Chapter 25

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. She rubbed her temples, trying to focus on the blueprints in front of her, but her mind kept drifting back to last night’s argument with Nathaniel.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn?" Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Thanks, Gabrielle. You're a lifesaver."

Gabrielle hesitated. "Gregory wants to see you in his office. He said it's urgent."

Evelyn's stomach tightened. Urgent? She hadn’t spoken to Gregory since their last heated discussion about the Summit Realty project.

Down the hall, Gregory’s door was slightly ajar. She knocked once before pushing it open.

He looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable. "Close the door."

Evelyn did as instructed, her pulse quickening.

Gregory leaned back in his chair. "Sebastian Wilson just called. He’s pulling Summit Realty’s funding."

Her breath hitched. "What? Why?"

"Because," Gregory said slowly, "he claims we’ve been withholding critical design changes from him. Changes that, apparently, Nathaniel approved without consulting us."

Evelyn’s hands clenched into fists. "That’s not possible. Nathaniel wouldn’t—"

"Wouldn’t he?" Gregory cut her off. "After everything that’s happened between you two?"

She swallowed hard. The tension between her and Nathaniel had been escalating for weeks, but she never imagined it would bleed into their professional lives.

"I’ll talk to him," she said firmly.

Gregory sighed. "Evelyn, this isn’t just about your marriage. If we lose this client, the firm is at risk."

The weight of his words settled heavily on her shoulders.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Nathaniel.

We need to talk. Tonight. Alone.

Evelyn’s fingers trembled as she typed a reply. I’ll be there.

But as she left Gregory’s office, one thought consumed her: What else is Nathaniel hiding?

Meanwhile, across town, Nathaniel sat in his father’s study, staring at the documents Richard had just handed him.

"You’re sure about this?" Nathaniel asked, his voice low.

Richard nodded grimly. "The board is already questioning your leadership. If this gets out, it won’t just be your reputation at stake—it’ll be the entire company."

Nathaniel ran a hand through his hair. "I’ll handle it."

But as he left the study, his phone buzzed—a message from Isabella.

I know everything. Meet me. Or I go public.

His jaw tightened. Not now.

But time was running out.

And secrets, like walls, were beginning to crack.

What was he playing at? Some kind of explanation now? Evelyn thought bitterly.

But they were on the verge of divorce. Why bother with words that could so easily be misconstrued?

She couldn’t fathom what was going through Nathaniel’s mind.

Yet, his gentleness still made her heart waver.

Loving someone for ten years wasn’t a switch she could flip off. Even if she could endure the pain and suppress her feelings, those tender moments still tugged at her.

Evelyn held her breath, tears pricking her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

She kept her voice steady. "Why are you telling me this?"

Nathaniel chuckled, low and amused. "Why? You’re asking why? If I don’t explain, I’ll be sleeping on the couch tonight, and the staff will laugh at me for having no authority in my own home. So, do you believe me now, Mrs. Martin?"

Perfect. Now it was her fault.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "You walked out. I didn’t push you away."

"Should I have stayed and kept arguing?"

"I never wanted to argue. You were the one who—"

"Enough," Nathaniel cut in, his tone firm. "Let’s just drop it. Can we not revisit this?"

Since he’d shut it down, there was nothing more to say.

Nathaniel added, "How about we visit Grandpa together this afternoon? I’ll pick you up."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Fine."

After hanging up, she stood frozen, whispering to herself, "Nathaniel, what am I supposed to do with you?"

She didn’t understand why he hadn’t changed toward her, even now.

He still didn’t love her. She wished he were cruel—it would make letting go so much easier.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel was at the hospital.

Isabella was being discharged tomorrow, and he was handling the paperwork.

When he returned to her room, her agent was there.

Isabella was a singer—once thriving, thanks to clever marketing and Nathaniel’s influence, known for a few hits. But since the accident, she’d faded from the spotlight. Only her most loyal fans still waited.

The moment she saw him, she brightened. "Nathaniel! Tell me, honestly—should I even try to revive my career now?"

His expression remained unreadable. "We’ll discuss that when you’re fully recovered. Right now, there’s something else I need to ask you."

Sensing his detachment, Isabella quickly dismissed her agent. Once alone, she asked softly, "What’s wrong? Is there… something wrong with my health?"

Her eyes shimmered with worry.

Illness had left her pale and fragile, her tearful gaze designed to evoke pity.

Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. "You answered my phone when Evelyn called last night, didn’t you?"

Isabella hesitated, then realization dawned.

She bit her lip, guilt flashing across her face. "Did Evelyn say something? I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have picked up. I just thought… since she’s practically family—"

"Isabella," Nathaniel interrupted, voice icy. "This isn’t about Evelyn. What did you say to her?"

Her head dipped, tears welling. "I panicked. She’s been with you for a year, and I… I was scared you might start to care for her. It’s my fault. Please don’t be angry."

Nathaniel’s gaze hardened. "Evelyn and I are still married. I thought you understood that. We can’t act like we’re already divorced."

Isabella nodded, promising it wouldn’t happen again.

But Nathaniel was still displeased. "Rest. I have work, but I’ll be back to take you home tomorrow."

As he left, a cold glint flickered in Isabella’s eyes, her jaw tightening.

That evening, Nathaniel picked Evelyn up from work, and they drove to the hospital together.

Edward hadn’t woken yet, but his vitals were stable.

Seeing them, Victoria beamed. "Don’t worry about your grandfather. If you really want to cheer him up, give him a great-grandchild. That would do it."

Evelyn’s smile stiffened.

Nathaniel frowned. "Mom, why bring that up now?"

"Now? You’ve been married a year! I was pregnant with you within two months. If a man can’t get his wife pregnant, people will talk."

The implication hung heavy.

Evelyn kept her head down, wishing the floor would swallow her.

Richard cleared his throat awkwardly.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply, fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

Victoria ignored them, turning to Evelyn. "Be honest, dear—is there something wrong with Nathaniel? Is that why you’re not pregnant?"