Chapter 269

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, illuminating the blueprints spread across her desk. She traced a finger along the intricate lines of her latest design, a luxury resort that would soon become Nathaniel's newest venture. The project had consumed her thoughts for weeks, but today, something else weighed heavily on her mind.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her reverie. A message from Nathaniel lit up the screen:

"Meeting at the penthouse in an hour. We need to talk."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. His tone was unreadable—firm, yet devoid of warmth. She hadn't seen him since their argument three days ago, when Isabella had unexpectedly reappeared at a gala, clinging to Nathaniel's arm like a ghost from the past.

She exhaled sharply, gathering her sketches into a leather portfolio. Whatever this was about, she wouldn’t let it shake her.

The penthouse was eerily silent when she arrived. Nathaniel stood by the window, his broad shoulders tense, his gaze fixed on the city below. He didn’t turn when she entered.

"You wanted to talk," Evelyn said, keeping her voice steady.

He finally faced her, his expression unreadable. "Isabella is staying in town."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her portfolio. "For how long?"

"Indefinitely."

A cold knot formed in her stomach. "And you’re telling me this because...?"

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. "Because I need you to understand—this isn’t about us. It’s business."

"Business?" She arched a brow. "Funny, she didn’t seem all that professional when she was draped over you at the gala."

His eyes darkened. "That wasn’t my doing."

"Then whose was it?"

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken accusations.

Finally, Nathaniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She’s here for the resort project. Her company is bidding for the interior design contract."

Evelyn scoffed. "Convenient."

"Evelyn—"

"No." She held up a hand. "If this is just business, then treat it that way. But if there’s even a chance that you’re letting her back into your life—"

"I’m not." His voice was firm, but his eyes flickered with something she couldn’t decipher.

She wanted to believe him. But the past had a way of repeating itself.

Her phone buzzed again—Gregory this time. "Emergency at the site. Need you here ASAP."

Evelyn exhaled, grateful for the distraction. "I have to go."

Nathaniel didn’t stop her.

As the elevator doors closed behind her, she allowed herself one shaky breath.

Because if Isabella was back, then the game had just changed.

And Evelyn wasn’t sure she was ready to play.

Evelyn sensed it was time for her to leave. She rose from her seat and gestured toward the door. Gregory gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering as she stepped out and quietly shut the door behind her.

Inside, silence stretched as Gregory endured Danielle’s irrational outburst. Only when her voice cracked with frustration did he finally speak.

"Danielle," he said, his tone firm, "what was your promise before coming to Mayby? If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to send you back."

Danielle’s voice turned pleading. "Gregory, I know I messed up, but everything I did was for you—"

"Enough. I have work to do."

He ended the call abruptly, tossing his phone onto the desk with a frustrated exhale. His mood was dark, the weight of the argument pressing heavily on him.

After taking a moment to collect himself, Gregory grabbed the project files he had intended to discuss with Evelyn and headed to her office.

The project in question was a prestigious architecture competition hosted by the Martin Group. Announced six months prior, the preliminary round was set for next month, followed by semifinals and finals—three rounds in total to determine the top three winners.

Gregory had previously explained to Evelyn that the winners would secure positions in the nation’s leading architectural design institute. The champion, in particular, would earn the coveted role of chief architect for the city’s next landmark building.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For any architect, this wasn’t just a competition—it was the realization of a dream.

Admission to the institute was already the pinnacle of success, but becoming the chief architect of a city’s defining structure? That was the ultimate achievement.

Gregory laid out the competition’s details meticulously, ensuring Evelyn understood every aspect. Then, he leaned forward slightly. "So, Evelyn, what do you think? Are you interested?"

Evelyn didn’t answer right away.

The competition spanned three months. If it were just about her pregnancy, she might have agreed without hesitation.

But uncertainty held her back.

"I need time to think," she admitted.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Not exactly. I just… worry I might not perform well."

Gregory chuckled softly. "That’s impossible. I know your skills better than anyone. If you decide to compete, the championship is as good as yours."

Evelyn offered a faint smile but remained silent.

Her thoughts raced ahead. If she entered and succeeded—if she made it to the top three—her baby would already be born by then. But what would her relationship with Nathaniel look like at that point? That uncertainty made her hesitate.

And if she failed to place at all? Then the entire endeavor would be pointless.

Gregory didn’t push her. "Take your time," he said. "Think it through carefully. Let me know once you’ve made your decision."

At noon, Evelyn’s phone buzzed with a call from Nathaniel.

"I’ll be there in ten," he said. "Be ready to head downstairs."

She was already prepared and decided to wait outside early.

The sky was overcast, but the breeze was pleasant. Evelyn stood by the roadside, scanning the street for Nathaniel’s car.

But barely two minutes passed before a white sedan pulled up in front of her. Her first thought was Nathaniel—until the door swung open and Danielle stormed out.

Danielle slammed the car door shut and marched toward Evelyn, her expression livid.

"Evelyn," she spat, "how shameless can you be? Why do you keep clinging to Gregory? Can’t you just stay away from him?"

Evelyn’s brows drew together. "Danielle, we’re colleagues. And I’m married. You have nothing to worry about."

"Married and still acting like this? You’re disgusting!" Danielle’s voice rose, drawing glances from passersby as the lunchtime crowd thickened. "Cut ties with him. Stop contacting him!"

Evelyn had no interest in continuing this argument. She turned to walk away, putting distance between them.

But then—

The roar of an engine.

Evelyn barely had time to react before Danielle’s car lurched forward, tires screeching as it accelerated straight toward her.