Chapter 329

Nathan's pulse quickened as he turned away from Evelyn, an irrepressible smile tugging at his lips. Yet in that same breath, his courage faltered, preventing him from meeting her gaze directly.

Alexander's mouth formed a tight line. A tempest brewed in the depths of his stormy eyes. Though Evelyn and Nathan's tumultuous divorce had shattered their world, he still detected the lingering undercurrent of unresolved emotions between them - invisible threads stubbornly connecting them.

"Since you're here, Nathan, speak your mind before you leave." Evelyn's voice was glacial as she stepped forward, scrutinizing Nathan's rigid posture. "Don't lurk about like a common thief. I'd hate to have nightmares tonight."

A bitter taste flooded Nathan's mouth as he finally turned to face her, each word measured. "It's nothing. Just... insomnia these past few nights."

Evelyn's brow furrowed, struggling to connect his sudden appearance at Willow Creek Estate with his sleep troubles.

Could his sleeplessness truly involve me? The thought unsettled her.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Why must he blame me for everything? Honestly, I haven't provoked him!"

"If you can't sleep, try medication or counting sheep. Showing up here won't solve anything."

"It already has." Nathan's intense gaze locked onto hers. "I believe I'll sleep soundly tonight after this."

With those cryptic words, he turned on his heel and departed.

Evelyn stared blankly at his retreating silhouette until the sleek sports car dissolved into the night. Only then did she release her pent-up frustration.

"What an absolute lunatic!"

Inside the vehicle, Nathan suddenly felt the weight of exhaustion crash over him. The emotional toll of seeing Evelyn left him drained. His fingers trembled against the steering wheel as profound weariness enveloped him.

The charged atmosphere in the car grew heavier as he watched Evelyn and Alexander disappear beyond Willow Creek's ornate gates.

With unsteady hands, Nathan retrieved his phone and dialed Oliver.

"Mr. Blackwood, your instructions?"

"Investigate."

"Pardon?" Oliver's confusion was palpable.

"Dig into the connections between the Kingsleys and the Whitmores. Especially Evelyn and Alexander's relationship." Nathan's jaw tightened. "Evelyn isn't easily impressed. I refuse to believe their bond is as simple as Alexander claims."

"Understood, sir! I'll begin immediately!"

Oliver couldn't conceal his satisfaction. His tone brightened noticeably. Gathering courage, he murmured, "Had you trusted Mrs. Blackwood sooner, she might never have left. Those interlopers wouldn't dare—"

"One more word and you'll be transferred to our most remote branch!" Nathan growled.

Oliver immediately backtracked. "Apologies, Mr. Blackwood! I spoke out of turn!"

Evelyn had been aware of Nathan's unannounced arrival at Willow Creek's entrance. Initially, she'd resolved to ignore whatever schemes her detestable ex-husband was concocting outside - he deserved some hardship.

Unexpectedly, Alexander had confronted him. To prevent further escalation, Evelyn had intervened personally to untangle the mess.

The brief altercation didn't disrupt the family gathering's harmony, and dinner concluded peacefully.

Harrison, accompanied by Quentin, retired to the study. He discreetly summoned Sebastian and Dominic.

"Father, did you need something?" Sebastian inquired.

"How much do you two know about Evelyn and Alexander's situation? Be truthful." Harrison smoothed his robe before settling gracefully onto the sofa.

The brothers exchanged glances before Dominic promptly deflected. "You should ask Sebastian! I'm completely in the dark about Evelyn and Christopher!"

Sebastian remained composed, his expression unreadable.

"Sebastian, what's the true nature of their relationship?"