Chapter 296

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden streaks across her blueprints. She tapped her pen against the desk, lost in thought. The Pineview Villa project was nearing completion, but something felt off.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel.

"Meeting at the estate. Edward wants to discuss the final details."

Evelyn sighed. Edward Martin had been more involved than usual lately, scrutinizing every decision. She grabbed her bag and headed out, nodding at Gabrielle on her way.

The drive to the Martin estate was quiet, the hum of the engine the only sound. When she arrived, Winston greeted her at the door with his usual stoic expression.

"Mr. Martin is waiting in the study," he said.

Evelyn walked down the familiar hallway, her heels clicking softly against the marble. The door to the study was slightly ajar. She pushed it open.

Nathaniel stood by the fireplace, his back to her. Edward sat in his favorite armchair, his sharp gaze fixed on her the moment she entered.

"Ah, Evelyn. Right on time," Edward said, gesturing to the empty seat across from him.

She sat, folding her hands in her lap. "You wanted to discuss the project?"

Edward leaned forward. "I’ve been reviewing the final designs. There’s a change I’d like to make."

Nathaniel turned, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn tensed. "What kind of change?"

Edward smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "The east wing. I want it redesigned."

Her stomach dropped. The east wing was nearly finished. "That would set us back weeks—"

"I’m aware," Edward interrupted. "But I believe it’s necessary."

Nathaniel finally spoke, his voice low. "Grandfather, we’ve already approved the plans."

Edward waved a dismissive hand. "Plans can be adjusted. I want something more... grand."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. This wasn’t about design. It was a test.

She met Edward’s gaze. "I’ll need to reassess the structural feasibility."

Edward nodded, satisfied. "Good. I expect revisions by the end of the week."

As Evelyn left the study, Nathaniel followed her out.

"He’s pushing you," he murmured.

She exhaled sharply. "I know."

Nathaniel hesitated, then reached for her hand. "We’ll figure it out."

Evelyn squeezed his fingers, but her mind was already racing. Edward’s sudden demand wasn’t just about the villa.

Something bigger was at play.

"What? Don't tell me you're doubting yourself now?"

"Of course not."

"Then why hesitate to sign up?"

Nathaniel's gaze was expectant, waiting for her agreement.

Evelyn smirked. "Nathaniel, you're late to the party."

"What?"

"I made my decision days ago. Your invitation came after the fact."

She shot him a knowing look. As for the competition rules he'd mentioned? She'd memorized them long before he brought them up.

Nathaniel frowned. "Why didn’t you mention it?"

"Because it’s company business, Nathaniel. I could’ve kept it entirely from you—it’s confidential, isn’t it?" Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she tilted her head.

His eyes darkened. "So you planned to hide it indefinitely?"

"Who knows? Maybe I’d have bragged about it after winning."

"Fine. I’ll wait."

His immediate agreement caught her off guard—as if her victory were already guaranteed.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "You really think I can win?"

"Do you want to?"

"Doesn’t every contestant?"

"But you have an advantage." His fingers brushed her cheek, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Interested in taking a shortcut?"

Evelyn feigned innocence. "What kind of shortcut?"

"Can’t you see it?" His thumb traced her jawline. "It’s right in front of you."

"Are you suggesting I bribe you?"

His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "Evelyn," he murmured, lips grazing her ear, "the opportunity’s here. All you need to do is persuade me."

She laughed. "Mr. Martin, what could I possibly offer? You already have everything."

"Then get creative."

"Spell it out for me." She arched a brow, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Nathaniel’s smirk deepened. "Flattery might work."

"That’s all it takes to bribe you?"

"Try it and see."

She pretended to consider it before shaking her head. "No deal."

His grip tightened. "Giving up so easily? Didn’t anyone teach you persistence?"

"Oh, they did. But they also warned me that anything too easily gained isn’t worth having. If the title comes that cheap, it’s not a real victory. I’d rather earn it."

Her tone was serious, but the playful glint in her eyes betrayed her. Before she could react, Nathaniel cupped her face and captured her lips in a searing kiss.

That moment marked a shift—Evelyn’s reliance on Nathaniel grew, their bond deepening without either realizing it.

Once fully recovered, Evelyn threw herself into competition preparations. But Nathaniel wasn’t done investigating.

Unbeknownst to her, he’d already scrutinized the Mitchell family. While Evelyn trusted them implicitly, Nathaniel trusted only evidence. The findings? The Mitchells were clean.

Now, new leads had surfaced. Samuel had been tasked with following them, and the results were due any moment.

Just then, the office door swung open.

Samuel entered, uncharacteristically tense, clutching a manila envelope. "Mr. Martin," he said quietly, "the investigator just delivered these—photos and surveillance footage."

He placed the envelope on the desk, sliding it toward Nathaniel.

Nathaniel’s expression darkened as he glanced at it. "What did you find?"