Chapter 251

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floors. Evelyn stretched lazily, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, rolling onto her back. The silk sheets felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth she craved. His absence was becoming more frequent lately, and though he always had excuses—meetings, emergencies, last-minute deals—she couldn’t shake the unease settling in her chest.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory: "Meeting at 10. Don’t be late."

Evelyn groaned. She had completely forgotten about the client presentation. Throwing off the covers, she hurried to the ensuite bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The reflection staring back at her was tired, shadows faintly lining her eyes.

When was the last time I slept properly?

She dressed quickly—a tailored navy pantsuit, her signature look—and grabbed her portfolio before heading out. The penthouse elevator descended smoothly, but her thoughts were anything but steady.

The lobby was bustling when she stepped out. A familiar voice called her name.

"Evelyn!"

She turned to see Caroline waving from across the room, her white coat fluttering as she jogged over. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Rough night?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just work."

Caroline studied her for a moment before sighing. "You’re lying. But fine, I won’t pry." She linked arms with Evelyn. "Come on, I’ll walk you out. You need coffee."

The café down the street was their usual spot. The rich aroma of espresso wrapped around them as they stepped inside. Caroline ordered for them both—black for Evelyn, caramel latte for herself—before steering them to a corner table.

"So," Caroline said, stirring her drink. "When are you going to tell me what’s really going on?"

Evelyn hesitated. She wanted to confide in her cousin, but voicing her fears made them real. "It’s Nathaniel. He’s been… distant."

Caroline’s brows furrowed. "How distant?"

"Late nights. Cancelled dinners. He barely looks at me anymore." Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her cup. "And then there’s her."

Isabella Davis. The name alone was enough to sour her mood. Nathaniel’s ex, the woman who still held a piece of his heart, if the tabloids were to be believed.

Caroline’s expression darkened. "You think he’s seeing her again?"

"I don’t know." Evelyn exhaled sharply. "But I’m not going to sit around and wonder."

She pulled out her phone, scrolling to a message she’d received last night—an anonymous tip about Nathaniel being spotted at a high-end hotel downtown. The same one Isabella was rumored to be staying at.

Caroline’s eyes widened. "You’re not seriously considering—"

"I need to know the truth." Evelyn’s voice was steel. "Even if it destroys me."

The café door chimed. Both women turned as Samuel Yates, Nathaniel’s secretary, walked in. His gaze locked onto Evelyn, and for a split second, panic flickered across his face before he schooled his features.

"Mrs. Martin," he said smoothly. "What a coincidence."

Evelyn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Is it?"

Samuel cleared his throat. "Mr. Martin asked me to pick up his usual order." He gestured to the counter.

"Of course." Evelyn leaned back, watching him. "Tell me, Samuel, does my husband often send you out for coffee?"

"Only when he’s too busy to step out himself."

"How dedicated of you."

Samuel shifted uncomfortably before nodding and walking away. Caroline whistled low under her breath.

"Well, that was tense."

Evelyn’s nails dug into her palms. "He’s hiding something."

Caroline sighed. "What are you going to do?"

Evelyn checked her watch. The meeting with Gregory was in twenty minutes. But suddenly, that didn’t seem as important.

"First, I’m going to that hotel." She stood, determination hardening her resolve. "And then? We’ll see."

Evelyn's words had cut deeper than she intended. Nathaniel had only just discovered her pregnancy—three months too late.

His jaw tightened, shadows flickering across his face. "I'll wait until you're inside," he said, voice low.

She didn't argue. A brief nod, then she turned toward the apartment building without another word.

Inside the car, Nathaniel's tone was clipped. "To the office."

Samuel obeyed, accelerating smoothly.

"When is Grandfather being discharged?" Nathaniel asked.

"Tomorrow morning. Sir Edward is perfectly fine, but Mr. Richard insisted he stay another night for observation."

"Good. Pick him up tomorrow. Then take my mother to Evelyn's place."

A beat of silence. Samuel didn't question the order, though his grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "Understood."

Not long after Nathaniel's departure, Thomas pulled up to the same apartment complex.

Charlotte flashed a practiced smile. "Well, we've cleared the air. Friends now, right?"

The lie hung between them, obvious but unspoken.

Neither believed it.

Thomas merely nodded. "Sure."

She stepped out without hesitation, pausing only to wave. "Bye!"

He watched her in the rearview mirror until she disappeared inside. Only then did he drive away.

Charlotte's smile dissolved the moment the car vanished. Blank-faced, she headed upstairs.

Evelyn had just returned from visiting Beatrice when Charlotte walked in.

Their eyes met. No questions were asked.

"I'm heading back to Dattlech soon," Charlotte said abruptly. "Orders are piling up."

Evelyn smirked. "Thanks for keeping my business afloat. Baby needs designer clothes, after all."

"Don't mention it," Charlotte muttered, voice oddly strained.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Cry if you need to. I won't judge."

"Pass."

"Then stop looking like someone kicked your puppy."

Charlotte didn't answer, just stared out the window, expression unreadable.

They never coddled each other. Space was their version of comfort.

That afternoon, Evelyn returned to work.

Two days of absence hadn't delayed the project, but she refused to make it a habit.

She organized the next set of blueprints, instructing Gabrielle to deliver them to the Martin Group for Nathaniel's approval. Then she drove to the construction site herself.

Daniel gave her a tour. Pride swelled in Evelyn's chest as she surveyed the skeletal high-rise—her design taking tangible form.

But one misstep could unravel everything.

"Are there material backups for quality checks?" she asked sharply.

Daniel nodded. "As you requested. All samples are cataloged."

"Good. Now verify every shipment meets specifications."

"Consider it done." He admired her precision. Young, but ruthlessly thorough.

Dusk had fallen by the time Evelyn left.

Then she froze.

A familiar silhouette leaned against a car in the parking lot.

She approached slowly. "Nathaniel? What are you doing here?"