Chapter 284

At the sprawling Black family estate, the evening unfolded in stark contrast to the usual quiet.

Evelyn had just stepped out of the shower, her skin dewy and flushed from the steam. A few damp tendrils of hair clung to her temples as she padded across the plush carpet toward her vanity.

As she smoothed her favorite serum over her cheeks, her gaze drifted toward Nathan, who was hunched over his desk, his fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced efficiency. A wry smile curled her lips.

Breaking the silence, she remarked, "Leonard’s birthday is coming up soon. Mr. Black, surely you can afford to be a little more patient, can’t you? Before you know it, Serena will be yours, and the two of you can finally be together—officially."

Nathan’s fingers stilled. His eyes flicked up, dark and unreadable, before narrowing slightly at her words. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he countered, "Then shouldn’t you be keeping your distance from Alexander as well?"

Evelyn let out a soft, dismissive laugh. "Alexander and I are just friends. There’s nothing between us. Why would I need to keep my distance? We’re not exes, and we’re certainly not that close."

Nathan’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. A shadow passed over his expression before he exhaled sharply, his voice dropping to a rough murmur. "Evelyn, can’t you see that—"

The words "Alexander is in love with you" lodged in his throat.

"See what?" Evelyn turned fully toward him, curiosity glinting in her eyes.

"Nothing." He clenched his teeth briefly before adding in a tone that brooked no argument, "Just stay away from other men from now on."

Evelyn merely rolled her eyes and didn’t bother responding. Finishing her skincare routine, she slipped beneath the covers without another word.

The next morning, the moment Nathan stepped into his office, his secretary buzzed in to inform him that Serena was waiting downstairs.

After a brief pause, he instructed, "Send her up."

Five minutes later, a soft knock sounded at his door. "Come in," Nathan called, his voice cool and composed.

The door opened, and Serena stepped inside, her usually poised demeanor frayed at the edges. "Nathan," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Nathan barely spared her a glance, but his frown deepened when he noticed her red-rimmed, swollen eyes.

She bit her lip, her fingers twisting nervously in front of her. "I… I just want to clear my name. To prove I’m not the other woman in this situation."

Nathan let out a humorless chuckle, his expression turning glacial. "Clear your name?" His voice was dangerously quiet. "Are you implying that my wife is the one who’s intruding?"

Serena’s eyes widened in panic. "No! That’s not what I meant at all! I—I just…" She floundered, her words dissolving into incoherent stammering.

Nathan said nothing, merely watching her with piercing scrutiny. A flicker of disdain crossed his features before vanishing just as quickly.

He had noticed the change in Serena’s character three years ago. But now? She had sunk even lower in his estimation.