Chapter 33

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints, making precise adjustments with her mechanical pencil. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from Gabrielle's desk mingled with the crisp paper smell.

A sharp knock interrupted her concentration. "Come in," she called without looking up.

The door swung open to reveal Nathaniel, his tailored navy suit accentuating his broad shoulders. His usually composed expression held an uncharacteristic tension. "We need to talk," he said, his deep voice unusually tight.

Evelyn's pencil stilled. She recognized that tone—it meant trouble. "About what?" She swiveled her chair to face him fully.

Nathaniel closed the door with deliberate slowness before speaking. "Isabella's back in town." His jaw clenched as he delivered the news. "She contacted me this morning."

The air left Evelyn's lungs. Isabella Davis—Nathaniel's first love, the woman who'd shattered his heart before vanishing three years ago. The same woman whose shadow still lingered between them during their most vulnerable moments.

"She wants to meet," Nathaniel continued, running a hand through his dark hair. "Claims it's urgent business related to the Martin Group."

Evelyn's fingers curled around the edge of her desk. "And you're telling me this because...?"

"Because I want you there with me." His stormy gray eyes locked onto hers. "Whatever she wants, we face it together."

The sincerity in his voice thawed some of Evelyn's rising panic. She exhaled slowly. "When?"

"Tonight. Seven o'clock at The Sapphire Room." Nathaniel stepped closer, his cologne—woodsy with a hint of citrus—wrapping around her. "I know how this looks, but I swear—"

Evelyn held up a hand. "Don't." She stood, closing the distance between them. "I trust you." The words came easier than she expected. "But I don't trust her."

Nathaniel's shoulders relaxed slightly. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheekbone. "Neither do I. That's why we need to be careful."

A buzzing interrupted them. Nathaniel pulled his phone from his pocket, his expression darkening as he read the screen. "It's her again." He showed Evelyn the message: Can't wait to see you, Nate. We have so much to discuss—just like old times.

Evelyn's stomach twisted at the familiar nickname. She forced a neutral expression. "We'll handle this." She squeezed his arm. "Together."

As Nathaniel left to prepare for their evening confrontation, Evelyn sank back into her chair. Her gaze fell on the framed photo on her desk—their wedding day, Nathaniel's arms wrapped around her waist as they laughed under a shower of rose petals. The memory should have comforted her, but instead, a cold dread settled in her bones.

Isabella's return wasn't coincidence. And whatever game she was playing, Evelyn knew one thing for certain—the rules had just changed.

Evelyn hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor as her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Isabella still residing at Pineview Villa.

Instead of confiding in Nathaniel, she simply shook her head and offered a faint smile. "No."

She didn’t want to burden Edward. Even though this hospital stay was part of their plan to deal with Nathaniel, she would never risk Edward’s health.

"If he dares to trouble you, just tell me. I’ll handle him," Edward declared firmly, his eyes brimming with the protective warmth of a grandfather.

"Alright, I know you’ve always got my back, Grandpa," Evelyn replied softly, patting his leg.

But the combination of skipping breakfast and the sharp scent of disinfectant in the ward suddenly made her stomach churn. Without warning, she bolted to the bathroom and retched violently.

After emptying her stomach, she splashed cold water on her face before returning to Edward’s side.

His sharp eyes studied her. "Evelyn, what’s wrong with you?"

She forced a calm smile. "It’s nothing, Grandpa. Probably just a stomach bug. Don’t worry."

Edward’s gaze didn’t waver. "Evelyn, are you keeping something from me?"

Her breath hitched.

Lying had never been her forte, especially not to Edward, who had always loved her unconditionally.

Biting her lip, she feigned nonchalance. "Grandpa, what are you talking about? Why would I hide anything from you?"

"Evelyn, I may not have spent every day with you, but I know you. Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’ll always stand by you."

Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I’m fine, really. Please don’t worry."

Silence stretched between them before Edward finally sighed. "Since you’re already here, let the doctor examine you. For my peace of mind."

