Chapter 168

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. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn nodded. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in, his usual confident demeanor slightly off. He dropped into the chair opposite her, running a hand through his tousled hair. "We have a problem."

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

"The Maldives project. The investors are getting cold feet. They're concerned about the timeline."

She exhaled sharply. "We've accounted for every possible delay. What changed?"

Gregory hesitated. "Word is, someone's been whispering in their ears. Suggesting we're overpromising."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her pen. "Isabella." It wasn't a question.

Gregory gave a grim nod. "She's been seen at several investor dinners lately. Coincidence? I doubt it."

Evelyn leaned back, tapping the pen against her lips. "She's trying to sabotage us."

"Looks that way."

A slow smile curved Evelyn's lips. "Then it's time we remind her why she lost in the first place."

Gregory blinked. "You have a plan?"

"Always." She pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number.

Nathaniel answered on the second ring, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Miss me already?"

Evelyn smirked. "Always. But I need a favor."

"Name it."

"Your grandfather's connections in the Maldives. Think you could arrange a meeting with the tourism board?"

There was a pause. "Isabella's been stirring trouble?"

"Understatement of the year."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Consider it done. But you owe me."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "I'll make it worth your while."

As she hung up, Gregory whistled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Evelyn winked. "Too late for that."

Her phone buzzed—a message from Nathaniel.

"Dinner tonight. Wear the red dress."

Heat flooded her cheeks. The game was on, and Evelyn Mitchell never backed down from a challenge.

Especially not when the stakes were this high.

Nathaniel didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered outside the car window for a long moment before he finally spoke, his voice cool and detached. "Have two men stationed here in shifts. I want to know if she came alone."

"Understood," Samuel replied.

Nathaniel waited until Isabella disappeared into Vanessa's car before allowing Samuel to drive off. But instead of returning to Pineview Villa, he abruptly ordered, "Pull over here. You're dismissed for the night."

Without another word, Nathaniel took the driver's seat and sped away, leaving Samuel standing alone on the dimly lit street.

Back at the apartment, Evelyn and Charlotte lounged on the couch. Charlotte glanced around the modest living space and frowned. "Evelyn, why are you staying in this tiny place when you could be living in a mansion? You should kick Nathaniel out and take the villa for yourself."

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Would you stop being my friend if I lived here?"

"Of course not," Charlotte huffed. "I just hate seeing you like this."

"I'm fine," Evelyn reassured her.

Charlotte's expression turned serious. "Tell me the truth—are you really ready to go through with the divorce?"

She knew better than anyone how deeply Evelyn had loved Nathaniel. Even though she'd never spoken to him directly, she'd heard enough from Evelyn to understand the kind of man he was.

Evelyn remained composed. "My decision is final."

After tonight, she had come to a realization.

Love might fade with time. Perhaps one day, she would stop loving him entirely—or maybe she never would. But none of that mattered anymore. Nothing could change her mind now.

Charlotte scowled, recalling the scene at the restaurant. "I know you're right, but it still makes me furious. That Isabella has no shame, flaunting herself around Nathaniel when she knows he's married. The more I think about it, the angrier I get."

Evelyn smiled faintly and pinched Charlotte's cheek. "Keep talking like that, and you'll make me cry."

"After everything I've said, you're still not moved?"

"I'm so moved I could burst into tears."

The mood lightened, but Evelyn exhaled quietly. Charlotte's words brought back the image of Nathaniel and Isabella together. Then something struck her—Isabella's outfit had looked strangely familiar.

Before she could dwell on it, Charlotte asked, "If you divorce Nathaniel, will you end up with Gregory?"

Evelyn frowned. "Where did that come from?"

Charlotte shrugged. "Just curious. He's always had feelings for you, hasn't he?"

Evelyn shook her head with a wry smile. "Don't bring it up in front of him. It'll only make things awkward."

"But would you ever consider it?"