Chapter 94

Nathan escorted Evelyn to the infirmary. The doctor was out, so Evelyn reached for the iodine and gauze, preparing to dress her wound herself.

"Let me." Nathan stepped forward, his expression dark.

Evelyn turned away sharply, glaring at him. "I don't need your help."

They were both stubborn—Nathan especially. He either ignored her completely or forced his way through.

So he seized her wrist firmly, his voice commanding. "Evelyn, stay still."

She froze. A cool sensation spread over her skin as he carefully applied the antiseptic, dabbing gently with a cotton swab.

His lashes lowered as he studied her delicate hand, the smoothness of her skin.

It was strange—even when she wasn’t trying, Evelyn still managed to look effortlessly alluring.

Nathan remained composed as he examined the wound.

Her palms were rougher than he expected, yet still soft.

Slender fingers, but her fingertips bore faint calluses. It felt like she had lived far beyond her years.

A sudden jolt shot through him, an unbidden image flashing in his mind—moonlight spilling through gauzy curtains, an unfamiliar room, yet her presence achingly familiar.

He inhaled sharply, forcing himself to focus. His throat tightened.

He had never felt this way about Victoria. So why did his ex-wife, who constantly tested his patience, stir something so unsettling?

It made no sense.

Evelyn felt the heat of his touch searing her skin. She tried to pull away.

"Done."

"Wrap it."

He ignored her resistance, gripping her hand tighter. "Been mining coal lately? Your fingers are rough."

"No, I was shoveling manure." She smirked, knowing his aversion to filth.

"Evelyn, must you always be so crude?" His brow twitched.

"I speak just fine. You’re the one with the problem."

Her nose lifted, lips curving in a sly, taunting smile.

Nathan felt heat rise in his chest. This woman had grown bold now that she had backing.

And yet—he found it intriguing.

If they hadn’t divorced, he’d never have known how sharp she truly was.

Nathan finished bandaging her wound swiftly. He wasn’t some spoiled heir who only knew how to spend money.

Once, Evelyn had Donovan dig into Nathan’s records. He’d been second in his class at the military academy.

Occasionally, he and Maxwell Kingsley—her fourth brother—would battle for the top spot.

In truth, with Nathan’s strategic mind, he’d have made a better agent than Maxwell. He could’ve even matched Donovan’s position. But as a Blackwood, his only path was taking over the family empire.

Yet after leaving the military, he’d carved his own legacy in business.

A legend in his own right.

Pity he was blind. All his brilliance wasted on Victoria Sterling.

Evelyn’s lips twisted. Whatever. Not my problem anymore.

She vowed to stay far away from him.

They reached the parking lot.

Evelyn moved toward her Bugatti when Nathan blocked her.

"Where are you going?"

"To get my car, obviously."

"Take mine." His tone was inexplicably cold.

"A proper woman doesn’t ride with her ex. Bye."

She waved dismissively, but Nathan yanked the car door open, gripped her waist, and shoved her inside before slamming it shut.

"Hey! Kidnapping now?!" She smacked the window, cheeks flushed with irritation.

"I don’t trust you, Evelyn."

Nathan braced his arm against the roof, leaning down to meet her furious gaze through the glass.

His eyes narrowed, watching her like a caged bird—one he wouldn’t let escape.

"You’re always scheming. I have to be careful."