Chapter 272

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her blueprints. She tapped her pen against the desk, lost in thought. The recent events had left her restless—Nathaniel's sudden trip to London, Isabella's unexpected return, and the whispers circulating through Martin Group.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel:

"Meeting ran late. Will be home by dinner."

Evelyn exhaled. His texts had been brief lately, devoid of the warmth she was used to. She typed a quick reply before tossing her phone aside.

Gabrielle, her assistant, knocked lightly on the door. "Evelyn, Gregory is here to see you."

Evelyn straightened. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in, his usual confident demeanor slightly off. He dropped into the chair opposite her, running a hand through his hair. "We have a problem."

Evelyn arched a brow. "What now?"

"The Summit Realty deal. Sebastian Wilson is pushing for revisions—again." He slid a folder across the desk. "He wants changes to the structural design. Says it’s ‘too modern’ for their clientele."

Evelyn flipped through the documents, her jaw tightening. "This is the third time he’s backtracked. We can’t keep redesigning based on his whims."

Gregory sighed. "I know. But if we lose this contract..."

She met his gaze. "Then we’ll find another client. I won’t compromise the integrity of our work."

Before Gregory could respond, her phone rang—Caroline.

Evelyn answered. "Hey, what’s up?"

Caroline’s voice was tense. "You need to see this." A link buzzed through.

Evelyn opened it. A gossip column headline screamed:

"Isabella Davis Spotted Leaving Martin Group CEO’s Hotel—Reconciliation in the Works?"

Her stomach dropped. The accompanying photo showed Isabella stepping out of a luxury car, the same hotel Nathaniel was staying at in London visible in the background.

Gregory frowned. "Everything okay?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Fine. Just… personal stuff."

But her mind raced.

Was this why Nathaniel had been distant?

She stood abruptly. "I need to go."

Gregory studied her. "You sure you’re alright?"

"No," she admitted quietly. "But I will be."

As she grabbed her coat, one thought consumed her:

She needed answers. Now.

Gregory was silent.

He understood exactly what Evelyn meant, but he couldn't outright promise there wouldn't be a next time. Danielle's condition was complicated.

The line went quiet for a long moment.

Finally, Gregory spoke, his voice rough. "Evelyn, I know what you're asking. But you and I both know Danielle is my sister—and a Parker. So I... Please, do this as a personal favor to me. Just this once, alright?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together, conflicted.

She wasn’t naive. She had no sympathy for those who hurt her. But Gregory had helped her countless times before. The debt weighed on her.

Gregory didn’t push further. He only asked her to think it over. In the background, Danielle’s muffled sobs echoed from the police station.

After hanging up, Evelyn exhaled slowly and turned to Nathaniel.

He had just finished his call with Samuel. Their eyes met, and Nathaniel arched a brow. "Something on your mind?"

Evelyn gave him a wry smile. "You already know, don’t you?"

He scoffed. "For Gregory’s sake, you’d risk yourself—and our child?"

"That’s not what I meant."

"Aren’t you going to beg for Danielle’s release?"

Nathaniel’s gaze turned icy, his voice flat.

Evelyn hesitated. "I’m not pleading for her. I’m not that forgiving." She clenched her fists, choosing her words carefully. "But she didn’t know I was pregnant. I was careless too."

Nathaniel said nothing, but the coldness in his eyes deepened.

She swallowed hard before adding softly, "Nathaniel, could you... let her go after she’s learned her lesson?"

A humorless laugh escaped him.

"You want mercy for the woman who tried to run you over?"

"It’s not mercy. I’m fine, and she’s Gregory’s sister. I—" Evelyn faltered, worried Nathaniel might blame Gregory. "I won’t let myself be hurt again. This is the last time. Please?"

Nathaniel studied her, unreadable. "And if I refuse?"

She hadn’t considered that. She’d assumed he’d agree.

If he didn’t... she’d have to tell Gregory the truth.

Evelyn lifted her chin. "I thought you’d say yes. Will you?"

Nathaniel’s eyes darkened. "Fine. But if she tries this again—no matter who she is—there won’t be another chance."

"Deal."

She nodded quickly.

Then Nathaniel added, "On one condition."

"What?"

"If I let Danielle go, you keep your distance from Gregory." Dressed in his sharp black suit, Nathaniel looked every inch the ruthless CEO. His lips curled. "After today, can’t you see he’s playing games?"

Evelyn lowered her gaze, silent.

Nathaniel tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I mean it, Evelyn. Gregory isn’t who you think he is. He has ulterior motives."