Chapter 358

"It's fine."

"Tsk, so you've got it all now? Career and love life thriving?"

"What about you? Are you doing alright?"

"I'm surviving. Just floating through life alone. Don't waste your pity on me. But if you really want to make it up to me, have that baby and hand it over once it's born. Or better yet, make one just for me, huh?" Charlotte sighed dramatically, putting on her best wounded puppy expression, hoping to tug at Evelyn's heartstrings.

But Evelyn just shot her an icy look. "I'm not wasting any pity on you. Just take care of yourself."

Charlotte clutched her chest in mock offense, grabbing her bag as she stood. "Don't try to stop me. I'm catching a cab back to Dresden tonight."

"Sure. Safe trip."

Evelyn didn't even blink.

With an exaggerated huff, Charlotte marched over and pinched Evelyn's neck. "You heartless witch. Now that you've got a husband, this is how you treat me?"

"Let go. There are cameras everywhere. I might let it slide, but Nathaniel won't. If he shows up, you'll be on that flight to Dresden before midnight."

Charlotte released her with a dramatic "Hmph!" before leaning her head on Evelyn's shoulder. "Good luck tomorrow. Don't choke. I'll be cheering for you."

No matter how much they bickered, nothing could ever change what they were to each other—no outside forces, no petty schemes, nothing.

Nathaniel gave them over an hour to talk before finally calling to say he was waiting outside.

Evelyn and Charlotte walked out hand in hand, sliding into the backseat like Nathaniel was nothing more than their chauffeur.

Charlotte smirked. "Mr. Martin, does it bother you playing driver for us?"

Evelyn rested her head against the window, refusing to engage.

Nathaniel caught her reflection in the rearview mirror and smiled. "Not at all. It's an honor serving two stunning women."

Charlotte's grin widened. Maybe she'd start putting in a good word for him with Evelyn from now on.

Back at the apartment, Charlotte stayed with Beatrice. With an early start for the competition tomorrow, Evelyn headed straight home to shower and—

Yet, sleep wouldn't come.

Evelyn lay staring at the ceiling until Nathaniel covered her eyes with his hand. "What are you thinking about?"

"The competition tomorrow."

"Nervous?"

She shook her head. "No. Just running through the checklist in my head."

"You've done everything you can. Now, sleep. Tomorrow's going to be exhausting."

Evelyn murmured an agreement and turned onto her side.

Nathaniel wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

She closed her eyes, willing everything to go smoothly.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the company with Charlotte in tow. Since Nathaniel was organizing the event, they had to keep their distance.

Inside, Evelyn called Gabrielle and the team for a final review of the blueprints. Just as they were deep in discussion—

Her phone rang.

Unknown number.

Evelyn stepped toward the floor-to-ceiling windows and answered. "Evelyn Mitchell speaking."

"Evelyn," the voice was soft, distorted by a modulator. "For your own good, walk away from this competition now."