Chapter 145

Damn it, how did she figure it out? Evelyn was genuinely shocked.

The Blackwood family exchanged stunned glances.

Ruth's composure nearly cracked for a split second before she snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Rebecca scoffed. "If there was truly nothing to hide, you'd be confused, not instantly defensive, Ruth. You're no actress—it takes real skill to fool someone in my profession. It was suspicious enough that you insisted on meeting me, but then you pushed me to drink something you prepared? If I weren't this alert, I'd have been exploited a dozen times over in this industry by now."

At that, Ruth's facade crumbled completely.

Rebecca held up the coffee cup. "I wanted to handle this peacefully, Mrs. Gonzales, but since you’ve chosen to play dirty, don’t blame me for what comes next."

She reached for her phone, ready to dial.

"Calling the police?" Ruth's voice turned shrill.

Hearing movement from the next booth, Evelyn shot to her feet. The Blackwoods followed suit, while nearby staff rushed over at the commotion.

Ruth lunged forward, desperate to snatch the cup.

Rebecca tried to bolt, but Ruth shoved her from behind.

Evelyn, being closest, caught Rebecca just in time—but the coffee cup slipped from her grasp, its contents arcing through the air before drenching someone head to toe.

The Blackwoods, still seated in their semi-circle, gaped at the newcomer.

Nathan stood frozen, his hair dripping with coffee, his sharp gaze locked onto the scene before him.

Both Ruth and Rebecca paled. They recognized him instantly—and neither had expected to run into Evelyn and the Blackwoods here.

What a disaster.

Evelyn steadied Rebecca, biting back an inappropriate laugh at Nathan’s disheveled state.

A single glance from him had her scrambling for a napkin. She dabbed at his face haphazardly, as if drying off a soaked kitten. Surprisingly, Nathan allowed it.

Ruth, recovering, realized the evidence was gone and exhaled in relief. She muttered a hasty apology before bolting.

Rebecca didn’t stop her. She knew arguing would be pointless—Ruth would deny everything. But she wasn’t defenseless. She’d secured a copy of the surveillance footage. If Ruth tried anything else, she’d use it.

"What a waste," the Blackwoods thought, eyeing the shattered cup. Still, they doubted Ruth would dare target Rebecca again.

Julian, ever the protective boss, warned Rebecca to involve her agent in future dealings. She nodded obediently before making her exit.

By then, the hotel manager had arrived, ushering Nathan upstairs to freshen up in the presidential suite.

Evelyn suddenly perked up. "Wait—could the residue on your clothes be tested for drugs?" She quickly explained what she’d overheard.

Nathan barely had time to process before her inner monologue hit him like a freight train:

Damn, what if he ingested some? His cheeks are flushed—is it the drug or the steam? If he loses control and pounces on me, do I fight back or just... not?

Nathan’s ears burned. He stole a glance at Evelyn.

After the divorce, I’ll never find someone this gorgeous again...

His chest tightened. Normally, her shameless thoughts annoyed him. Now, they stung.

No, no—taking advantage would be wrong. Focus. Check on the others.

A rush of heat flooded his head. Before he could stop himself, he closed the distance between them.

Evelyn blinked up at him. Oh. Oh.

Nathan’s jaw clenched.

To resist or not—that was the question.