Chapter 389

Evelyn pressed her lips together, her voice steady as steel. "I'm in the middle of work. My firm might not rival the Martin Group, but I still have obligations. If you're in a hurry, you can leave without me."

Nathaniel's piercing gaze never wavered. A mocking smirk played on his lips. "You said it yourself—your company is nothing compared to mine. So you're coming with me."

The unspoken threat hung thick in the air.

Gregory caught the tension immediately. He stepped in, voice firm. "Mr. Martin, while we may not be on your level, everyone deserves respect for their work. Evelyn and I have a project to finalize. Dragging her away now would be highly unprofessional."

"Or what?" Nathaniel's eyes turned glacial. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Do you honestly think you'd still be standing here if not for Evelyn?"

The implication was clear—without her, Gregory would have been forced out of Marseille long ago.

His words, though quiet, carried across the open office space. Every head turned. The air grew thick with tension.

Gregory's jaw clenched. He struggled to contain the fury rising in his chest.

Finally, he managed a weak response. "Intimidation isn't consent, Mr. Martin. Evelyn is your equal, not some subordinate you can order around."

Nathaniel barked out a laugh. "Spare me the noble act. At least I'm honest about my intentions. If you lack the spine to admit yours, then bury those pathetic fantasies for good. And don't waste your breath lecturing me about consent."

He dissected every word with surgical precision, leaving Gregory speechless.

The two men locked in a silent battle of wills. The power imbalance was painfully obvious.

After a tense standoff, Evelyn stood abruptly. If she didn't intervene, Nathaniel would only escalate. She refused to let others suffer because of her.

Without a word, she marched out of the office. Nathaniel followed close behind.

The car ride was suffocatingly silent.

Evelyn finally turned to him, eyes like ice. "Are you proud of yourself?"

"Stay away from him." Nathaniel's voice was rough, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "I won't warn you again."

She let out a bitter laugh. "We were in a public office, surrounded by people. What exactly do you think could happen? Or have you forgotten I'm carrying your child?"

"Evelyn!"

"No need to shout. I hear you perfectly fine."

Her cold demeanor only fueled his anger. His expression darkened. "So you're ignoring me completely? Should I start making decisions for your company to get your attention?"

Her breath caught. "You wouldn't dare."

His smirk was chilling. "Try me. If I see you near him again, I'll make good on that promise."