Chapter 14
Nathan clenched his jaw as he repeatedly dialed Evelyn's number. Each attempt was met with the same automated message - the line was busy.
Finally, Julian snatched the phone just as the call connected.
"What's your problem, Nathan? Just tell Simon you're skipping the expo this year," Evelyn snapped impatiently.
Silence stretched on the other end.
After a long pause, a deep voice responded. "It's me."
Evelyn's breath hitched when she recognized Nathan's voice.
He ignored her previous comment entirely. "Would one billion dors secure our spot at the expo?"
At that moment, Evelyn sat in Julian's sleek sports car. "Nathan, what game are you playing?"
Seeing how overworked she'd been, Julian had insisted on taking her for a city tour. She'd protested but ultimately given in.
"If one billion isn't enough, name your price."
"And if that still doesn't work, I'll have to bring this matter before the International Commerce Board. Kingsley Industries isn't the only-"
"You-" Evelyn found herself speechless.
Julian, gripping the steering wheel, grew irritated and snatched her phone.
"Why so persistent? You're divorced now."
"Trying to win her back? Not happening. She's mine now. We're sharing a bed tonight!"
To Evelyn's shock, he ended the call and tossed her phone aside.
"Sharing a bed?"
"That'll drive him insane. Guaranteed."
Nathan's expression darkened as he lowered his phone.
Simon looked confused. "Ms. Carter resigned voluntarily. How did she even land that position at Kingsley Industries? Their hiring standards are notoriously strict."
Nathan wondered the same, which only worsened his mood.
"Book two tickets to Darai," he ordered coldly.
"Isn't Reginald Prescott still heading the International Commerce Board?"
"Yes, Mr. Sterling. He was reelected recently."
"Good. Inform Adrian we'll meet him in eight hours."
Adrian Prescott, Reginald's only son and heir to the Prescott fortune, was one of the wealthiest bachelors outside Eklora.
Known for his playboy lifestyle, he always traveled with an entourage of beautiful women.
He was also one of Nathan's few close friends, though their international lifestyles kept them apart.
Before departing, Nathan returned to Sterling Manor to pack.
As he entered, he spotted contractors exiting the elevator.
"Nathan, you-"
A sense of foreboding gripped him. Ignoring the two people on the couch, he strode straight to the elevator.
He headed directly for the third-floor master suite.
The room was unrecognizable. Every detail - from drapes to linens - had been replaced. All traces of Evelyn had been erased.
"Who authorized this?" he demanded furiously.
The trembling housekeeper answered, "Ms. Delaney."
Nathan's expression darkened further.
Before he could react, Isabella entered. "Nathan," she said smoothly.
"I know about you and Ms. Carter. Now that you're divorced, a refresh seemed appropriate. I hope you don't mind my initiative."
Nathan ignored her, turning instead to Eleanor.
"That woman left a ring behind," Eleanor quickly explained. "Isabella noticed it."
She'd been fielding Isabella's subtle interrogations all day.
"She planted it deliberately to cause trouble."
"What ring?" Nathan demanded.
He'd slept in this room nightly. How could Isabella spot something he'd missed?