture across the river.

Evelyn's eyes sparkled like the stars reflected in the water. Nathan allowed himself a small smile. Theodore had chosen well.

As Nathan began wheeling himself toward Evelyn, Marcus stepped forward to assist.

Theodore intercepted quickly, grasping Marcus's arm with a diplomatic smile. "Allow me," he said smoothly.