Chapter 130

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn’s office, illuminating the blueprints spread across her desk. Her fingers traced the intricate lines of the latest project—a luxury resort in the Maldives. The design was ambitious, but she thrived on challenges.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in. "Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn nodded. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in, his usual confident demeanor slightly frayed at the edges. "We have a problem," he said without preamble.

She arched a brow. "What kind of problem?"

"The investors are getting cold feet. They’re worried about the timeline."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "We’ve accounted for every possible delay. What’s really bothering them?"

Gregory hesitated. "Rumors. Someone’s been whispering that Martin Group is overextending itself."

Her grip tightened on the pen in her hand. Nathaniel’s company. Of course.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel: We need to talk. Tonight. 8 PM. The penthouse.

Her pulse quickened. That tone—it wasn’t a request. It was a summons.

Gregory studied her face. "Everything alright?"

She forced a smile. "Just a minor hiccup. I’ll handle the investors. You focus on the site inspections."

Once alone, Evelyn leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. The weight of unspoken tensions pressed down on her. Whatever Nathaniel wanted, it wasn’t good.

And then there was Isabella.

The woman had been a ghost from the past, haunting the edges of their lives. Evelyn had seen the way Nathaniel’s expression darkened at the mention of her name.

She checked the time. Six hours until she’d face whatever storm was coming.

Six hours to prepare.

Outside, the city hummed with life, oblivious to the tempest brewing behind closed doors.

Evelyn remained silent. Nathaniel gripped her chin, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Evelyn," he demanded, voice low and rough with barely restrained anger. "Answer me. Will you send him away?"

"Even if he were just an acquaintance, I wouldn't turn him out," Evelyn replied coolly. "But Gregory isn’t just anyone. He’s my business partner—someone who’s stood by me when I needed support the most."

"So you refuse to draw the line." His grip tightened, fingers pressing into her skin. The air between them crackled with tension as he leaned in, his breath hot against her lips.

Evelyn met his gaze without flinching. "What exactly do you mean by 'distance'? Should I cut off every man in my life, even if it’s strictly professional? Should I quit my job and lock myself away?"

"I’m not asking you to isolate yourself," Nathaniel bit out. "Just stay away from men who clearly want more than friendship. Don’t pretend you don’t see how Gregory looks at you. Or maybe you do—and you like the attention."

"Nathaniel Martin!" Evelyn snapped, jerking back. His name left her lips like a blade. "Is that really what you think of me?"

For a heartbeat, he hesitated, his dark eyes tracing the defiant curve of her mouth. Then, as if the sight of her speaking irritated him, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

Evelyn’s back hit the door behind her, leaving no escape. Instinctively, she lifted a hand to shield her mouth—but Nathaniel’s lips only grazed her palm instead.

He didn’t pull away. His gaze darkened, simmering with something unreadable as their eyes locked.

"Listen to me," Evelyn said, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest. "You can doubt me all you want, but don’t you dare insult Gregory. He’s been nothing but a friend to me—and that won’t change."

With that, she shoved against Nathaniel’s chest. This time, he let her go.

Evelyn didn’t look back as she strode out of the room.

In the kitchen, Gregory was stirring a pot of clam chowder, the rich aroma filling the air. Beside it, a tray of roasted chicken and a crisp lettuce salad waited.

Evelyn handed him a bottle of water. "Thanks for this."

Gregory chuckled, twisting off the cap. "Since when do you thank me for basic decency?" He took a long sip before setting the bottle down.

His gaze flickered to her, noting the way she stared blankly at the simmering soup. After a beat, he asked, "Why did you leave?"

He wanted to ask if Nathaniel’s reckless games had driven her out, but the words stuck in his throat.

Evelyn blinked, refocusing. "I needed space. Things have been... overwhelming."

"Space is good," Gregory murmured. Then, carefully, "He followed you here, didn’t he?"

She let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "Of course not."

Gregory’s expression turned serious. "Evelyn, he told me something earlier. Said you two were planning for a baby. Is that true?"

Her head snapped up, eyes wide. "He’s talking nonsense."

A shadow crossed Gregory’s face, though his voice remained gentle. "Then what are your plans? He wanted a divorce before. Now, it seems like he’s changed his mind."

Evelyn exhaled slowly, fingers tightening around the counter’s edge.

She had no answer.