Chapter 105

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints, making last-minute adjustments to the resort project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp scent of tracing paper.

"Evelyn?" Gabrielle's voice came through the intercom. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

"Send him in," she replied, rolling up the plans just as Gregory strode in, his usual confident self slightly ruffled today. His tie was loosened, and there was an unfamiliar tension in his jaw.

"We have a problem," he said without preamble, dropping a folder onto her desk. "Summit Realty just pulled out of the waterfront development."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "What? That was our biggest contract this quarter!"

Gregory ran a hand through his hair. "Sebastian Wilson claims budget constraints, but I heard through the grapevine that Nathaniel's been making moves behind the scenes."

The mention of her husband's name sent a jolt through her. Three months since their separation, and still their professional worlds kept colliding. She flipped open the folder, scanning the termination notice with growing disbelief.

"This can't be coincidence," she murmured. The timing was too perfect - just as her firm was about to break ground on their most ambitious project yet.

Gregory leaned against her desk. "I tried reaching Jonathan Blake, but his phone goes straight to voicemail. It's like they've all gone underground."

Evelyn's phone buzzed. An unknown number. She answered cautiously. "Evelyn Mitchell speaking."

"Mrs. Martin," purred a familiar feminine voice that made her grip tighten around the phone. "Or should I say, ex-Mrs. Martin now?"

"Isabella." Evelyn's voice was ice. "What do you want?"

A light laugh. "Just thought you should know - Nathaniel and I are attending the architectural gala tonight. Together. As guests of honor." A pause. "You might want to stay home. Wouldn't want you to... make a scene."

The line went dead. Evelyn stared at the phone, her pulse roaring in her ears. The gala was supposed to be her night - the unveiling of her resort design to potential investors.

Gregory was watching her carefully. "Bad news?"

She set the phone down with deliberate calm. "Change of plans. We're going to need your sister's help with something."

"Danielle? Why?"

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Because if Isabella Davis thinks she can steal my husband and sabotage my career in one night, she's about to learn why they say hell hath no fury..."

Outside, the first drops of rain began to fall against the window, as if nature itself sensed the storm brewing inside Evelyn Mitchell.

Nathaniel and Evelyn remained locked in their half-embrace, close enough to see the storm brewing in each other’s eyes.

Nathaniel narrowed his gaze, a mix of irritation and reluctant amusement playing across his striking features. The corner of his lips twitched into a smirk. "So, you genuinely believe I’m shielding her on purpose?"

"Nathaniel, what other explanation is there?" Evelyn countered, her voice steady despite the tension. "Isabella has always been your priority."

A cold chuckle escaped him as he released her, stepping back to create a deliberate distance between them. His expression darkened, the amusement gone. "You’ve really outdone yourself this time, Evelyn. Going to such lengths just to pick a fight with me."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode downstairs, leaving her standing there, his words echoing in her mind.

What did he mean by that?

Did I misread the situation?

Evelyn pressed her lips together, exhaling slowly before changing into something more presentable. By the time she descended, Nathaniel was already in the car, his posture rigid. She slid into the passenger seat without a word, and the silence between them stretched all the way to the Martin estate.

Earlier, Nathaniel had called ahead to inform his parents they’d be joining for dinner. Edward, ever the optimist, had immediately shared the news with Winston. "Perhaps Nathaniel is finally coming to his senses. Evelyn’s influence, no doubt."

Winston chuckled. "You spoil her too much. If Nathaniel finds out, he might get jealous."

"He wouldn’t dare," Edward scoffed. "If we don’t treat Evelyn well, who will?"

His heart ached for her—especially knowing how little her own parents had done for her. That only strengthened his resolve to make sure she felt valued in their home.

Dinner began promptly at seven-thirty. The family gathered around the table, the atmosphere warm—except for the unspoken tension between Nathaniel and Evelyn. Edward kept glancing between them, his smile unwavering.

Richard cleared his throat pointedly, but Edward waved him off. "What? If you’re sick, take medicine. Don’t sit there coughing like you’re dropping hints. They’re married—can’t I enjoy watching them together?"

Richard sighed in resignation, while Evelyn ducked her head, her cheeks burning. Nathaniel, however, remained unfazed.

Edward frowned, shooting his grandson a pointed look. "Nathaniel, do you have something to say?"

Nathaniel blinked, feigning innocence. "About what, Grandfather?"

Edward’s disappointment was palpable. "Must I spell it out for you? Take care of your wife."

Evelyn quickly interjected, "That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own."

"Nonsense," Edward insisted. "You’re married now. There’s no need for such formality. I want to see you two looking out for each other."

His words only deepened Evelyn’s embarrassment, her face flushing further. The table fell silent, all eyes now fixed on the couple.

Nathaniel let out a low laugh. "Grandfather, she doesn’t need anything. Stop forcing it."

"You’re her husband," Edward snapped. "Must she beg before you lift a finger?"

Victoria chimed in, her tone gentle but firm. "Nathaniel, your grandfather is right. Evelyn’s just being polite—she shouldn’t have to ask."

The weight of their expectations pressed down on them, the air thick with unspoken tension.

And Nathaniel?

He simply smirked, his gaze locked onto Evelyn’s, as if daring her to challenge him further.