Chapter 44

Nathan pressed his lips together, refusing to speak. The air in the room grew colder, yet a flicker of something unreadable—perhaps concern—passed through his dark eyes before vanishing just as quickly.

Leonard’s anger eventually cooled, though his chest still rose and fell with heavy breaths. He studied Nathan for a long moment before speaking again. "Nathan, let’s make a wager about your relationship with Evelyn. One month—that’s all I ask. During that time, you’ll cooperate with my plans and genuinely try to develop feelings for her. If, after thirty days, you still prefer Serena over Evelyn, I swear I’ll never interfere in your love life again. But if not… you’ll end things with Serena and commit to your engagement with Evelyn."

He knew Nathan had changed drastically over the past six years. Force wouldn’t work anymore—subtlety was necessary.

At Leonard’s proposition, Nathan’s brows drew together in surprise. He hadn’t expected such an unconventional bet.

A knowing smirk curled Leonard’s lips as he watched Nathan’s silent contemplation. "What’s wrong? Afraid? Or worried you might actually fall for Evelyn?"

The idea was laughable to Nathan. Fall for Evelyn? Impossible.

"Fine," Nathan said, confidence lacing his voice. "You have your bet." One month, and then Leonard would be out of his personal life for good. As for developing feelings for Evelyn? That outcome was beyond unlikely. He was certain he’d win.

"Excellent," Leonard replied with a satisfied nod.

That evening, Evelyn arrived at the upscale restaurant where she was supposed to meet Dylan for dinner.

The moment she stepped inside, she noticed the unusual emptiness of the place. It took her only a second to realize—Dylan had reserved the entire venue.

"Ms. Hartley," Dylan greeted smoothly as he approached.

Tonight, he looked every inch the polished gentleman—his suit immaculate, his dark hair perfectly styled. He gestured for her to take a seat with practiced charm, the picture of sophistication. To an outsider, he might have seemed like the ideal suitor.

But Evelyn’s gaze betrayed her true feelings, a flicker of disdain passing through her eyes before she masked it.

Once seated, Dylan snapped his fingers, and the first course was served without delay.

"Please, enjoy," he said, gesturing toward the elegantly plated dishes.

Evelyn picked up her fork, taking a small bite before glancing at Dylan. "Mr. Reeves," she began casually, "wasn’t your cousin once involved with Nathan?"

Indeed, Dylan and Serena’s mothers were sisters—though their lives had taken drastically different paths. One had married into the wealthy Reeves family, while the other had settled for a high school teacher.

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