Chapter 246

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Evelyn stirred awake. The warmth of Nathaniel’s arm draped over her waist was comforting, yet her mind was already racing with the day’s tasks.

She carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to disturb him. The soft click of the door echoed as she stepped into the hallway, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet.

Downstairs, Alfred was already setting the breakfast table. "Good morning, Mrs. Martin," he greeted with a slight bow.

"Morning, Alfred," Evelyn replied, pouring herself a cup of coffee. The rich aroma filled her senses, momentarily grounding her.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory. "The client moved the meeting to 10 AM. They want to see the revised blueprints before signing."

Evelyn sighed. That gave her less than two hours to finalize the changes.

Just as she was about to respond, Nathaniel’s voice came from behind her. "You’re up early."

She turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his dark hair slightly tousled, his shirt unbuttoned at the top. Even half-asleep, he exuded an effortless charm.

"Work never waits," she said with a small smile.

He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against hers as he took the coffee cup from her hand. "Neither do I." His voice was low, teasing.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the flutter in her chest. "You’re impossible."

"Yet here you are," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple before stealing a sip of her coffee.

The moment was interrupted by the shrill ring of Nathaniel’s phone. He frowned at the caller ID—Richard Martin.

Evelyn watched as his expression darkened. "You should take that."

He hesitated, then answered with a curt, "Father."

The conversation was brief, tense. When Nathaniel hung up, his jaw was clenched.

"What’s wrong?" Evelyn asked.

"Family dinner tonight," he said flatly. "Mandatory."

She knew what that meant—another evening of veiled insults and power plays under the guise of civility.

Evelyn reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "We’ll get through it."

His grip tightened around hers, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. "I know."

But beneath his calm exterior, she could see the storm brewing. And she knew—whatever was coming, it wouldn’t be easy.

Meanwhile, across town, Isabella Davis adjusted the strap of her designer dress as she stepped out of her penthouse. Her phone buzzed—Vanessa’s name flashed on the screen.

"The press is ready. Are you?"

A slow smirk curved Isabella’s lips as she typed back. "Always."

Tonight, the game would change. And she intended to win.

Evelyn's face was unreadable.

But beneath the covers, her fingers curled into tight fists. When she looked at Nathaniel, she searched his expression for any hint of emotion, but as always, he gave nothing away.

Nathaniel helped her sit up, his voice soft as he spoke. "Samuel went to get you something to eat. Are you hungry?"

Evelyn's brows drew together slightly, her gaze lingering on him.

Nathaniel noticed her scrutiny. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Her lashes fluttered, thoughts racing.

Does he really not know? Despite her doubts, she stayed silent, unsure how to respond.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Nathaniel spoke again. "Evelyn, is there something you want to say to me?"

Her stomach dropped.

He knew.

He had to know she was pregnant.

Otherwise, why would he ask her that?

But she had no words.

Hiding the pregnancy hadn’t been a whim—she had been terrified of what would happen if Nathaniel found out about the baby.

Evelyn had tried to avoid this moment, but she knew she couldn’t run forever.

Nathaniel pressed on. "You're pregnant. Why didn’t you tell me? Evelyn, I’m the father. It’s unfair to keep this from me."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

After a long pause, she finally spoke. "What would you have done if I told you? Nathaniel, we were talking about divorce before Isabella woke up. Should I have used this baby to force you to stay? Would you have given up your chance with Isabella for a child?"

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. He realized then—she didn’t trust him. The silence between them grew thick, suffocating.

Evelyn’s emotions churned, fueled by Isabella’s accusations.

She forced herself to stay calm. "You want me to tell you, so you can raise this child while marrying Isabella? I would never let someone else raise my baby. So what was the point in telling you?"

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "So that’s what you think of me? You took away my right to know my own child based on assumptions?"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, meeting his gaze. His face was calm, but his tone was deadly serious.

Nathaniel exhaled. "Evelyn, believe me or not, I never once considered having a child with Isabella. Even when we were discussing divorce, the thought never crossed my mind."

Silence settled between them again.

Evelyn wrestled with conflicting thoughts. Was Nathaniel telling the truth? Had Isabella lied?

She didn’t trust Isabella over Nathaniel, but her words had still influenced her decision.

The tension in the hospital room was unbearable, broken only by their quiet breaths.

Finally, Nathaniel spoke again, his voice firm. "Evelyn, I swear to you—what you’re afraid of will never happen."

She stayed silent.

Then, a knock at the door. Samuel returned with soup.

Nathaniel sat back, waiting for her to eat.

But Evelyn only managed half the bowl before pushing it away.

"I’m done," she murmured, her mind too full to focus on food.