Chapter 36

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Evelyn stirred awake. Beside her, Nathaniel slept soundly, his breathing steady. She traced the faint scar on his shoulder—a remnant from the accident that had nearly taken him from her. The memory sent a shiver down her spine.

Downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the buttery aroma of croissants. Alfred, ever efficient, had already set the table. "Good morning, Mrs. Martin," he greeted with a slight bow. "Mr. Martin requested I prepare your favorite."

Evelyn smiled. "Thank you, Alfred. Where is he?"

"Still in bed, madam. He had a late-night call with Mr. Yates regarding the merger."

She sighed. The merger. It had been consuming Nathaniel’s every waking moment. The tension between Martin Group and Summit Realty was palpable, and she knew Sebastian Wilson was playing dirty.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory. "Emergency meeting at the office. Wilson just undercut our bid for the waterfront project."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around her phone. This wasn’t just business; it was personal. Sebastian had been circling her projects like a vulture, and she was done playing nice.

She dressed quickly, opting for a sharp navy blazer and heels—armor for the battle ahead. As she fastened her watch, Nathaniel appeared in the doorway, his tie half-knotted. "You’re leaving already?"

"Gregory needs me. Wilson’s making moves."

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. "I’ll handle him."

"No." Evelyn met his gaze. "This is my fight. He’s targeting my firm to get to you."

A knock interrupted them. Samuel Yates stood awkwardly in the hall. "Sir, your grandfather’s on the line. He’s insisting."

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "Tell him I’ll call back."

Evelyn squeezed his arm. "Go. I’ve got this."

The office was in chaos when she arrived. Gabrielle rushed over, her tablet clutched to her chest. "Wilson’s team leaked false specs to the client. They’re questioning our credibility."

Evelyn’s blood boiled. "Get me the original blueprints and the contract. And find out who’s feeding him information."

Gregory emerged from his office, his usually composed demeanor frayed. "He’s got someone on the inside, Evelyn. There’s no other way he’d know our numbers."

She scrolled through her contacts and paused at Charlotte Bennett. Her best friend had connections in Summit’s HR department. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

Charlotte answered on the second ring. "You’re calling about Wilson, aren’t you?"

Evelyn smirked. "Always one step ahead."

"Meet me at The Velvet Bean in twenty. I’ve got something you’ll want to see."

The café was tucked away in a quiet corner of downtown. Charlotte slid a manila envelope across the table. "Jonathan Blake’s expense reports. Notice anything odd?"

Evelyn flipped through the pages. "These charges... they’re all at The Underground."

"Exactly. And guess who owns that club?"

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. "Donovan Sinclair."

Charlotte nodded. "Wilson’s been funneling money through him. If you can prove it—"

"—We can bury them." Evelyn’s phone buzzed again. Nathaniel. "Edward’s called a family meeting. It’s about the merger. I need you here."

She pocketed the envelope. "Duty calls."

Charlotte winked. "Go get ’em, tiger."

As Evelyn stepped into the sunlight, her resolve hardened. Sebastian Wilson had no idea who he was messing with.

And she was done holding back.

He didn’t even glance at Isabella, his voice cool and detached. "No."

"But you don’t seem happy," Isabella murmured, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap.

Nathaniel’s piercing gaze locked onto her, icy and unyielding, enough to make anyone shrink back.

Isabella felt a shiver of fear, her eyes flickering with hesitation as she met his stare.

Yet Nathaniel merely added, calm and controlled, "I’m leaving for Dattlech this afternoon. I’ll be back in two days. If you need anything, contact Olivia. She’ll handle it. And while I’m gone, stay away from Evelyn. Understood?"

Olivia Clarke was Nathaniel’s assistant—sharp, efficient, and utterly loyal.

Isabella hesitated.

But she nodded quickly. "Fine. I understand."

Still, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that his last words held a deeper warning. Did Evelyn say something to him last night?

She bit her lip, too afraid to ask.

Nathaniel hadn’t told Evelyn about his trip. She only found out from Isabella when she returned to Pineview Villa that evening.

Evelyn’s reaction confirmed Isabella’s suspicion—she hadn’t known. So, Isabella promptly dismissed Nathaniel’s instructions from her mind. With a smug smile, she said, "Evelyn, Nathaniel treats me like his wife now. He tells me his schedule, not you. If I were you, I’d file for divorce immediately."

Evelyn merely gave her a cold look, refusing to engage.

But Isabella seized the moment. "Evelyn, when are you and Nathaniel divorcing? His grandfather is awake now, isn’t he? Or do you plan to cling to him forever?"

