Chapter 373

Evelyn shoved against Nathan's solid chest to break free. She stumbled backward, her spine colliding with the freezer door.

Her breath hitched. Eyes wide, she felt heat flood her cheeks as perspiration prickled her skin.

Even through the mask, the ghost of his lips burned against hers.

Damn it! Why did she feel like this? Evelyn's chest heaved, her face scorching as she ripped the mask off and flung it to the floor.

No way was she reusing that. It was tainted now.

Nathan rose slowly, bracing himself against the counter's edge. His brows knitted as he pressed his lips—still flushed from the kiss—into a thin line.

Outwardly composed, he couldn't ignore the frantic drumming of his heart.

"Doesn't your back hurt?"

His voice was distant, still dazed from what had just happened. Yet he forced calm into his tone.

"Not your concern."

Evelyn clenched her jaw, fury simmering. That man had stolen her dessert. "Why the hell did you eat my food without asking, Nathan? I spent all afternoon on it—not for you to devour."

"It's been years since I've tasted your cooking." His gaze darkened. "I wanted to savor it again. You used to bake for me."

Nathan wasn’t a man who lived for food. He often skipped meals when work consumed him.

But when Evelyn poured her soul into cooking? That was irresistible. Resentment and longing had driven him to take it.

He hadn’t thought—just acted. If he hesitated, the chance would vanish.

"Ha! That was then."

Evelyn's voice dripped venom. "I cooked and cleaned for you when you were my husband. Now? You're nothing. Who gave you the right to touch my food? I'd rather throw it to stray dogs than let you have a bite."

The words struck like a blade.

Nathan’s expression darkened, pain flickering in his eyes.

He searched her face, desperate to find traces of the woman who once spent hours in the kitchen just to please him.

Was that love truly gone?

Had nothing remained?

Leaving him frozen, Evelyn snatched the remaining pastries with a scowl and locked them in the cabinet.

She didn’t trust him near her things.

"My apologies." Nathan exhaled. "I didn’t realize it mattered so much to you."

Evelyn’s lashes fluttered, emotions raw. She turned her back, scrubbing her hands under the faucet. "Weren’t you here for business? Spit it out. I’m busy, and you’re wasting my time."

Nathan steadied himself. "I came to tell you—I’m no longer overseeing Isabella’s wedding arrangements."

Evelyn paused mid-scrub, then scoffed. "And? She’s already signed with Monarch Grand Hotels. All you can do now is watch us make history."

Ignoring her jab, Nathan continued, "Leonard handed control to Cassandra."

Evelyn whirled around, eyes sharp.

"You’re clever." Nathan’s voice lowered. "You know what that means."

"So this is why you came?" She crossed her arms, smirking. "Still the same selfish man. You lost, so you’re warning me—hoping I’ll deal with Cassandra for you?"

She scoffed. "Please. Cassandra’s schemes are amateur hour. Even if she tries to sabotage me, she’s about as sharp as a spoon. Maybe in her next life, she’ll stand a chance."

Nathan’s lips twitched, tension easing.

Oddly, her sharp tongue was endearing—when it wasn’t aimed at him.

"Still," he murmured, "Cassandra isn’t working alone. Penelope’s backing her."