Chapter 178

Nathan Black stood in tense silence, his piercing gaze fixed on Alexander Prescott as the latter carefully laid out his perspective. Alexander's voice carried genuine emotion, his words carefully chosen to convey sincerity to his longtime friend. Yet Nathan's expression remained unreadable, his jaw set in a hard line that suggested his mood wouldn't shift anytime soon.

After what felt like an eternity, Alexander suddenly straightened, realization dawning on him. "Wait—am I mistaken?" He hesitated briefly before voicing the thought aloud. "Nathan... have you developed feelings for Evelyn?" His voice softened as he added, "If that's the case, I'll bury my own feelings for her. I would never interfere between you two."

The moment the words left Alexander's lips, Nathan stiffened as if struck. His reaction was visceral—like a man whose most guarded secret had been ripped into the open.

"Impossible!" he snapped, his voice rough with defensiveness. "I could never have feelings for Evelyn!"

The denial was sharp, almost too forceful.

Alexander studied him for a long moment before something unreadable flickered in his eyes. "Good," he said, his expression brightening unnaturally. "Then you have nothing to worry about. I won't act on my feelings while you're still married. But once the divorce is finalized..." He trailed off, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "I intend to pursue her properly."

Nathan's fingers curled into fists at his sides, his knuckles whitening. A storm of emotions raged behind his cold exterior—frustration, irritation, something deeper he refused to name.

After a suffocating silence, Nathan's voice dropped dangerously low. "Does Evelyn know how you feel?"

Alexander shook his head. "She doesn't." He hesitated, then added, "And I'd prefer it stays that way. If she found out now, it would only complicate things. You two are still legally bound, after all." His gaze turned earnest. "Keep this between us, Nathan."

Nathan said nothing, his silence more telling than any response.

Sensing his reluctance, Alexander tilted his head. "Does the idea of me pursuing Evelyn bother you?"

A cold scoff escaped Nathan. His lips curled in derision as he met Alexander's gaze head-on. "Why would it? Once my father's birthday passes, Evelyn and I will be divorced. After that, she's free to be with whoever she chooses." His tone was cutting, as if he was trying to convince himself as much as Alexander.

Alexander's brows lifted briefly before he relaxed, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "Glad to hear it." He leaned in slightly, his voice laced with playful challenge. "In that case, maybe you could arrange more opportunities for us to meet?"

Nathan's eyes darkened to an icy black. The air around him turned frigid. "Don't push me."

Alexander laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll back off." His grin remained, teasing. "Happy now?"

The tension between them crackled, unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.