Chapter 22

With a strained laugh, Evelyn responded, "Leonard, isn't that a bit excessive?"

Instantly, Leonard's expression turned pitiful. "I'm just feeling rather lonely these days. Would it be too much to ask for you and Nathan to keep me company more often?" He looked every bit the picture of a neglected elder, his shoulders sagging slightly.

Both Nathan and Evelyn were at a loss for words.

Letting out a dramatic sigh that carried the weight of resignation, Leonard continued, "Never mind, I understand. Young people like you wouldn’t want to waste your time with an old man like me. A little solitude never hurt anyone—"

Evelyn couldn’t bear to hear him speak like that. She cut in quickly, "Leonard, I’ll move back here to keep you and Margaret company."

She had only mentioned herself returning, pointedly leaving Nathan out of the equation. Besides, she had already planned to discuss her impending divorce with Leonard the next day. Her stay at the Grant family estate would be brief.

At her words, Leonard’s face brightened instantly. He turned to gauge Nathan’s reaction, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Nathan’s brows knitted together in clear displeasure at the turn of events.

Leonard’s tone turned stern. "Is it truly such a burden for you to spend time with an old man like me?"

"Nathan, just agree. Your mother misses you too," Margaret chimed in, giving him a meaningful look.

Facing Leonard’s expectant gaze, Nathan seemed to consider something before finally relenting with a stiff nod.

Leonard’s face lit up like the sun breaking through clouds. "Wonderful! Winston has already prepared your room. It’s getting late—you both should rest for the night."

When Nathan stepped into the bedroom, his scowl deepened at the sight of the massive bed dominating the space.

Evelyn, maintaining her composure, walked straight past him into the bathroom without a word.

The butler, Winston Graves, had arranged everything meticulously—fresh clothes, toiletries, even the faint scent of lavender in the air.

After her shower, Evelyn slipped into her silk loungewear and climbed into bed without sparing Nathan a glance.

Nathan emerged from the other bathroom, his gaze landing on Evelyn already settled under the covers. He scoffed. "Evelyn, don’t even think about sharing this bed with me. That’s not happening."

Evelyn rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck. "As if I’d ever want to share a bed with you. I’d probably wake up screaming from nightmares."

She made her stance clear, voice firm. "I’ll be sleeping in the bed. You can take the sofa."

Nathan’s frown deepened. "The sofa? Seriously?"

With a mocking smile, Evelyn arched a brow. "Mr. Black, isn’t it about time you displayed some gentlemanly manners?"