Chapter 146

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden streaks across her blueprints. She tapped her pen against the desk, lost in thought. The Martin Group project was nearing completion, but something felt off.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel.

"Meeting at 2 PM. Edward wants to discuss the final adjustments."

Evelyn sighed. Edward Martin had been relentless lately, scrutinizing every detail. She knew it wasn’t just about the project—it was about control.

Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in. "Gregory is here. He says it’s urgent."

Evelyn frowned. Gregory never dropped by unannounced. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in, his expression tense. "We have a problem. The city just rejected our permit for the waterfront expansion."

"What?" Evelyn shot up from her chair. "That was approved weeks ago!"

Gregory ran a hand through his hair. "Someone pulled strings. Rumor is, Summit Realty is behind it."

Sebastian Wilson. Of course.

Evelyn’s jaw tightened. "Call Jonathan Blake. I want answers."

Gregory hesitated. "There’s more. Isabella Davis is back in town."

The name sent a chill down Evelyn’s spine. Nathaniel’s ex. The woman who had once shattered his heart.

"Why now?" Evelyn whispered.

Gregory shrugged. "Vanessa booked her a high-profile event. Coincidence? I doubt it."

Evelyn’s phone buzzed again. Nathaniel.

"Change of plans. Meet me at the penthouse. Now."

Her pulse quickened. Something was wrong.

Nathaniel stood by the window, his silhouette rigid against the city skyline. The moment Evelyn stepped in, she felt the tension.

"What happened?" she asked.

He turned, his eyes dark. "Isabella reached out. She wants to meet."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. "And?"

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "She claims she has information about my father’s accident."

Evelyn froze. Richard Martin’s death had always been shrouded in mystery.

"You’re going to see her," she stated.

Nathaniel nodded. "Tonight. At the old pier."

Evelyn gripped his arm. "Don’t go alone."

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I won’t. But I need to know the truth."

A knock interrupted them. Samuel Yates, Nathaniel’s secretary, entered.

"Sir, Edward is on his way. He’s… not happy."

Nathaniel’s expression hardened. "Perfect timing."

Evelyn squeezed his hand. "Whatever happens, we face it together."

But as the door closed behind Samuel, a gnawing fear settled in her chest.

Isabella’s return was no coincidence.

And the truth? It might destroy everything.

Victoria's expression remained unreadable as she spoke into her phone. "Later? Perhaps we'll browse the boutiques later. I've been eyeing a few exquisite pieces from Tiffany's, but my budget has been rather tight these days..."

Whatever response came through the line must have pleased her, because her lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Fine, I'll graciously accept your offer then. We'll discuss it later, alright?"

As she ended the call and set her phone down, the smile lingered on her lips. Then, turning to Evelyn, she finally broached the subject she had been meaning to discuss. "Evelyn," she began softly, "are you settling in well at your new place?"

Evelyn met her gaze. It had been days since she moved out, and she knew it was impossible for the Martins not to notice. Yet neither Edward nor Victoria had directly questioned her, so she hadn't brought it up herself.

Now, faced with Victoria's gentle inquiry, a flicker of uncertainty passed through her.

She bit her lower lip lightly before asking, "Victoria… do you and Edward resent me for leaving?"

"Of course not. Why would you think that? Have I ever been harsh with you?" Victoria's voice was warm, her smile reassuring.

Evelyn shook her head. "No. You've always been the kindest to me."

"You'd dare say that in front of Edward?" Victoria teased.

Evelyn stuck out her tongue playfully. "The place I'm in now is smaller, and I have to manage everything myself, but it's not so bad. I lived alone during university—I'm used to it."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully. "Did Nathaniel do something to upset you? Cross a line?"

"No," Evelyn replied, pressing her lips together briefly before continuing, "I just thought we both needed space."

"Just space?"

Evelyn hesitated, her brows knitting slightly as she glanced at Victoria.

Victoria held her gaze, concern evident in her eyes. "Evelyn, tell me honestly—do you truly not want to be with Nathaniel anymore? Do you want a divorce?"

Evelyn exhaled slowly, her voice quiet but firm. "Yes. I think it's best if we part ways. He doesn’t love me. His heart belongs to someone else. And if we continue like this, any child we might have… they wouldn’t be happy either."

She had nearly forgotten what it felt like to yearn for a family, but the Martins had given her a glimpse—harmonious parents, a doting grandfather.

The only thing missing was Nathaniel’s love.

Perhaps that was simply fate. Not everything could be perfect.

"Evelyn," Victoria pressed gently, "is it really just because he doesn’t love you that you want this divorce?"

"Not entirely. Maybe… I just think separation is for the best."

Victoria leaned in slightly, her voice softening further. "Do you love him?"

Evelyn froze, her lips parting slightly before pressing together again. Her fingers tightened around her napkin.

She couldn’t bring herself to admit it aloud—but she couldn’t lie either.

Before she could answer, the waiter arrived with their food, providing a timely distraction.

The conversation shifted, and Victoria didn’t press further. Evelyn wasn’t sure if she had let it go or simply chosen not to push.

After the meal, Evelyn excused herself to the restroom—and discreetly settled the bill. Victoria frowned when she realized. "You shouldn’t have paid!"

"Why not? Didn’t you say we’re both women? Equals, right?"

Victoria sighed but smiled. "If you insist, I won’t argue."

They strolled to a nearby luxury mall, Victoria intent on picking out a few suits for Richard. Side by side, they could have been mistaken for mother and daughter.

Then, as they stepped into a high-end boutique, Evelyn froze.

A familiar figure stood just ahead.