Chapter 440

Nathan Blackwood finally got his wish fulfilled as Evelyn Sinclair wheeled him along the banks of River Aurora.

Evelyn was completely absorbed in the picturesque scenery, deliberately ignoring Theodore "Teddy" Winslow's incessant chatter.

With the others gone, Nathan's expression visibly relaxed. Ahead of them stood a muscular, tattooed street performer playing violin.

The musician was deeply immersed in his performance, drawing a small crowd.

Had the music been elegant and refined, paired with the gentle flow of the river, the scene would have been breathtaking.

Unfortunately, the busker was clearly an amateur. The screeching notes resembled an elderly woman's wails, painfully assaulting the ears. Evelyn unconsciously moved closer and stopped.

Nathan listened impassively. When the dreadful performance finally ended, the relieved audience quickly dispersed.

The busker noticed the wheelchair-bound man and his stunning companion. His gaze lingered on Evelyn with pity, clearly thinking she deserved better than being with a disabled man.

Nathan's brow furrowed in thought. "Do you understand my art?" the busker challenged. "If not, move along!" His judgmental stare assessed Nathan, finding only good looks and useless legs.

The disdain in the musician's attitude was palpable. Nathan arched an eyebrow. "It was terrible."

"What did you say?" The busker's eyes turned icy, his tattooed arms flexing threateningly.

Evelyn, still caught in the romantic atmosphere, was startled when Nathan suddenly provoked the stranger.

"It was absolutely dreadful," Nathan repeated calmly, his voice like winter frost.

As the enraged musician rolled up his sleeves, Evelyn acted quickly. "Apologies, this man has mental issues. If you want to fight someone, try him!" She pointed to Marcus, their bodyguard trailing behind them.

She hastily pushed Nathan's wheelchair away, the ride becoming bumpy in her haste to escape.

"Evelyn," Nathan finally called out, amusement dancing in his eyes. This uncharacteristic retreat was unlike her.

"I'm being generous by not abandoning you there," she retorted. "Didn't your butler Teddy arrange proper security?"

Hearing her cold tone, Nathan remained silent before finally murmuring, "It truly was awful." As CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, he wouldn't lie to flatter some random street performer.

"Then I'll take you back so you can tell him personally," Evelyn said coolly.

Before she could turn around, Nathan gripped the wheelchair arms tightly. "Don't!" He felt strangely helpless, but with Evelyn, he'd allow it.

"Let's not go back. Look how the river sparkles like diamonds," he deflected. "If not for my current condition, I wouldn't be retreating!" The thought was laughable.

Evelyn scoffed. "Pathetic coward!"

They reached the center of a quaint bridge, where a peaceful, intoxicating atmosphere enveloped them. Nathan studied Evelyn's profile as she leaned against the railing.

Her delicate features were illuminated by the soft light, eyes bright with amusement, lips curved slightly. She was breathtaking.

Suddenly, words he'd never spoken came easily. "Compared to you, every violinist in the world is garbage."