Chapter 204

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, stepped in with a tray of coffee. "You've been at it since dawn," she remarked, placing the cup within Evelyn's reach. "Nathaniel called. He said he’ll be late for dinner tonight."

Evelyn sighed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. "Another meeting?"

Gabrielle nodded. "With the board. Something about the merger."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around the mug. The merger—Edward Martin’s latest obsession. It meant more power for the Martin Group, but at what cost? Nathaniel had been distant lately, buried under the weight of his family’s expectations.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Gregory: "We need to talk. Urgent."

Frowning, she typed a quick reply. "On my way."

Gregory was waiting in the conference room, his expression grim. "We have a problem," he said without preamble. "Summit Realty just pulled out of the Maldives project."

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. "What? Why?"

"Sebastian Wilson claims our designs don’t align with their vision. But I think it’s personal."

Her jaw clenched. Sebastian had been a thorn in her side ever since she rejected his advances at last year’s gala. "I’ll handle it."

As she reached for her coat, her phone rang again. An unknown number.

"Evelyn Mitchell?" a smooth, unfamiliar voice greeted.

"Who is this?"

"Vanessa. Isabella’s agent."

Evelyn froze. Isabella Davis—Nathaniel’s ex, the woman who had once shattered his heart. "What do you want?"

Vanessa chuckled. "Just a friendly heads-up. Isabella’s back in town. And she’s very interested in reconnecting with Nathaniel."

The line went dead.

Evelyn’s pulse roared in her ears. This wasn’t a coincidence. First the merger, then Summit’s withdrawal, now Isabella’s return. Someone was playing a dangerous game.

And she intended to win.

Victoria led Evelyn to the hospital room, where Edward had already regained consciousness. He was in the middle of a heated argument with Richard, his voice trembling with fury. "That ungrateful wretch! Does he think he can turn against us? Has he forgotten every sacrifice the Martins have made for the Mitchells? And now he dares to betray us?"

Edward's anger was so intense that his breathing became labored, his face flushed crimson, veins bulging in his neck as he coughed violently.

Seeing this, Evelyn rushed forward, placing a soothing hand on his back. "Grandfather, please, don't upset yourself. Your health comes first."

Edward grasped her hand weakly, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Evelyn, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry for all this mess."

"Grandfather, you have nothing to apologize for. None of this is your fault..."

After all, it was Evelyn who had chosen to go through with the divorce. Though Nathaniel had initiated it, she had insisted on finalizing it.

She couldn’t blame herself—nor could she blame him entirely.

But she never expected Nathaniel to retaliate so viciously.

The thought of Edward collapsing because of Nathaniel’s actions made her blood boil, but she bit her tongue, not wanting to worsen his condition.

Yet Edward, ever perceptive, gave her a firm look. "Evelyn, don’t worry. The Martins will handle this."

She managed a small nod. "Grandfather, whatever you decide, just promise me you won’t push yourself too hard. Victoria and Richard are already worried sick."

Edward exhaled, nodding in agreement, while Richard and Victoria murmured their assent.

Just as Edward was about to say more, the door burst open.

Nathaniel strode in, his black suit dusted with the remnants of a long day, his dark hair slightly disheveled. His expression was unreadable, but his stormy eyes locked onto Evelyn’s.

Before anyone could react, Edward snatched the nearest water glass and hurled it at him. "Get out! How dare you show your face here? Leave!"

The glass struck Nathaniel’s shoulder with a dull thud, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

Victoria rushed forward, gripping his arm. "Couldn’t you have announced yourself? Look what you’ve done—Grandfather is furious!"

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, his gaze never leaving Evelyn’s. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "We’ve argued. We’ve shouted. Are you satisfied now?"

Edward was too incensed to reply.

Richard stepped forward, his tone icy. "Nathaniel, stop provoking him. Reinstate the partnership with Mitchell Group immediately and issue a statement that this was a misunderstanding."

"If I retract my decision now, what credibility will I have left in the company?"

"You—"

"This wasn’t an impulsive move. It’s been planned for a long time. No one changes my mind."

His words were final, leaving no room for negotiation.

Evelyn stared at his cold, unyielding expression, her chest tightening painfully.

Edward had heard enough. Richard and Victoria, fearing another outburst, dragged Nathaniel out of the room.

Silence settled heavily in their absence.

Finally, Edward turned to Evelyn, regret in his eyes. "Evelyn, I—"

"Grandfather," she interrupted softly, forcing a smile. "Don’t dwell on it. Focus on recovering. Who else will spoil our baby when they arrive?"