Chapter 303
The situation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for Evelyn as Judith Reeves continued her relentless efforts to pair her with Jonathan.
She was still legally married to Nathaniel, and carrying his child. There was no way Judith would accept her once she found out, not when she adored Jonathan so much.
Yet Evelyn hadn't found the right moment to explain everything, especially not with Nathaniel sitting right there at the table.
Her pulse quickened when Judith started making obvious matchmaking comments in front of Nathaniel - the man who would soon be her ex-husband. An uneasy laugh escaped her lips.
"Mrs. Reeves, our food has arrived. Shouldn't we eat first?"
"Evelyn darling, why so shy? We're all friends here." Judith beamed. "And what perfect timing that your cousin could finally meet Jonathan today! There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Isn't it natural for couples to introduce each other to their families eventually?"
Evelyn wished the ground would swallow her whole. Where was Judith getting these ideas from?
She'd only agreed to this lunch to thank Jonathan for his help. That was all.
But Judith made it sound like they'd been dating seriously and were preparing for marriage.
Nathaniel's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Is that so? Evelyn, I wasn't aware you were seeing someone."
His words sent ice through Evelyn's veins, but Judith answered before she could. "Mr. Whitmore, you should have seen it! When Evelyn was kidnapped last month, it was Jonathan who rescued her. He even got hospitalized from injuries sustained fighting off those criminals. Doesn't that prove his devotion?"
Jonathan gave an embarrassed smile. "Mother, please. Let's enjoy our meal. I didn't do anything extraordinary that day."
"Don't be modest, Jonathan! You're her knight in shining armor!" Judith insisted. "And what better way to repay such bravery than with marriage?"
Evelyn could only stare in stunned silence. Had Judith completely lost her mind?
"Rescued her?" Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the tension like a knife.
Meeting his piercing gaze, Evelyn suddenly found herself speechless, forcing an awkward smile.
His lips pressed into a thin line before continuing, "Evelyn, if I recall correctly, wasn't it my helicopter that arrived first?"
Evelyn fought the urge to bolt from the restaurant. How could she possibly explain this mess?
As expected, Judith gasped dramatically. "A helicopter? That sounds like something out of an action movie!"
"Helicopters are... more efficient," Evelyn managed weakly.
"But terribly expensive, I imagine," Judith mused. "Must cost a fortune for just one trip."
Nathaniel answered casually, "Ten thousand dollars per ride is quite reasonable."
"Ten thousand dollars!" Judith's voice hit an octave higher.
Her expression shifted noticeably as she reassessed Nathaniel. She hadn't realized he possessed such wealth.
Jonathan remained composed. Being aware of Nathaniel's position as CEO of Whitmore Enterprises, the helicopter fare meant nothing to him.
What did surprise him was Nathaniel's personal involvement in Evelyn's rescue. She'd never mentioned this detail before. Did she still not fully trust him?
Jonathan resolved to earn her complete confidence.
If Nathaniel would go to such lengths for Evelyn, her connection to the Whitmore family must be significant. Successfully marrying her could substantially elevate his own status.