Chapter 19

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 knock interrupted her thoughts. Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn nodded. "Send him in."

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

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

"The Martin Group just pulled funding from our joint venture."

Her stomach twisted. "Nathaniel approved this?"

Gregory shook his head. "Not directly. It came from higher up—Edward Martin."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Of course. The old man had never fully accepted her, despite her marriage to Nathaniel. She tapped her pen against the desk. "We need to salvage this. Any alternatives?"

"Not unless we find another investor fast."

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel: We need to talk. Dinner tonight?

Her fingers hovered over the screen. Was this about the funding? Or something else?

Before she could reply, another notification popped up—an email from Summit Realty. The subject line made her pulse quicken: Exclusive Partnership Opportunity.

She clicked it open. Sebastian Wilson, the CEO, proposed a collaboration on a high-profile urban renewal project. The terms were generous. Too generous?

Gabrielle cleared her throat. "Everything okay?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just another curveball."

But her mind raced. Was this a lifeline—or a trap?

Meanwhile, across town, Nathaniel sat in his grandfather’s study, facing Edward’s steely gaze.

"You’re making a mistake," Nathaniel said, his voice tight.

Edward sipped his whiskey. "Business isn’t personal, boy. That resort isn’t viable."

"It’s Evelyn’s project."

"Exactly." Edward set down his glass. "She’s talented, but sentiment has no place in our decisions."

Nathaniel clenched his jaw. He’d fought this battle before. But this time, the stakes were higher.

Because Evelyn wouldn’t back down. And neither would he.

As evening fell, Evelyn arrived at their penthouse, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Nathaniel stood by the window, his silhouette tense against the city lights.

She crossed her arms. "So. Are we discussing the resort—or your grandfather’s latest power play?"

He turned, his expression unreadable. "Both."

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Then the doorbell rang.

Nathaniel frowned. "We’re not expecting anyone."

Evelyn opened the door—and froze.

Isabella Davis stood there, flawless as ever, a smirk playing on her lips. "Long time no see, Evelyn."

Her stomach dropped.

Isabella’s gaze slid past her to Nathaniel. "We need to talk. It’s urgent."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened on the doorframe. Whatever this was, it wouldn’t be good.

And just like that, the night took a sharp turn into chaos.

Nathaniel's voice was low but firm. "If you agree, I'll let you go."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, a flicker of reluctance crossing her features.

Nathaniel continued, his tone edged with something dangerous. "Say yes. You know how a man is in the morning."

She wasn’t naive. The implication was clear, and it made her cheeks burn.

How can he be so shameless?

Before she could react, Nathaniel leaned in, his lips dangerously close to hers. Evelyn jerked her head away, her pulse racing. "I know," she said quickly.

His brow arched. "Know what? Say it clearly, Evelyn."

"I understand your reminder," she bit out. "If I promise, will you let me go now?" She spoke fast, afraid that hesitation would give him another opening.

His expression darkened. "Are you afraid I’ll kiss you?"

Evelyn didn’t answer. She didn’t want to answer.

Then—his phone rang.

Her stomach twisted. Isabella. The thought alone made her blood run cold.

Nathaniel pulled away, answering the call. "Mother?"

"Come to the hospital. Now. Edward’s condition has worsened."

"Understood." His voice was grim as he threw off the covers and stood. "Grandfather’s been admitted. We need to go."

Evelyn paled. She scrambled out of bed, her movements frantic as she washed up.

The drive to the hospital was tense, silence thick between them. Evelyn’s mind raced. Edward had always been kind to her—kinder than her own parents, even. The thought of losing him was unbearable.

At a red light, Nathaniel reached for her hand, his grip warm and steady. "He’ll be fine," he murmured.

She nodded, but the knot in her chest refused to loosen.

When they arrived, Edward had already been moved to a private ward, though he remained unconscious.

The doctor’s words were measured. "Mr. Martin is stable, but we don’t know when he’ll wake. This episode was triggered by emotional distress. His heart can’t take any more strain—no agitation, no stress."

Edward’s health had always been fragile—heart disease, hypertension, the usual burdens of age.

Richard waited until the doctor left before speaking. "Nathaniel. A word."

Evelyn’s stomach churned with guilt.

Nathaniel squeezed her hand. "Stay here. I’ll handle this."

She gave a small nod, but how could she not worry?

Seeing Edward like this—pale, motionless, an oxygen mask over his face—was unbearable.

I’m so sorry, Grandfather. This is my fault. All of it.

Tears spilled over before she could stop them.

Victoria was at her side instantly, pressing a tissue into her hand. "Don’t cry, darling. Edward wouldn’t want this. He only ever wanted you and Nathaniel to be happy." She pulled Evelyn into a gentle embrace. "No matter what happens between you two, you’ll always be family."

The words shattered her.

She’d always known the Martins cared for her—perhaps out of loyalty to her grandfather, perhaps out of genuine affection. But this—this was real.

Evelyn sobbed harder.

Victoria held her tighter, stroking her hair. "If you truly want a divorce, I won’t stop you. But think carefully. And know this—even if you leave Nathaniel, we will never let Isabella take your place."

Evelyn stilled. "Why?"

The question hung between them, heavy with unspoken meaning.