Chapter 205

The formal dinner at Thornfield Industries concluded, but the night was far from over. A round of after-party entertainment had been arranged.

Nathan Cross’s friend had promised to include him in the gathering.

This was Nathan’s chance to get closer to Adrian Vaughn.

After Evelyn Thorne and her family settled into the car, Nathan turned to Dominic Blackwood. “Mr. Blackwood, you should rest. Zoe Montgomery’s hands are injured—you haven’t visited her today, have you? She might be disappointed if you don’t check on her.”

Dominic had been working relentlessly all day. Nathan could see the exhaustion weighing on him, the way he used work to distract himself from everything else.

But avoidance wouldn’t last forever.

Sophia Blackwood still needed Zoe’s treatment. As Zoe’s boyfriend, Dominic couldn’t afford to be distant for long.

About thirty minutes after Dominic left, Nathan’s friend emerged from the restaurant with a group of men in tow—including Adrian Vaughn.

“Our Director of Operations is treating us to drinks at the bar,” Nathan’s friend announced, clapping him on the shoulder. “Nathan, I remember you can hold your liquor. Come join us.” He lowered his voice. “Honestly, he seems more like a brother to Miss Thorne than anything else. Couples don’t usually act like that. You know what I mean? Maybe find out more when you drink with him.”

Nathan was both surprised and pleased.

If Adrian was just a friend to Evelyn, that would be perfect.

For the past two days, Dominic had been in a foul mood because of Adrian and Evelyn.

But since they were already divorced, there was nothing Dominic could do.

“To be honest, I’m not sure about my boss’s relationship with Sophia,” Nathan murmured. “They’re not together, but… there’s something there. I can’t explain it. Don’t spread that around, though—he’d fire me on the spot.”

His friend chuckled. “Same goes for what I told you. He’s our Director of Operations. If he’s not into men, he’ll definitely have my head.”

“Deal.”

At the bar, the dim lighting and flowing alcohol made it easy to lose track of reality.

Adrian had already downed two drinks when Nathan’s friend pulled him into the group.

“Director, this is my friend Nathan. He’s got a strong tolerance—let him keep you company!”

Adrian’s gaze flicked to Nathan.

Nathan had an unremarkable face, but his eyes were striking—clear and sharp, the kind Adrian hadn’t seen in years.

“How much can you drink?” Adrian asked, clinking his glass against Nathan’s.

Nathan shrugged. “Half a bottle, max. I don’t usually drink much.”

Adrian smirked. “That’s not much. Well, then drink half a bottle with me.” His cheeks were flushed, a stark contrast to his pale neck.

Nathan matched him drink for drink. From their conversation and the way Adrian held eye contact, Nathan didn’t get the impression he was interested in men.

But his friend had insisted Adrian might be, so Nathan decided to test the waters.

Taking a deep breath, he subtly shifted his leg closer to Adrian’s under the table.

Adrian noticed—and stiffened in surprise.

Nathan coughed and pulled back.

But Adrian didn’t move away.

That… was telling.

Still, Nathan wasn’t entirely convinced.

They finished their second round, chatting casually—until Adrian suddenly leaned forward, his leg pressing firmly against Nathan’s.

Skin against skin. No space between them.

Nathan’s breath hitched.

Okay. Adrian was definitely into men.

But Nathan wasn’t.

He stood abruptly, ready to leave—only for Adrian to grab him and pull him into a tight embrace.