Chapter 92

The moment their gazes locked, the world seemed to stop.

As if someone had frozen time itself.

"It's Mr. Blackwood!" someone gasped in recognition.

Nathan Blackwood's sudden appearance sent a jolt of panic through Evelyn Carter.

She feared him. Even though Penelope Whitmore whispered insults about him being illegitimate, no one could deny his iron grip on the Blackwood family.

"Oliver, get Cassandra out of here," Nathan commanded, his voice devoid of emotion.

Someone had already begun recording the scene. If Cassandra stayed any longer, she’d tarnish the Blackwood name beyond repair.

Oliver Sinclair didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Cassandra’s arm and dragged her away before she could protest.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her cold gaze flickering.

Nathan was as ruthless as ever.

He didn’t care about right or wrong—only power and reputation.

"Oh no! She's going to bite her tongue!" Theodore Winslow shouted in alarm.

Evelyn’s heart lurched. Without thinking, she shoved her wrist between the girl’s teeth.

A sharp pain shot through her arm as the girl clamped down hard. Evelyn clenched her jaw, refusing to flinch.

Nathan’s breath hitched. He lunged forward, but it was too late.

He could only watch as Evelyn, small but unyielding, acted with the bravery of a true healer.

The sight sent a tremor through him.

For a moment, he saw her again.

On the battlefields of Eldermere, that little dove had done the same—dragging his wounded body to safety with nothing but a bloodied rope.

"Don’t give up! We’ll make it out alive!"

Later, chaos swallowed the camp. Nathan never found her—only that rope, soaked in crimson. He never knew what became of her hands.

His fists tightened. A suffocating weight pressed against his chest.

The ambulance arrived swiftly, and the housekeeper was rushed away.

Evelyn insisted Theodore accompany her to the hospital.

"Thank you for your quick response, miss. You bought us critical time," one paramedic said gratefully.

Evelyn offered a faint smile. "I just hope she’ll be alright."

Back in the hotel lobby, the manager had already dispersed the crowd.

Evelyn glanced at the deep, bloody bite mark on her wrist. The throbbing pain was relentless. She turned toward the infirmary.

"Evelyn."

Her pulse spiked. Before she could react, Nathan was right behind her, his expression stormy.

They stood so close she could feel his breath on her skin.

One step forward, and they’d be touching.

For a heartbeat, she froze—then immediately tried to retreat.

But Nathan seized her arm and yanked her against him.

Evelyn crashed into his chest, the impact sending her heart into chaos.

Did this man have steel under his shirt?

"Nathan, control yourself," she hissed, struggling to break free.

"Where have you been?" His grip tightened, his dark eyes burning into hers. "Why did you vanish?"

She laughed bitterly. "Since when do I answer to you?"

His jaw tensed. "Evelyn, come with me."

"Let go," she snapped. "Or I’m calling security."

Nathan’s gaze darkened.

She dares to dismiss me? After everything?

Possession and pride ignited something primal in him.

"Call Sebastian if you want," he growled. "It won’t stop me from taking you."