Chapter 219

Outside Willow Creek Estate, Nathan Blackwood leaned against his sleek black Ferrari, his imposing figure casting a long shadow in the afternoon sun.

His piercing gaze studied the elegant wrought iron gates, fingers tapping impatiently against the car door.

For days, Nathan had been digging into the Kingsley family history, determined to uncover every secret.

Harrison Kingsley had purchased this exclusive property for his first wife - Evelyn's mother. This wasn't just real estate; it was a statement of power and legacy.

The estate bore the name of Evelyn's mother, Willow Brown.

Evelyn had chosen her mother's maiden name when creating her false identity to live with the Blackwoods.

Nathan wondered why she'd picked such a common name as Evelyn.

She was anything but ordinary.

A creaking sound snapped him from his thoughts as the massive gates began to swing open.

Nathan straightened instantly, his broad shoulders tensing beneath the light blue jacket.

Evelyn stood on the stone steps, one hand shielding her eyes from the sun as she regarded him coolly.

Today, Nathan had abandoned his usual three-piece suits that seemed grafted to his skin.

The khaki pants and casual jacket made him look almost approachable - a stark contrast to his usual intimidating presence.

Evelyn had never seen him dressed so casually. It made her suspicious - was this calculated?

Handsome as ever, but still rotten to the core.

She shuffled forward in her house slippers, the small steps making her appear unexpectedly vulnerable.

Nathan's gaze dropped to her feet, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest.

"Why are you staring at my feet? Never seen slippers before?" Evelyn curled her toes self-consciously beneath his scrutiny.

His lips quirked. "You're always in stilettos. This is... different."

"Then you must be blind," Evelyn scoffed. "I wore these every day for three years when you came home. But of course you wouldn't notice. No need to rub salt in the wound."

Nathan felt like he'd been punched in the gut. The memories came flooding back.

How she'd always greeted him first, apron-clad with cooking utensils in hand. Her bare face glowing from kitchen heat, yet always smiling just for him.

He'd scorned those moments. Now he'd give anything to have them back.

"Let's talk in the car." Nathan opened the passenger door with forced calm.

"We can talk right here." Evelyn crossed her arms stubbornly.

"Or would you prefer to invite me inside?" Nathan took a deliberate step closer, watching her flinch.

"Don't push me, Nathan!"

Before she could react, his long fingers closed around her wrist and he effortlessly deposited her into the leather seat.

The door clicked shut before she could protest.

"You—"

Nathan was already in the driver's seat, the locks engaging with a decisive thunk.

"Really? You need to lock me in just to have a conversation?" Evelyn yanked at the handle uselessly.

"I lock the doors when I drive. Wouldn't want you jumping out mid-conversation."

Evelyn's eyes flashed with fury, her body tensing for an explosion.

Suddenly Nathan was leaning across the console, his scorching body heat enveloping her. His nose nearly brushed hers, eyelashes fluttering against her cheek.

"What the hell—" She shoved at his chest in panic.

Nathan captured her hand, pressing it against his pounding heart. "Evelyn," he murmured, breath warm against her lips. "Don't move."