Chapter 470

The restaurant door swung open moments later, revealing Evelyn Hartley's elegant silhouette. She glided across the floor like a shadow, choosing a secluded table by the window.

A well-dressed man immediately rose from his seat upon spotting her. "Ms. Hartley," Donovan Sinclair greeted with practiced charm, extending his hand. His smile never faltered as they exchanged pleasantries and sat down.

From his hidden vantage point, Nathan Black's jaw tightened. The sight of Donovan's smug expression made his blood boil. But then something unexpected happened - Evelyn said something that wiped the smirk right off Donovan's face.

Donovan's fingers twitched against the tablecloth. His father's orders had been explicit: secure Evelyn's affection by any means necessary. Yet here she was, calmly rejecting his advances before dinner even began.

This wasn't going according to plan.

Forcing his features into a mask of understanding, Donovan leaned forward. "Ms. Hartley, I completely understand your hesitation. After a recent divorce, jumping into another relationship must seem daunting. But sometimes life's greatest joys come when we least expect them."

Evelyn offered a polite but distant smile. "That's kind of you, but I'm really not looking for anything romantic right now."

"Perhaps if we-"

"Mr. Sinclair," Evelyn interrupted smoothly, "shall we focus on our meal?"

Donovan's eyes darkened. Beneath the table, his fingers flew across his phone screen, updating his father about this unexpected development. The reply came swiftly, making his lips curl into a dangerous smile.

When Evelyn excused herself to the ladies' room, Donovan seized his opportunity. After a quick scan of the room, he produced a small packet from his pocket. The white powder dissolved instantly into Evelyn's wine glass as he stirred it with a dessert spoon.

He thought no one saw.

He was wrong.

From the shadows, Nathan watched every movement with growing fury. His hands clenched into fists as Donovan's crime unfolded before him. The moment Evelyn disappeared around the corner, Nathan was on his feet.

Donovan barely had time to register the approaching figure before Nathan's fist connected with his jaw.