Chapter 167

The moment Evelyn stepped into the grand hall of the Martin estate, the weight of Nathaniel’s absence pressed down on her like a physical force. The chandeliers cast shimmering reflections across the marble floors, but the opulence felt hollow without him there.

She tightened her grip on her clutch, her nails digging into the soft leather. Where is he?

Isabella’s laughter rang out from across the room, sharp and deliberate. The sound grated against Evelyn’s nerves. The woman had been circling the event like a predator, her crimson gown a blatant declaration of dominance.

Gregory leaned in, his voice low. "You okay?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just tired."

But she wasn’t just tired. She was furious. Nathaniel had promised he’d be here tonight—promised—yet again, he’d vanished without a word.

A server passed by with champagne flutes. Evelyn snatched one and downed half of it in one go. The bubbles burned her throat, but the sting was grounding.

Then, the doors swung open.

Nathaniel strode in, his tailored suit immaculate, his expression unreadable. The murmurs in the room hushed as all eyes turned to him.

Evelyn’s pulse spiked.

He looked directly at her, his gaze dark and intense. But before she could react, Isabella was at his side, her hand slipping possessively around his arm.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted.

Gregory cursed under his breath. "You’ve got to be kidding me."

Nathaniel didn’t pull away.

The room blurred at the edges as Evelyn’s breath came faster. She set her glass down with deliberate precision, her fingers trembling.

Then, Nathaniel’s voice cut through the noise. "Evelyn."

Just her name. A command. A plea.

She turned on her heel and walked out.

The cool night air hit her like a slap. She barely made it three steps before Nathaniel caught her wrist, spinning her around.

"Let me explain," he demanded.

Evelyn wrenched free. "You don’t get to disappear and then show up with her and expect me to listen."

His jaw clenched. "It wasn’t like that."

"Then what was it?" she snapped.

Nathaniel hesitated—just for a second—but it was enough.

Evelyn stepped back, her chest tight. "I’m done waiting for you to choose me."

She turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the pavement.

This time, he didn’t follow.

The moment Evelyn saw it with her own eyes, a sharp pang pierced her heart, but she swallowed the urge to confront or demand answers.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips as she was about to suggest leaving, but Charlotte beat her to it. "Evelyn, steer clear of trash like that. If a man is married and still fooling around, toss him out. What’s the point? With your looks and money, you could have any guy you want. Trust me, younger men would kill for a woman like you—gorgeous, successful, and loaded."

If Charlotte didn’t have the last word, no one did.

Evelyn’s attempt to hush her came too late. Nathaniel and Isabella had already heard every unfiltered syllable.

Their eyes met—just for a split second—before Evelyn looked away.

She leaned in, whispering, "Are you done? Can we go now? If we stay any longer, we’ll be trending on social media, and it’s your first day in Mayby. Do you really want that kind of attention?"

Charlotte hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. Let’s bounce. I’ll shut up—just for you."

Evelyn shot her a grateful smile as they linked arms and strode toward the exit. Passing Nathaniel and Isabella, they didn’t spare them a single glance, heading straight for the parking lot.

Isabella glanced at Nathaniel, whose expression was unreadable as he watched Evelyn leave. She lowered her voice. "Should we explain things to her?"

"No need," he replied coolly.

Just then, Samuel pulled up in the car.

Nathaniel remained silent, reclining in his seat with his eyes closed, shutting out the world.

Isabella’s parents noticed and immediately asked what was wrong.

She forced a smile. "Nathaniel’s just exhausted from work."

With that flimsy excuse, they dropped the subject.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the hotel. Isabella escorted her parents inside while Nathaniel stayed behind. "I won’t be coming up. Make sure they’re settled."

She nodded gratefully. "Nathaniel, thank you for handling everything today. You should go home and rest."

With a quiet hum of acknowledgment, he signaled Samuel to drive off.

Only when the car vanished into the distance did Isabella turn to her parents. "Let’s go upstairs."

Her mother, Wanda, frowned. "Isabella, is Nathaniel really going to divorce her and marry you?"

A flash of irritation crossed her face before she smoothed it over. "Of course. Haven’t I told you? It’s happening. Stop worrying about it."

Adjusting her hat, she masked her emotions. "Let’s get some rest. I’m exhausted too. Enjoy your stay, and once I’m done with work, I’ll arrange your hospital check-ups."

Her parents nodded obediently, following her inside.

But instead of joining them, Isabella waited until they disappeared into the elevator before turning on her heel and calling her agent for a ride.

She didn’t notice the black car parked across the street—or the man inside watching her every move.

Samuel glanced at Nathaniel, who still had his eyes closed. "Mr. Martin, Ms. Davis didn’t go upstairs. Should we keep waiting?"