"If you’re so curious, ask Nathaniel yourself. Our divorce is between us. Ms. Davis, why do you care?" Evelyn replied, her voice flat.

After all, Nathaniel had made it clear—their business didn’t involve Isabella.

Frustration flared in Isabella’s eyes. "Nathaniel doesn’t love you. He only married you because of Sir Edward’s pressure. Without that, do you honestly think he’d have chosen you? Everything you have now—it should’ve been mine. You’re just a placeholder."

"And yet, here we are. Married. If you want me to divorce him so badly, behave yourself. Otherwise, I might just refuse. And Sir Edward? He’ll side with me. Even if Nathaniel disagrees, he won’t defy his grandfather," Evelyn countered smoothly.

"You’re shameless."

"Still not as shameless as you."

"You—!"

Isabella was too furious to speak. Evelyn turned and walked upstairs without another word.

Watching her retreat, Isabella’s chest burned with resentment. But she quickly composed herself, her mind already spinning new schemes.

Upstairs, Evelyn shut the bedroom door and finally let her mask slip.

Isabella isn’t entirely wrong, she thought bitterly. I am the one clinging now.

If Sir Edward hadn’t forced their marriage, Nathaniel would’ve married Isabella long ago.

They might even have had a child by now.

So yes. I’m the unwanted third wheel.

The thought crushed her.

She had loved Nathaniel for ten years—fallen for him at first sight, dreamed of a lifetime together. But this past year had been enough.

The next two days passed without incident.

Evelyn buried herself in work, finalizing her sketches. Isabella, meanwhile, busied herself with preparations for her comeback.

Since Nathaniel hadn’t even bothered to tell Evelyn about his trip, the message was clear: We don’t communicate.

So Evelyn didn’t reach out.

And the days slipped by, uneventful.

On the third morning, Sir Edward was discharged.

Uncertain when Nathaniel would return, Evelyn arrived early to handle the discharge, alongside Richard and Victoria.

After Sir Edward’s final check-up, the doctor noted slightly elevated blood pressure and sugar levels—but otherwise, he was stable.

Evelyn personally handled all the paperwork, her devotion evident. Victoria smiled warmly. "Evelyn, take a break. Let the staff handle this. Come sit with your grandfather."

Evelyn finally relented. "Just doing what I can."

"You’re kind, thoughtful, and so devoted."

"Victoria, you’re embarrassing me."

Laughter filled the room.

Evelyn settled onto the sofa, and Sir Edward studied her fondly. "Evelyn, come back to Martin Manor with us. We’ll have dinner tonight—no arguments. Consider it a favor to me."

His hopeful expression was impossible to refuse.

Richard and Victoria chimed in. "Yes, let’s all have dinner together."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright. Otherwise, you’ll sulk, and I’ll never hear the end of it."

"Listen to her! Now she’s teasing me!" Sir Edward’s mock outrage sent Richard and Victoria into another fit of laughter.

The mood was light, joyful.

Once everything was packed, the driver and housekeeper carried the belongings out. Evelyn took Sir Edward’s arm as they left the ward.

"Grandfather, take care of yourself when you’re home. No sneaking sweets, understood?"

"I’ll behave—but only if you visit often to check on me. Otherwise, who’s to say I won’t indulge behind your back?" he teased.

It was his way of asking her to visit more. She smiled, squeezing his hand in silent promise.

As they stepped out of the hospital, the group was in high spirits, smiles all around.

But just as they neared the entrance, Evelyn froze at a familiar voice.

Sir Edward noticed first, following her gaze. His expression darkened instantly.

He slammed his cane against the ground. Richard immediately tensed. "Father? Are you unwell?"

Evelyn snapped out of her daze. "Grandfather?"

Seeing her still so concerned for him, despite everything, touched Sir Edward deeply.

His voice was icy. "Didn’t you all say the boy was away on business? Then why is he here—with her?"

Richard and Victoria turned, spotting Nathaniel with Isabella.

Sir Edward looked at Evelyn. "Did you know he was back?"

Evelyn bit her lip, unsure how to answer. Seeing her hesitation, Sir Edward understood. His voice softened with sympathy. "Oh, child. You’ve been wronged. That ungrateful—"

Evelyn shook her head. "Grandfather, I’m fine. Please don’t upset yourself."

"I am fine. Perfectly fine," he muttered, though his grip on his cane was white-knuckled.

The commotion caught Nathaniel’s attention. His eyes locked onto them—and he strode over without hesitation.