Chapter 444

Evelyn Sinclair nearly unleashed a biting remark, but the memory of tonight's fireworks softened her tone.

"You're overthinking. Get some rest." Just as she was about to close the door, Nathan Blackwood tilted his head slightly and murmured,

"I'm hungry."

"I want what you're having!" Theodore "Teddy" Winslow chimed in eagerly. "That's the last portion, Ms. Sinclair! It'd be dull eating alone—why not share with Mr. Blackwood? A private midnight supper for two!"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes but stayed silent.

Nathan added quietly, "I won't eat much."

All he wanted was to sit with her for one meal.

Evelyn arched a brow and let out a light, humorless laugh. She turned, picked up the tray, and shoved it into Teddy's hands.

"Fine. I'm not hungry anymore. It's all yours."

She instantly regretted holding back her sharp words earlier. Nathan's infuriating habit of pushing his luck made her want to strangle him.

Nathan frowned. "That's not what I meant."

"But I do," she countered smoothly. "Aren't you starving?" She met his gaze pointedly.

He hadn't eaten anything earlier.

Evelyn scoffed. "Oh, by all means, take it all. Let me just waste away!"

Nathan froze. He'd hoped to exploit Evelyn's momentary softness to mend things between them. He'd forgotten how stubborn she could be.

Before he could react, Evelyn thrust the tray fully into Teddy's grasp.

"Teddy, make sure Mr. Blackwood doesn't choke," she said sweetly before slamming her door shut.

Nathan gritted his teeth, exhaling sharply in frustration.

She never compromises.

His chest tightened.

Teddy stood awkwardly with the tray. He'd prepared this meal specifically for Evelyn, tailored to her tastes. Nathan wouldn't appreciate it.

Swallowing, Teddy forced a smile. "Mr. Blackwood, you should eat on Ms. Sinclair's behalf! She offered it so generously—think of it as extra nourishment for your recovery!"

Nathan only glared.

Teddy sighed and stared at the food. "Fine. I'll eat it. Can't let good food go to waste."

Back in her room, Evelyn opened the photo William Sterling had sent her.

It was a snapshot from the bridge—fireworks bursting behind them, the river shimmering below. Evelyn gazed at the water, unaware of Nathan watching her from his wheelchair, his expression unbearably tender.

Time seemed suspended in that frame.

She knew why her father had taken this picture.

Even he had been moved.

But not her.

Evelyn deleted the photo without hesitation and opened her doctoral group chat.

The group had been buzzing since they learned she was in France. One member brought up today's headlines.

[Did you see the fireworks over River Aurora? Every major outlet is scrambling for details! A once-in-a-century spectacle!]

[Remember your first birthday here, Ev? You wrote in the university's public record that your wish was to see fireworks on these banks! That book might still be there.]

Evelyn scrolled, her mind blanking for a second.

Then it hit her.

She'd completely forgotten.

Watching fireworks along River Aurora had been her first birthday wish—scribbled hastily during her lonely first year in France. Back then, she'd had nothing real to wish for, so she'd written something frivolous, never expecting it to come true.

Until tonight.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Her chest constricted, breath turning shallow.

Did Nathan do this because of my wish?

She set her phone aside and looked out the window. The chateau's warm lights glowed against the rain-drenched gardens, dreamlike in the mist.

A faint drizzle streaked the glass.

Evelyn laughed softly. Just a coincidence. How would he even know?

Then her phone buzzed.

A message from Nathan:

To the brilliant and breathtaking Ms. Sinclair,

May all your wishes come true.

—Your eternal admirer.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, exasperated, but a reluctant smirk tugged at her lips. She typed back:

Having you as a fan is my greatest misfortune.