He reached for his phone, but Evelyn caught his wrist, her expression conflicted. "Grandpa, I don’t need a doctor. Please… just drop it."

"Evelyn," his voice softened, "don’t you trust me?"

Her throat tightened. After a long pause, she exhaled shakily. "Grandpa… I’m pregnant."

The air in the room turned still.

She continued, her voice steady but quiet. "I found out after Nathaniel and I decided to divorce. I didn’t mean to keep it from you."

"Does he know?" Edward’s expression darkened.

"No. And I don’t plan to tell him." She met his gaze squarely. "Grandpa, promise me you won’t tell him either. I won’t use a child to salvage a broken marriage. That wouldn’t be fair—not to me, not to Nathaniel, and certainly not to this baby."

Edward remained silent, his jaw tight.

Evelyn’s fingers trembled. "I told you because I trust you. This child will be born, but I refuse to let them be a bargaining chip. I know you wouldn’t want that either."

A heavy sigh escaped Edward. "Evelyn, did Nathaniel do something to hurt you? Is that why you’re so determined to leave?"

She shook her head. "No, Grandpa. Please don’t think that."

"I’m old, not blind," Edward muttered. "If he lets you go, he’ll regret it. Isabella is no saint—nothing like you. If she had half your integrity, I wouldn’t have opposed their relationship in the first place." His voice turned gruff. "But mark my words, losing you will be his greatest mistake."

He reached for her hand. "I won’t tell a soul. But promise me you’ll come to me if you need anything. As long as I’m breathing, no one will mistreat you."

Tears welled in Evelyn’s eyes as she nodded. "Thank you, Grandpa. Truly."

Just then, the door swung open. Victoria and Richard returned with breakfast—followed by Nathaniel.

All three froze at the sight of Evelyn’s tear-streaked face.

Victoria rushed forward. "What happened?"

Evelyn quickly wiped her cheeks. "Nothing. Just reminiscing with Grandpa."

She deftly changed the subject, but Nathaniel’s piercing stare lingered on her.

What was she crying about?

Before he could dwell on it, Victoria called Evelyn over. "Come eat, dear."

As Evelyn passed Nathaniel, their eyes met briefly.

Even under the same roof, we arrived separately. What a terrible wife I’ve been.

Seated at the small table, Evelyn picked at her food while Edward pointedly ignored Nathaniel, staring out the window. Richard cleared his throat, nudging Nathaniel forward.

"How are you feeling, Grandpa?" Nathaniel asked.

Edward scoffed. "Hmph."

"Grandpa, don’t be angry."

"If you don’t want me angry, leave. Out of sight, out of mind," Edward snapped.

No one spoke up for Nathaniel—not even Evelyn, who usually would. But Victoria’s warning glance kept her silent. Let him face the consequences.

After breakfast, Edward waved them off. "Go on. Since he’s so eager to play the devoted grandson, let him stay."

Evelyn shot Edward a grateful look—Thank you for keeping my secret.

As she left with Richard and Victoria, she excused herself. "You go ahead. I need to visit a friend."

"Alright, take care," Victoria said, linking arms with Richard.

Once they were gone, Evelyn turned toward the obstetrics wing.

Back in the room, Nathaniel stood awkwardly under Edward’s glare.

"Sit," Edward barked.

Nathaniel hesitated. "Grandpa, just say what you need to."

"Still disobeying me? Fine. Push me into another heart attack—see if I care."

Nathaniel exhaled and sat.

Edward’s voice turned icy. "I won’t waste breath begging you to treat Evelyn well. If she wants a divorce, I won’t stop her. But remember—this isn’t for you. It’s for her."

His glare sharpened. "However, I have one condition."

Nathaniel tensed. Instead of relief, unease coiled in his gut. "What condition?"

Edward leaned forward. "You know plenty of eligible men, don’t you? Pick one—someone decent, kind, who’ll cherish her. Wealth doesn’t matter. The only requirement?" His lips curled. "He must be better than you."

Nathaniel’s eyes widened. "You want me to set her up with someone?"