Chapter 139

Evelyn swiftly rose to her feet and exited, her steps quickening as she moved toward the door. Natalie and Serena, not lingering much longer, soon followed suit.

Having downed several glasses of whiskey earlier, Evelyn’s stomach twisted uncomfortably, a stark reminder of her indulgence. Upon arriving at the Grant family estate, she made a beeline for the kitchen, intent on brewing a soothing cup of honey water to settle her queasy stomach.

But before she could reach her destination, she collided with Adrian, who was emerging from the hallway. The moment their eyes met, her expression darkened.

Damian and Rosalind hadn’t stayed at the Grant residence, but Adrian had chosen to remain, claiming he wanted to spend more time with Leonard.

"You're back already, Evelyn?" Adrian’s voice carried a hint of amusement as he arched a brow at her.

Evelyn didn’t so much as glance his way, striding past him toward the kitchen. Undeterred, Adrian trailed after her, his footsteps light but persistent.

"Had a bit too much to drink tonight?" he mused, leaning against the counter as she rummaged through the cabinets. "Looking for honey water to settle your stomach? Let me make it for you."

Evelyn froze, then turned to face him, her gaze sharp as ice. "Don’t bother. Just stay out of my way." With that, she turned back to her task, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Adrian chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched her. "Come on, Evelyn. No need to be so cold."

Ignoring him, Evelyn focused on stirring the honey into the warm water, her movements precise.

Unfazed, Adrian continued, "Look, whatever issues exist between my father and Nathan—that’s their business. I’m not my father. There’s no reason for you to treat me like this."

He paused, studying her with a more earnest expression before adding with a smirk, "Honestly, I’d really like to be friends with you."

At that, Evelyn’s hand stilled for the briefest moment, her mind briefly thrown off balance.

Slowly, she turned her head to meet his gaze. "All I want is for you to stay away from me." Friends? The idea was laughable. She couldn’t fathom associating that word with someone like Adrian.

Her expression frosty, Evelyn picked up her cup, preparing to leave. But Adrian smoothly blocked her path, refusing to budge.

Evelyn lifted her chin, her voice dangerously calm. "If you don’t want a repeat of last time, I suggest you move. Now."

The memory of her fist connecting with his jaw flashed between them, and Adrian’s smirk faltered. He hesitated, the air thick with tension, before finally stepping aside.

Without sparing him another glance, Evelyn swept past him, her strides purposeful. As she disappeared down the hall, Adrian exhaled, a slow, intrigued smile curving his lips. There was something undeniably thrilling about the way she dismissed him—like he was nothing.

Back in her room, Evelyn set her cup down before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. By the time she emerged, Nathan had already returned. She gave him a brief nod before settling onto the sofa, sipping her honey water.

Nathan wasted no time. He crossed the room and sat across from her, his voice low and rough. "What’s going on at the hospital? What are these rumors I’m hearing about you?"