Chapter 242

Nathan exhaled sharply, pushing himself up from the couch with measured movements. "I'm leaving," he stated tersely, his voice tight with barely contained frustration.

As he turned to go, his gaze flicked to Alexander, and he added stiffly, "Don't neglect your injuries."

"Got it," Alexander replied with a careless wave, his usual nonchalance unchanged.

Without another word, Nathan strode out of Alexander's apartment, his footsteps quick and purposeful.

The next morning, at the Brooks family estate.

Rain pattered steadily against the windows, soaking the grounds in a relentless downpour.

After breakfast, Natalie arranged for the family driver to take Evelyn to work.

As Natalie walked Evelyn to the front steps, she smiled warmly. "Tell your grandmother that once I have some free time, I’d love to invite her over for dinner."

"Of course," Evelyn answered with a small nod.

She glanced at Natalie and added, "You should head back inside now. It’s chilly."

Natalie opened her mouth to reply but froze mid-step, her words dying in her throat as her eyes locked onto the sleek car parked in front of the house.

Noticing Natalie’s sudden stillness, Evelyn followed her gaze—and her breath caught at the sight of the striking black Bentley Mulsanne idling at the curb.

Her pulse stuttered in recognition.

The driver’s door swung open, and Nathan stepped out, his tall frame cutting an imposing silhouette against the dreary backdrop of rain.

With deliberate grace, he shut the door and strode toward them, his polished Oxford shoes splashing lightly through the puddles.

When he stopped in front of Evelyn, his piercing gaze bore into hers. "I’ll drive you to work," he said, his voice low but firm.

Evelyn didn’t hesitate. "That won’t be necessary. Natalie’s driver is taking me. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Mr. Black."

Natalie crossed her arms, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Exactly, Mr. Black. You’re far too busy with your important business dealings to spare time for Evelyn. Why bother now? We wouldn’t dream of inconveniencing you."

Nathan ignored Natalie’s jab, his attention fixed solely on Evelyn, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn met his gaze evenly. "If your father asked you to do this, I’ll simply tell him you drove me. You don’t actually have to."

Nathan’s response came unexpectedly, his voice rough but steady. "This has nothing to do with my father."

Evelyn blinked, startled. Natalie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

If Leonard hadn’t ordered Nathan to come, then this was his own decision.

The realization sent an unwelcome flutter through Evelyn’s chest—just for a fleeting moment.