Chapter 206

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Nathaniel’s penthouse, illuminating the scattered blueprints on the coffee table. Evelyn traced her fingers over the intricate designs, her mind racing with ideas for the new eco-resort project.

Nathaniel strode into the living room, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. He paused, watching her with an unreadable expression. "You’re up early," he remarked, his voice smooth yet edged with something deeper.

Evelyn glanced up, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Couldn’t sleep. This project has me wired."

He moved closer, his presence commanding the space between them. "You’re pushing yourself too hard."

She exhaled, leaning back against the sofa. "Someone has to keep up with the Martin Group’s impossible deadlines."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Or you could just admit you love the challenge."

Before she could retort, his phone buzzed. Nathaniel frowned at the screen, his jaw tightening. "Isabella’s lawyer is demanding another meeting."

Evelyn’s fingers stilled. "What does she want now?"

"Who knows?" His tone darkened. "But I’m done playing her games."

She studied him—the tension in his shoulders, the storm brewing in his eyes. "You don’t have to handle this alone."

Nathaniel met her gaze, the intensity in his stare sending a shiver down her spine. "I won’t let her near you again."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Alfred entered, his usual composure slightly frayed. "Sir, Mr. Ellsworth is here. He says it’s urgent."

Thomas burst in before Nathaniel could respond, his usually carefree demeanor replaced by urgency. "You need to see this." He tossed a tabloid onto the table.

The headline screamed in bold letters: "Isabella Davis Exposes Martin Family Secrets: Scandal Rocks High Society."

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. Beneath it was a grainy photo of Edward Martin—Nathaniel’s grandfather—with a woman who wasn’t his wife.

Nathaniel’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the paper. "She’s crossed the line."

Thomas ran a hand through his hair. "This is just the beginning. She’s threatening to release more unless—"

"Unless what?" Evelyn demanded.

"Unless Nathaniel publicly reconciles with her."

Silence thickened the air. Evelyn’s pulse pounded in her ears. Isabella wasn’t just after revenge—she wanted to dismantle everything.

Nathaniel’s voice was lethally calm. "Get the legal team on standby. And find out who’s feeding her information."

As Thomas hurried out, Evelyn reached for Nathaniel’s hand. "We’ll handle this together."

His fingers intertwined with hers, warm and steady. "I won’t let her destroy us."

But as the door clicked shut, Evelyn couldn’t shake the gnawing fear—Isabella’s game had just begun, and the stakes were higher than ever.

After exchanging pleasantries, Evelyn exited the hospital before Nathaniel and Victoria. Just as she was about to leave, Victoria called out, "Evelyn, why not let Nathaniel drive you? It's been a while since you two spent time together, hasn't it?"

"Victoria, I have work to attend to, and Nathaniel should stay here with Grandfather," Evelyn replied coolly.

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away—the first time she had ever cut a conversation short so abruptly.

She simply couldn’t bear to stay a moment longer.

Watching Evelyn’s retreating figure, Victoria sighed under her breath. "Look at you, can’t even keep your own wife happy. No wonder Edward scolded you so harshly."

Her earlier concern had evaporated, replaced with cold disapproval.

Nathaniel remained silent, enduring the criticism without protest.

Tired of lecturing him, Victoria shot him a sharp glare before adding, "Your grandfather made it clear—if you don’t fix things with Evelyn, don’t bother coming home."

"Mr. Richard Martin, your wife is berating me. Aren’t you going to say something?" Nathaniel glanced at his father, his tone low and teasing.

Richard merely shrugged. "I’m under her thumb. You’re on your own."

Nathaniel could only offer a helpless smile, saying nothing more as he endured Victoria’s scolding.

Yet every other word out of her mouth was about Evelyn, and the image of this woman kept flashing before his eyes. Evelyn had a way of swaying hearts effortlessly.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression perfectly composed, but the shadows in his gaze lingered far longer than he cared to admit.

Evelyn left the hospital and headed straight to the office.

Nathaniel was relentless, determined to drag everyone connected to her into this mess.

Though her ties to the Mitchell family were fragile, she refused to let innocent people suffer because of her.

But right now, she felt powerless, unsure of what to do next.

The moment Evelyn stepped into the company lobby, Gabrielle seemed to have been waiting for her, rushing forward with a tense expression. "Ms. Mitchell, where have you been? I’ve called you multiple times—you didn’t answer!"

Evelyn checked her phone and realized it had been on silent.

"I didn’t hear it. What’s wrong?" she asked calmly.

Gabrielle glanced toward Evelyn’s office and lowered her voice. "Your father is here to see you."

"My father?"

"Yes, Mr. William Mitchell. It’s probably about the Martin Group suddenly cutting all ties with us," Gabrielle explained in a hushed tone before hesitating. "Ms. Mitchell, you and Mr. Martin are close, aren’t you?"

She wanted to ask if the rumors of marital trouble were exaggerated but held back, fearing it might cost her job.

Evelyn gave her a brief look before striding toward her office.

Inside, William sat on the sofa, his patience visibly wearing thin. The moment the door opened and Evelyn entered, he didn’t wait for her to speak.

"What the hell is going on with the Martins?" he snapped. "I called Martin Manor, and they said Edward isn’t home. Is this their way of avoiding me? After everything the Mitchells have done for them, is this how they repay us?"