Chapter 26

Evelyn was speechless.

She had no idea how to respond.

Pressing her lips together, Evelyn could only cast a helpless glance at Nathaniel. It was as if he had caught her silent plea for help but deliberately chose not to intervene. Instead, he said coolly, "Evelyn, Mom asked you a question. You need to back me up here, or she’ll misunderstand."

His deep gaze settled on her, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.

What is Nathaniel playing at? Evelyn wondered.

Clearly, he was throwing her under the bus.

Flustered, Evelyn replied softly, "Mom, since Grandpa is fine, Nathaniel and I should get going. We planned to catch a movie."

Then, tugging Nathaniel along, she hurried out, Victoria’s voice trailing behind them. "Grandpa would wake up in joy if he knew you two were going on a date."

The moment they were in the car, Evelyn released Nathaniel’s hand.

He turned to study her, his voice low. "What movie are we seeing?"

"That was just an excuse," Evelyn said flatly.

"You always say lying is wrong, don’t you?"

"It was a white lie. Even if Mom finds out, she won’t blame me."

"A white lie?" Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened. "So, what exactly are you implying?"

Evelyn frowned, realizing his insinuation.

"I’m not implying anything. I didn’t say a word. Stop reading into things," she snapped.

"Fine, I won’t overthink it." Nathaniel leaned closer, his tone deceptively light. "Now that we’re alone, tell me—is there something wrong with my health?"

"How would I know? It’s your body."

Evelyn turned away, unwilling to continue the conversation.

But Nathaniel wasn’t letting it go. He grabbed her wrist, forcing her to face him, his eyes boring into hers. "You’re my wife. If you don’t know, who does?"

Her cheeks burned, and she averted her gaze.

What does he mean by that?

Has he and Isabella never actually…?

Evelyn bit her lip, and the action drew Nathaniel’s attention. Images of her breathless murmurs beneath his kisses flooded his mind—her pleading voice, the way she melted against him—making his breath hitch.

Just then, a phone rang, shattering the moment.

It was Evelyn’s.

The caller ID flashed Gregory.

Nathaniel’s expression darkened.

Unaware, Evelyn answered in front of him. "Hello, Gregory."

Her voice was soft, the same gentle tone she once used with him, but now she was all thorns when it came to Nathaniel.

Whatever Gregory said coaxed a faint smile from Evelyn, irritating Nathaniel beyond reason.

Without warning, Nathaniel murmured, "Evelyn, since Mom thinks we’re on a date, why don’t we stay out tonight?"

Evelyn startled, her eyes flying to his.

Gregory’s voice crackled through the phone. "Evelyn, are you with him?"

She confirmed quietly.

Gregory exhaled sharply. "You’re divorcing. Why is he acting like this?"

Evelyn didn’t have an answer.

They were getting divorced, yet Nathaniel behaved as if nothing had changed. To Evelyn, his indifference only proved how little he cared.

The thought twisted her stomach.

Steadying herself, she told Gregory, "Let’s talk tomorrow at the office."

Hanging up, she met Nathaniel’s gaze. "Let’s just go home. A movie isn’t appropriate."

"Why not?"

"It was an excuse. You didn’t have to take it seriously," she muttered.

"Evelyn," Nathaniel’s voice turned accusing, "are you worried Gregory will misunderstand?"

Frowning, she shot back, "Why would you think that? Didn’t you say we shouldn’t involve others?"

Nathaniel didn’t reply. He slammed the accelerator, and the car lurched forward.

Silence choked the air the entire ride.

Evelyn felt wronged. She hadn’t said anything wrong, yet he was the one upset.

Though they weren’t ignoring each other like last night, everyone at Pineview Villa sensed Nathaniel’s foul mood.

Evelyn refused to coddle him. She’d made up her mind—ripping off the band-aid was better. Giving in would only make her weaker.

Thanks to Charlotte’s intervention, Evelyn’s company maintained its partnership with Summit Realty.

Today, the two firms officially signed their agreement. Summit Realty apologized, "Ms. Mitchell, we sincerely regret the misunderstanding. Had we known you were connected to the Martins and such close friends with Mr. Martin, we would’ve avoided this."

Evelyn offered a tight smile.

Her marriage to Nathaniel was a well-kept secret. Yet, Nathaniel had introduced her as merely a good friend.

It shouldn’t sting—but it did.

After resolving the issue, Evelyn lunched with Gregory, who broached a sensitive topic. "Once you and Nathaniel divorce, will you stay in Mayby?"

"No. I’m leaving once it’s finalized. You’ll manage the company—"

"Evelyn," Gregory cut in, "I told you—where you go, I follow. If you want to keep the company, I’ll arrange management. If not, we dissolve it."

"It stays. I won’t cost people their jobs."

Evelyn was adamant. Dissolving the company would betray everyone who relied on it.

"Fine. Is the divorce date set yet?" Gregory watched her. "Once you leave, you’ll be free again."

Evelyn sighed. "Not yet. Grandpa can’t accept it. I won’t hurt him."

Evelyn spent the day at the office, visibly thinner. Lately, she ate little—only bland foods, avoiding anything rich or spicy.

Gregory drove her back to Pineview Villa that evening.

Given her recent lack of focus, driving wasn’t safe.

As the car stopped, Evelyn reached for her seatbelt—

BANG!

A violent impact jolted them forward, then snapped them back. Thankfully, seatbelts spared them injury, but the shock left Evelyn trembling.

Instinctively, her hands flew to her abdomen. Did I scare you, baby?

Gregory noticed. "Evelyn! Are you hurt?"

She inhaled deeply. Shaken, but the baby felt fine.

"I’m okay," she whispered. "Let’s see what happened."

Stepping out, they recognized the black car behind them.

Gregory glanced at Evelyn, who stared unblinkingly at the man slumped over the wheel.

She rushed forward, yanking the door open. "Nathaniel?"