Chapter 117

Evelyn's lips curled into a mischievous smirk as a daring thought sparked in her eyes. Tilting her head playfully, she teased, "Or... Could it be that seeing me with another man has made you jealous, Mr. Black?"

At her words, Nathan's reaction was immediate—uncontrolled and raw. He shot up from his seat, tension coiling through his body like a spring. A heartbeat later, he schooled his expression into one of cool indifference, though the flicker of irritation in his gaze betrayed him. His voice dripped with disdain as he scoffed, "Jealous? If it were Serena, perhaps. But you?"

His eyes raked over her dismissively. "Why would I waste a single emotion on someone who means nothing to me?"

Evelyn held his gaze, though regret already twisted in her chest the moment the question left her lips. She knew better than to expect jealousy from him. His words, though predictable, still stung. Yet she forced a laugh, masking the ache with practiced ease.

She stepped closer, her voice a low, daring whisper. "Really? Not even a flicker?"

Nathan didn’t retreat, his piercing stare unwavering. The light caught in her eyes, sharpening their challenge. For a fleeting second, his breath hitched.

Then, coldly, he replied, "Not a single one."

The silence between them stretched, thick with tension. Without warning, Evelyn rose onto her toes, her arms looping around his neck, and pressed her lips to his in a bold, defiant kiss.

Nathan froze, shock rooting him in place as her warmth seared against him. His first instinct was to push her away, his hands gripping her shoulders—but Evelyn clung tighter, pulling him in until there was no space left between them.

For one reckless moment, Nathan’s resistance crumbled. His eyes fluttered shut as the kiss deepened, the heat between them undeniable.

Then, just as suddenly, Evelyn broke away. Nathan staggered back, his eyes snapping open, confusion and realization warring in his expression. The spell shattered, leaving only cold clarity in its wake.

His face darkened with fury. "Evelyn! What the hell was that? Who said you could—"

She cut him off with a smirk, her voice laced with challenge. "You claim to feel nothing, yet you closed your eyes. Tell me, Mr. Black—was that disgust? Or enjoyment?"

Nathan’s jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening. Before he could retort, Evelyn added smoothly, "Denial doesn’t suit you."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode toward the bathroom, shutting the door behind her without a backward glance. Nathan stared after her, his expression stormy. A vein pulsed at his temple as his fist slammed onto the desk with a deafening crack.

"Damn her!"