Chapter 147

After Evelyn settled into her seat, Nathan smoothly pushed the menu toward her. She scanned it briefly, selecting two dishes before sliding it back to him.

Once their orders were placed, silence stretched between them. After what felt like an eternity, Evelyn finally spoke. "Next time your father insists on us having dinner together, you don’t have to come."

Nathan arched a brow, his lips quirking into a faint smirk. "If I don’t, you’ll just run straight to Leonard and complain, won’t you?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply, irritation flickering in her eyes. "Fine. Then I won’t go either. Happy?"

Nathan studied her, his expression unreadable. She met his gaze evenly, her face betraying nothing. For some reason, her calmness only fueled his frustration.

Leaning back slightly, he let out a low chuckle, amusement lacing his tone. "Do you really think my father wouldn’t find out if we skipped? His reach is… extensive."

Evelyn hesitated, realizing he was right. Leonard Grant had eyes everywhere.

Nathan tilted his head, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "What’s the matter? Afraid of spending time with me?" His lips curved into a smirk. "Or… are you worried you might actually start liking me?"

Evelyn’s eyes widened before she scoffed, rolling them dramatically. "Nathan Black, your ego is truly something else."

He smirked. "Am I wrong?"

She traced the rim of her glass, her tone light but edged with challenge. "If anything, I’m doing you a favor. The more time you spend with me, the harder it’ll be for you to resist falling for me." She sighed theatrically. "And then you’ll regret ever suggesting divorce."

Nathan let out a derisive laugh. "That’s one thing you’ll never have to worry about."

Evelyn’s smile faded. "Good."

The conversation died there. The silence between them thickened as their food arrived, the tension almost palpable.

When they finished, they rose to leave. But just before they reached the exit, the door swung open on its own. Evelyn frowned—until a high-pitched squeak echoed through the air.

Her blood ran cold.

A swarm of mice—at least half a dozen—scurried inside, darting straight toward them.

Evelyn shrieked, her body moving before her mind could catch up. In a flash, she launched herself at Nathan, arms and legs locking around him like a vise.

Nathan staggered slightly at the sudden impact, instinctively securing his grip around her waist.