Chapter 462
That was precisely the issue!
Evelyn's heart pounded as she opened her mouth to speak, but Nathaniel abruptly pulled her close.
His strong arm encircled her shoulders, his large hand gripping her forearm firmly, drawing her nearly flush against his body.
As her cheek pressed against his chest, Evelyn could feel the crisp texture of Nathaniel's tailored suit jacket against her skin.
"Don't move," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Victoria is watching us."
Confused, Evelyn subtly glanced sideways and indeed spotted Victoria Hawthorne lurking nearby, her watchful eyes trained on them.
Snapping her gaze forward, Evelyn whispered, "What's Victoria doing here?"
"Grandmother's orders, no doubt," Nathaniel replied smoothly. "Your earlier behavior made her suspicious. Now she's sent Victoria to spy on us. Keep walking and don't look back - we can't afford to seem suspicious."
Evelyn obediently matched Nathaniel's pace as they strolled forward. "Must we have so many people following us?" she muttered under her breath. "It's making me nervous."
With a subtle gesture to Robert beside him, Nathaniel signaled for their entourage to disperse.
The elevator doors closed behind them, sealing Evelyn and Nathaniel in temporary privacy.
Evelyn exhaled sharply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Victoria can't see us now, right?"
"Probably not," Nathaniel answered, yet his arm remained firmly around her waist.
The proximity made Evelyn's skin tingle uncomfortably. She attempted to create some distance between them.
But Nathaniel only tightened his hold, pulling her flush against his side once more.
When her forehead bumped against his chest, Evelyn's vision swam momentarily.
"Considering Victoria's resourcefulness," Nathaniel said in a low voice, "she'll likely take the next elevator up. She's quite persistent about surveillance. If we're going to maintain this act, we should commit fully."
Evelyn felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Must we stay like this?"
"What would you prefer instead?" Nathaniel's intense gaze made Evelyn instinctively retreat.
The elevator's cheerful ding announced their arrival.
Seizing the moment, Evelyn pushed away from Nathaniel and hurried out, the confined space having made every breath feel like a struggle.
Yet as she lifted her eyes, she saw Victoria emerging from the adjacent elevator.
Nathaniel's prediction had been frighteningly accurate.
"In such a hurry?" Nathaniel's voice came from directly behind her. Before Evelyn could react, his warm hand closed around hers.
Guided by his firm touch, Evelyn couldn't help but steal a glance at Nathaniel's profile.
Bathed in the mall's ambient lighting, his striking features looked impossibly perfect, commanding attention effortlessly.
Walking hand-in-hand, Evelyn trailed slightly behind, their fingers tightly intertwined.
To any observer, they appeared the picture of marital bliss - though his grip held an undeniable dominance that allowed no chance of escape.
Initially tense, Evelyn gradually relaxed as they walked.
After all, this was merely an act. What was there to fear?
With this perspective, Evelyn found herself drawn to the displays in a nearby boutique specializing in infant wear.
Nathaniel, noticing her distraction, followed as she wandered into the shop.
Evelyn's fingers traced over tiny garments, marveling at their impossibly small proportions and soft fabrics.
"May I help you?" The shop assistant, Tara, approached with a warm smile. "How old is your little one?"
"Not born yet," Nathaniel answered smoothly, his eyes flickering to Evelyn's midsection with unexpected softness.
Tara immediately produced a pair of miniature socks. "In that case, sir, you might want to stock up on these. They're perfect for newborns."
Nathaniel accepted the offering, examining the tiny socks that barely covered his palm.