Chapter 149

Nathan's brows furrowed deeply as he took in Evelyn's trembling form, a rare flicker of concern breaking through his usual composed demeanor. Just a few rodents—how had he underestimated their effect on her?

He dialed the Black family estate, but the line remained unanswered. After a brief hesitation, he called Winston. This time, the call connected.

Before Winston could speak, Nathan's sharp voice cut through. "Winston, tell my father to unlock the private room. Now."

"Evelyn isn't well," he added coldly, the phone on speaker. Leonard's voice crackled through immediately, laced with urgency. "What happened? Is she alright?"

Nathan glanced at Evelyn, his jaw tightening. "Thanks to your little game, she's curled up on a chair, shaking like she's been struck by lightning."

Leonard's tone shifted, a hint of remorse creeping in. "It's that bad?"

Nathan let out a humorless chuckle. "What do you think? Open the damn door."

"Fine, fine," Leonard relented, guilt seeping into his words. "I'll have it unlocked right away." The line went dead.

Within moments, the sound of a lock turning echoed through the private room, followed by the soft click of the door swinging open.

Nathan turned back to Evelyn, his gaze softening as he bent to lift her into his arms. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, her body rigid with lingering fear. Without a word, he carried her out, his steps steady and deliberate.

Once outside, he didn't pause. He took her straight to the elevator, refusing to set her down even as they descended to the parking garage. Gently, he placed her in the passenger seat of his car.

Evelyn released her grip, her palms clammy, her breathing still uneven.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan didn't respond. He shut the door quietly before sliding into the driver's seat and starting the engine.

The drive was silent, tension hanging thick between them.

Evelyn remained lost in thought, her body still tense, her gaze distant. Nathan couldn't help but wonder—what had happened to her? What trauma had left her so terrified of something so small?

When they finally pulled into the Black estate's garage, both stepped out, the weight of the night pressing down on them. Evelyn's legs wobbled slightly as she walked, her eyes darting nervously to the ground as if expecting another unwelcome surprise.

Noticing her unease, Nathan softened his tone. "There's nothing here. You're safe."

Evelyn swallowed hard, her lips pressed into a thin line, her nerves still frayed.

As they entered the house, Leonard rose from the living room sofa, concern etched across his face. "Evelyn, are you alright?"

Her face was still pale, exhaustion shadowing her eyes. She met his gaze, her voice quiet but firm. "Leonard, don't ever do that again."

He nodded quickly, sincerity in his tone. "I promise. It won't happen again."