Chapter 378

Nathaniel had always recognized Evelyn's sharp intellect. A single hint from her would suffice, yet she preferred letting others reach conclusions independently. He shook his head with an amused smile.

What he didn't realize was Evelyn's strategy - maintaining her dignity by never appearing submissive.

Cassandra had been shadowing Nathaniel in Marseille for nearly two weeks now. Their professional collaboration was common knowledge, something Isabella had accidentally uncovered.

She remembered Cassandra all too well. The icy treatment she'd given the woman years ago resurfaced in her memory. Seeing Cassandra hovering around Nathaniel again ignited her fury.

Isabella stormed into the hospital room without warning. "How can you be so passive?" she spat at Evelyn. "Nathaniel's practically attached to Cassandra's hip and you're just watching? Don't you see she's after him?" Evelyn merely chuckled.

The audacity astonished her.

"By what authority?" Evelyn's voice turned glacial. "Why does this concern you so much, Isabella?"

"You... You don't deserve to be his wife. Your position as Mrs. Martin won't last long. Mark my words!" Isabella hissed before storming out.

Evelyn dismissed the empty threats. Her days were too precious to waste on petty drama.

Humiliated, Isabella went straight to confront Cassandra.

Their explosive argument left Isabella speechless and defeated. Outmaneuvered at every turn, she retreated in disgrace. Later that day, Cassandra surprised Evelyn with a call. "Free for afternoon tea?"

They met at an upscale jazz lounge near Evelyn's office.

Their drinks arrived as Cassandra broke the silence. "I hope this isn't disrupting your schedule."

Evelyn shook her head. "Not at all. What's on your mind?"

"Honestly? Isabella approached me earlier with some... unpleasant remarks."

"You think I sent her?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

Cassandra's denial came swiftly. "Not at all. I wanted complete transparency. I've admired Nathaniel for years, though I've never acted on it. First Isabella, now you... perhaps friendship is our only path forward."

Evelyn studied her carefully. "I must admit, Ms. Montgomery, confessing this to the wife is... unexpected."

"Because it's the truth." Cassandra held her gaze steadily. "But know this - I respect marriage boundaries. My feelings are mine alone. If I've overstepped recently, I apologize."

Evelyn recognized the fundamental difference between Cassandra and Isabella.

"Your candor surprises me," Evelyn admitted. "But you're right about maintaining distance. Public perception matters, regardless of intentions."

"I appreciate your honesty. Perhaps we could become friends someday."

Evelyn raised her glass. "I'd like that."

Their glasses clinked, sealing an unspoken truce.

As Evelyn slid into her car afterward, Nathaniel's call came through immediately. His voice carried unusual tension. "Evelyn. Where are you?"