Chapter 452

The photograph arrived on Nathan's phone screen. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the device, his face darkening instantly.

A dangerous glint flashed in his stormy gray eyes. The two figures captured in the drizzle looked like they belonged in some romantic film.

Their gazes held an intimacy that made Nathan's stomach churn. Unspoken understanding passed between them, their eyes filled with unmistakable familiarity and something more painful - regret. Regret for not having met sooner.

When had Evelyn grown this close to him? Nathan's jaw clenched so tight it ached. After what felt like an eternity, he dialed Teddy.

"Mr. Blackwood! Missing Ms. Sinclair already? She's doing splendidly. In fact, she mentioned she misses you too!" Teddy chirped.

Silence.

Teddy's smile faltered as the quiet stretched. When Nathan finally spoke, his voice could have frozen hell over. "Theodore Winslow. You dare lie to me? Should I arrange a permanent vacation for you in the River Aurora?"

Teddy's blood ran cold. "S-sir? What have I done wrong?"

Had Nathan discovered that Ms. Sinclair's professor was male? Or worse - that she'd met with Preston Sinclair?

Nathan's icy chuckle sent shivers down Teddy's spine. The unspoken threat hung between them like a guillotine blade. Teddy swallowed hard.

"Yes, there was a minor... development, but everything's under control! That professor who's obsessed with perfumes? Definitely not interested in women!" Teddy babbled.

Nathan's expression darkened further.

"And the other complication?" Teddy's heart stopped. So Nathan knew about Preston after all. He glanced at the retreating figures ahead - Evelyn and Preston looked like they'd stepped out of a romance novel. Even Marcus had commented on what a perfect picture they made.

Though Teddy privately thought Evelyn would look infinitely better beside Nathan. "Mr. Sinclair was... purely coincidental! But you needn't worry, sir! I've been shadowing Ms. Sinclair closely. She mentioned Mr. Sinclair's ex-wife - clearly there's bad blood between them!"

Teddy launched into an animated explanation of every interaction between Evelyn and Preston, his words tumbling over each other in his haste. By the time he finished, Nathan had grown impatient.

"Enough. Keep her safe." Nathan's voice was clipped. "And Teddy? Return soon."

The call ended abruptly. Nathan's fingers hovered over Evelyn's social media profile. Blank. Not blocked - restricted. The invisible barrier between them made his chest constrict painfully.

Meanwhile, Evelyn checked her watch. Still too early for the reunion. She decided to pick up gifts for her classmates.

At the intersection, she turned to Preston. "Mr. Sinclair, if you have other engagements, please don't let me keep you."

Preston's brow furrowed. "You're not returning to the estate?"

"I need to shop for tonight's gathering."

Understanding dawned on Preston's face. "Ah, I have a client meeting myself. Until next time." They exchanged polite farewells.

The moment Preston disappeared around the corner, Teddy materialized at Evelyn's side, unfurling an umbrella with dramatic flair. "Ms. Sinclair! We can't have the rain ruining your gorgeous hair. Where to next?"

Evelyn gave him a withering look and strode off without answering. She knew these streets intimately, her heels clicking purposefully toward the luxury mall.

Teddy practically vibrated with excitement - this was his chance to shine! He chattered nonstop about gift ideas, his enthusiasm gradually wearing down Evelyn's resistance. By the third boutique, she found herself reluctantly impressed.

The man should have been in sales, Evelyn mused. He'd make a fortune with that silver tongue.

Behind them, Marcus lumbered under an ever-growing mountain of shopping bags, his usual intimidating presence somewhat diminished by his role as pack mule. Teddy turned and snapped his fingers. "Pick up the pace, Marcus! They're just a few bags - no need to look like you're marching to your execution!"