Chapter 166

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 that could redefine Martin Group's portfolio.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called without looking up.

Gabrielle stepped inside, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this. You've been here since dawn."

Evelyn smiled gratefully, accepting the cup. "Thanks. Just finalizing the details before the meeting with Nathaniel."

Gabrielle hesitated, then leaned in slightly. "Is everything okay? You've been... tense lately."

Evelyn exhaled, setting the coffee down. "It's just—this project is huge. And with Isabella back in town..."

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "She's back?"

Evelyn nodded, her grip tightening around her pen. "Nathaniel didn’t mention it, but I saw her name in his schedule. A dinner meeting."

Gabrielle frowned. "You think he’s hiding something?"

Before Evelyn could respond, her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel:

"Meeting moved to 3 PM. Can you make it?"

She typed a quick reply, then glanced at Gabrielle. "I need to go. Tell Gregory I’ll be back by noon."

Nathaniel stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, staring at the city below. His mind was elsewhere—on the past, on mistakes he couldn’t undo.

The door opened, and Samuel stepped in. "Sir, the contracts for the Singapore deal are ready for review."

Nathaniel turned, nodding. "Leave them on my desk."

Samuel hesitated. "Also, Ms. Davis called again. She insists on meeting you tonight."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "Reschedule it."

"But she said it’s urgent—"

"I said reschedule it." His tone left no room for argument.

Samuel nodded and retreated, closing the door softly behind him.

Nathaniel ran a hand through his hair. He knew he couldn’t avoid Isabella forever. But the last thing he wanted was for Evelyn to find out—not when their marriage was finally on stable ground.

His phone rang. It was his father.

"Richard," Nathaniel answered, bracing himself.

"Son, we need to talk. It’s about the board meeting next week."

Nathaniel sighed. "What now?"

"Your grandfather is pushing for a vote on the new CEO. And he’s not on your side."

Nathaniel’s grip on the phone tightened. "I’ll handle it."

"You’d better. Because if you lose this, everything you’ve built—everything Evelyn’s worked for—goes down with you."

The line went dead.

Nathaniel stared at the phone, his mind racing. He had to fix this—before it was too late.

Evelyn arrived at the restaurant early, choosing a quiet corner table. She needed time to think before Nathaniel arrived.

But as she sipped her water, a familiar laugh caught her attention.

Her breath hitched.

There, at the bar, was Isabella—flawless as ever, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. And beside her, leaning in too close, was Nathaniel.

Evelyn’s heart plummeted.

She stood abruptly, knocking over her glass. Water spilled across the table, but she didn’t care.

She had to get out of there.

Before they saw her.

Before she shattered.

"Evelyn, I've thought about you every damn day!" Charlotte replied with a playful smirk.

They'd been inseparable since their freshman year, and time hadn't changed that one bit.

Fingers intertwined, they strolled toward the parking lot. Once inside the car, Evelyn turned the key in the ignition. "Hungry? I booked us a table at that Italian place you love."

"Lead the way, boss." Charlotte grinned, leaning back in her seat.

Evelyn shook her head with a quiet laugh. Beneath Charlotte's sweet, composed exterior was a woman who thrived on chaos.

The restaurant was packed, so they settled for a corner booth near the window. As they sipped their drinks, Charlotte studied Evelyn with narrowed eyes. "You've changed."

"How so?"

"Can't pinpoint it. Maybe it's the way you hold yourself now. Less... guarded." She twirled her straw. "Either way, I'm not leaving this time. We've got a year's worth of friendship to make up for."

Evelyn smirked. "Promises, promises."

"Try me."

They clinked glasses, laughter bubbling between them.

When their food arrived, conversation flowed effortlessly—work, travel, mutual friends. Despite the distance, they'd never truly lost touch.

Then, out of nowhere, Charlotte asked, "You sure your husband won't mind me crashing at your place?"

Evelyn's fingers stilled around her fork. "I don’t live there anymore."

"Wait—seriously?"

"Dead serious."

"But... why? I thought you two were solid."

"I want a divorce," Evelyn said flatly, her voice low. "We’ll talk more at home."

Charlotte's expression softened, concern flickering in her gaze. She simply nodded.

After settling the bill, they headed for the exit. But just as they reached the door, Evelyn froze.

Charlotte frowned. "What’s wrong?"

Evelyn’s face had gone eerily blank, her eyes fixed on something—or someone—across the room.

Following her line of sight, Charlotte spotted him—Nathaniel, standing near the hostess stand with three others: Isabella, and an older couple Charlotte didn’t recognize.

"Is this why you left?" Charlotte whispered.

Evelyn didn’t answer. "Let’s go."

"Just like that?" Charlotte scoffed. "That’s your husband. Shouldn’t we at least say hi? I’ve never even met the guy."

Evelyn shot her a look. "Patience. You’ll meet him soon enough."

"Wow. You’re really unbothered."

Evelyn just smiled.

Maybe she was used to it.

Or maybe she’d just stopped caring.

Outside, Nathaniel stood tall, his posture rigid as Isabella leaned in, whispering something that made her parents beam. Though Nathaniel’s expression remained neutral, there was something in his eyes—warmth, familiarity.

The older man clapped him on the shoulder. "Nathaniel, we can’t thank you enough for looking after our girl. Seeing you two together again... it’s like nothing ever changed."

Evelyn’s lips curled into a humorless smile.

How fitting.

Here was Nathaniel, playing the doting fiancé to Isabella’s family—while his actual wife walked away unnoticed.