Chapter 131

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our penthouse, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. I stretched lazily in bed, savoring the rare moment of tranquility before Nathaniel's arms tightened around my waist, pulling me closer.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martin," he murmured against my hair, his voice still thick with sleep.

I turned to face him, tracing the strong line of his jaw with my fingertips. "Someone's in a good mood today."

His lips curved into that devastating smile that still made my pulse race. "How could I not be? I woke up next to the most beautiful woman in the world."

Before I could respond, his phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand. Nathaniel groaned, reaching for it with one hand while the other kept me anchored against him.

"It's Samuel," he said, scanning the message. "Emergency board meeting at ten. Father's called an urgent vote on the Singapore acquisition."

I sat up immediately, the cozy atmosphere shattered. "That's two weeks early! They can't just—"

"Apparently they can." Nathaniel's expression darkened as he threw back the covers. "Grandfather must have gotten wind of our plans to block it."

As we dressed in hurried silence, my mind raced through contingency plans. The Martin Group's proposed acquisition would displace hundreds of low-income families—exactly the kind of heartless corporate maneuver Nathaniel had been working to change since taking over as CEO.

In the elevator downstairs, Nathaniel straightened his tie with sharp, angry motions. "I should have seen this coming. Isabella's been cozying up to the board members all week."

The mention of his ex's name sent an unpleasant jolt through me. "You think she's behind this?"

"Who else?" His jaw clenched. "She's been waiting for an opportunity to undermine me ever since I rejected her... proposition."

The elevator doors opened to reveal Alfred waiting with our coats. "Your car is ready, sir. Madam." The butler's usually impassive face showed rare concern. "Mr. Edward has arrived early as well. He's waiting in the conference room with... other parties."

Nathaniel's hand found mine, squeezing tightly as we stepped into the crisp autumn air. "Whatever happens today," he said quietly, "remember we're in this together."

The sleek black town car pulled away from the curb, carrying us toward what I knew would be the most pivotal battle of Nathaniel's career. Through the tinted windows, the Martin Group headquarters loomed ahead like a modern-day fortress—one we might not leave victorious.

My phone vibrated with an incoming text from Gregory: "Plans leaked. Media knows about the evictions. Damage control needed ASAP."

I showed Nathaniel the message, watching as his expression turned to stone. "Perfect timing," he said bitterly. "Just as we're about to walk into the lion's den."

As we pulled up to the building, a crowd of reporters already clustered at the entrance, cameras flashing. Nathaniel took a deep breath, his CEO mask sliding into place. "Showtime."

The car door opened, and we stepped out into the storm.

Evelyn's face remained impassive, her voice quiet as she murmured, "Some things can't be taken back once they're done."

"Are you planning to leave too?"

"Yeah, the thought has crossed my mind."

She didn’t deny it, but she didn’t elaborate either.

There were things she could confide in Isaac without hesitation, but with Gregory, it was different. His feelings for her went beyond friendship, and since she couldn’t return them, she kept her distance.

By noon, Gregory had finished cooking.

He declined to stay for lunch. "If I linger, it’ll only upset Mr. Martin and strain things between you two. I don’t want to make things harder for you."

Evelyn frowned. "It’s fine. He’s just being petty because of me."

Gregory merely nodded. "I have an appointment nearby anyway. Now’s as good a time as any to leave."

Despite her attempts to persuade him, Gregory insisted on going without eating, so Evelyn didn’t press further.

As she walked him to the door, she said, "Gregory, don’t bother bringing groceries next time. I can handle the cooking. You’re already swamped with work at the firm."

Gregory was slightly taken aback by her gentle refusal.

He nodded. "Understood. Eat while it’s hot. You’ve lost weight lately."

Evelyn watched as Gregory stepped into the elevator, then closed the door.

After a glance at the food on the table, she exhaled softly before heading to the kitchen to reheat the soup she’d prepared earlier.

Once done, she knocked on the bedroom door.

"Nathaniel, lunch is ready."

"Go ahead and eat with Gregory. Don’t mind me. Even if I’m still feverish and haven’t had breakfast, it’s fine. If I come out, I’ll just ruin your meal with him—might even chase him away. Why bother calling me at all?"

His icy tone made Evelyn smirk. He sounded exactly like a scheming drama queen, expertly playing the victim.

She quipped, "Then I won’t call you anymore. I’ll just eat alone."

"Why eat alone when Gregory’s gone out of his way to cook for you?"

"He’s already left. Can’t I enjoy a meal by myself?"

Evelyn chuckled and turned back to the dining table without another word.

Just as she picked up her spoon, Nathaniel strode into the room.

She glanced up calmly. "What would you like?"

His eyes swept indifferently over the spread. "I don’t eat food prepared by uninvited guests."

She had expected this, so she’d reheated the soup for him and prepared some sides.

But Nathaniel made no move to eat. Instead, he muttered, "I have a headache."

Evelyn blinked. "Did you take anything for it? Why the sudden headache? Is your fever back?"

As she spoke, she reached out to press a hand to his forehead. Hmm… No fever.

"Because you’ve been driving me crazy."

Then, with an accusatory edge, he added, "All morning."

Evelyn sighed in exasperation. "Nathaniel, you’re being ridiculous."

She turned to return to her seat, but before she could, Nathaniel pulled her into his arms, seating her on his lap.

Instinctively, she looped her arms around his neck, raising a brow. "What’s gotten into you?"

"I’m being ridiculous?"

One hand rested on her waist, the other tilting her chin up. Nathaniel’s expression was as composed as ever, but his voice held something darker.