Chapter 497

Before Nathan could complete his sentence, Evelyn interrupted sharply. "That's ancient history."

Her tone was ice-cold, final. "Now... I feel nothing for you."

Nathan's pupils dilated violently, his face transforming into a mask of unreadable emotions.

Two heartbeats later, his voice emerged like distant thunder. "I don't buy that," he challenged.

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh, dripping with apathy. "Believe what you will. It means nothing to me," she countered.

"Evelyn, look at me!" Nathan's command vibrated with barely restrained passion.

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn finally met his gaze. She articulated each syllable with precision: "I said..."

"I don't feel any—"

Her declaration was cut short as Nathan bridged the gap between them, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

Nathan cradled Evelyn's head with one hand while his other arm locked around her waist, pulling her flush against his body.

The kiss intensified, fueled by years of pent-up longing.

Evelyn fought like a wildcat, her fists hammering against Nathan's unyielding chest in desperate protest.

But Nathan stood immovable as granite, rendering her struggles futile.

The explosive moment ended as abruptly as it began.

After several electrifying seconds, Nathan withdrew—but not before giving her lower lip one last tantalizing tug.

Resting his forehead against hers, a roguish smirk played on his lips.

His voice dropped to that velvety baritone that always unraveled her. "Your pulse is racing for me, Evelyn. Just confess—you still want me."

His warm breath caressed her skin, that hypnotic voice weaving its familiar spell around her heart.

Evelyn couldn't ignore the storm raging in her chest.

Composure? She'd lost it completely.

Shoving Nathan away, she snapped, "Don't flatter yourself! Everyone's heart beats—except corpses!"

Nathan straightened, that infuriating smirk never wavering, eyes glittering with triumph.

The subject was abruptly dropped. When their food arrived, they ate in loaded silence.

Periodically, Nathan would place choice morsels on Evelyn's plate, which she pointedly ignored, pushing them aside without acknowledgment.

A shadow of resignation flickered through Nathan's gaze, yet his expression remained tender—almost unbearably affectionate.