Chapter 373

The kiss went on forever, starting soft and ending deep. Only when Evelyn was gasping for air did Nathaniel finally pull away.

His breathing was ragged, voice rough with desire. "Ever since Charlotte arrived, you've been freezing me out. Tell her to go back to Dresden tonight. I'm done sharing you."

Evelyn arched a brow. "So you use her and toss her aside?"

"She won't stop clinging to you," Nathaniel muttered, sounding almost petulant.

"We're close friends."

"Do friends need to be attached at the hip?"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "What about you? You've been practically living at the office with Cassandra these days. I haven't said a word."

Nathaniel's lips curved. "Jealous?"

"Not even slightly."

He tilted her chin up, searching her face. "Really? Or just too proud to admit it?"

Evelyn met his gaze head-on. "Would you like me to be jealous?"

"Could I make you jealous if I tried?"

She scoffed. "Nathaniel, a man who needs to provoke jealousy isn't impressive. A truly remarkable man wouldn't make a woman fight for his attention."

His thumb brushed her lower lip. "So if I want to make you jealous, I'm not remarkable?"

"I didn't say that."

His grin turned wolfish. "Then if you don't want to feel jealous, keep me on a tighter leash."

Evelyn stayed silent, puzzled by his meaning.

She never answered that question. The thought of controlling Nathaniel had never crossed her mind—their relationship had always tilted in his favor. Even when she'd later insisted on divorce, retaliation wasn't in her nature.

With the project deadline looming, Evelyn spent every day at the construction site. Between drafting blueprints and inspecting materials with Daniel, there was no room for error.

Each evening, she brought the plans to Martin Group for Nathaniel's approval.

For three straight days, Cassandra was there—perched on his desk chair, lounging on his sofa, their conversations flowing effortlessly. All business, yet their chemistry was undeniable.

At five o'clock sharp, Evelyn arrived again, this time to drag Nathaniel to the hospital. Beatrice had specifically requested his company, worried about tension between them after his recent absence.

Outside his office, Samuel stood abruptly. "Mrs. Martin."

"Is he busy?"

"Mr. Martin and Ms. Montgomery are finalizing project details."

"I'll wait."

Samuel gestured to the lounge, but Evelyn declined, choosing to stand.

Thirty minutes later, the door swung open. Nathaniel and Cassandra emerged, the latter mid-laugh. "Tonight's going to be unforgettable—you promised—"

"Evelyn." Nathaniel's voice softened as he approached. "How long have you been out here? You should've come in." He shot Samuel a glare. "Why didn't you bring her inside?"

Evelyn cut in. "I chose to wait. Don't blame Samuel."

Nathaniel fell silent.

Cassandra smiled brightly. "Evelyn! We were just planning dinner. You should join us."