Chapter 500

"You're still awake." His voice carried a rough edge, yet simmered with undeniable warmth.

Evelyn froze, her jaw tightening. "Who told you that? I was sound asleep."

Nathan remained silent for a beat before murmuring, "Your lights are still on."

Evelyn rose and moved to the window. A sleek black car idled outside her gates, and there stood Nathan - tall, imposing, wrapped in a caramel trenchcoat that fluttered slightly in the night breeze. The streetlight cast long shadows around him, accentuating his solitary figure.

Rubbing her temples against the sudden throbbing, Evelyn sighed. "Nathan, what do you want?"

"Nothing." His gaze lifted to her window. "Just passing through."

A dry laugh escaped her lips. "You drove halfway across the city to 'pass through'? That's the weakest excuse I've heard, Mr. Goldmann."

"Reginald sent someone to see you." Nathan produced a cigarette from his coat pocket.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "How did you know that?"

The cigarette twirled between his fingers, unlit. "He'll never stop chasing the de Armas territory."

"True enough. But I won't surrender it either." Evelyn turned away from the window. "Nathan, it's late. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Is that an invitation?" His chuckle rumbled through the night air.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Don't forget you proposed this partnership. Seasons Restaurant. Noon."

His quiet laughter followed. "As you wish."

The line went dead. Evelyn lingered by the window a moment longer before snapping the blinds shut.

Nathan didn't leave until her lights flickered off. A bittersweet smile touched his lips. If business was the only thread connecting them now, he'd cling to it desperately.

Morning arrived with crisp sunlight.

Evelyn waited at Seasons Restaurant, Sadie standing guard beside her. The clock ticked past their appointed time.

"Ma'am," Sadie murmured, checking her watch. "Twenty minutes late."

Evelyn's teacup hovered mid-air. "Give it time."

Had Nathan changed his mind?

Another ten minutes crawled by. The waiter approached hesitantly. "Ms. Vanderbilt, shall we take your order now?"

Evelyn's silence spoke volumes.

Who did Nathan think he was? Was this some power play? Some twisted game?

"Ms. Vanderbilt?" The waiter pressed gently.

"Later." The words came out clipped. The waiter retreated.

Her fingers hovered over Nathan's contact. Then hesitated.

Did his absence mean the partnership was over? Had it all been lies?

"Good afternoon, sir. Do you have a reservation?"

Evelyn turned at the host's greeting. Her breath caught.

Dominic Kent stood in the doorway.

He advanced with predatory grace, his piercing gaze seeming to see straight through her mask.

"Waiting for someone?" He stopped before her table.

Evelyn remained silent, calculating.

Dominic's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Allow me to introduce myself. Dominic Kent."

Evelyn mirrored his cold smile. "What can I do for you, Mr. Kent?"

Without invitation, Dominic took the seat opposite her. "Ms. Vanderbilt... you look familiar. Have we met?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. Dominic had glimpsed her three years prior, but their interaction had been brief. Surely the mask would conceal her identity.