Chapter 58

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn’s office, casting golden streaks across her blueprints. She exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. The Summit Realty project was proving more challenging than she’d anticipated.

Her phone buzzed—Nathaniel.

"Dinner tonight?"

A small smile tugged at her lips. Despite the chaos, he always found a way to ground her.

"Only if you promise no business talk," she typed back.

Before she could set the phone down, Gabrielle burst in, her cheeks flushed. "Evelyn, you need to see this."

On the screen was a breaking news headline: "Isabella Davis Returns: Supermodel Announces Comeback Tour."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Isabella. Nathaniel’s first love. The woman who had once held his heart.

Gabrielle hesitated. "There’s more."

The next image showed Isabella at a charity gala—standing beside Nathaniel, their arms linked.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. The event was last night.

He hadn’t mentioned it.

Her phone buzzed again—another message from Nathaniel.

"Looking forward to it. I have something to tell you."

The words blurred before her eyes.

Across town, Nathaniel adjusted his cufflinks, his reflection in the penthouse mirror tense. Samuel cleared his throat from the doorway.

"Sir, the board is expecting your response regarding the merger."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "Later."

His phone chimed—Evelyn’s reply.

"Can’t wait."

Too short. Too formal.

Something was wrong.

Samuel hesitated. "Also, Miss Davis’s team called. Again."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "I have nothing to say to her."

But the past had a way of resurfacing when least expected.

Isabella smoothed her dress in the backseat of her limo, her agent Vanessa scrolling through her phone.

"The media is eating this up," Vanessa said. "Your reunion with Nathaniel Martin is trending."

Isabella smirked. "Good."

She tapped out a text to an old, familiar number.

"Missed you last night. Let’s catch up properly."

The message delivered.

No reply.

Her smile didn’t waver.

Patience was a virtue—one she’d mastered well.

Evelyn stared at her untouched coffee, the office chatter fading into white noise.

Isabella was back.

And Nathaniel had seen her.

Why hadn’t he said anything?

Her phone lit up—a notification from a gossip site.

"First Love Rekindled? Isabella Davis and Nathaniel Martin Spotted Together."

The accompanying photo showed them laughing, his hand on her lower back.

Evelyn’s vision tunneled.

The past wasn’t just resurfacing.

It was crashing down.

The conference room hummed with quiet anticipation as Evelyn projected the architectural designs onto the large screen. She turned to Daniel Carter, the Martin Group’s representative, her voice steady. "This proposal includes exterior, interior, and landscape designs. Please review and let me know if any modifications are necessary."

Evelyn’s work was a seamless blend of innovation and classical elegance—a testament to her expertise.

Daniel, a seasoned professional, scrutinized the blueprints with a critical eye but found no flaws. He posed a few technical questions, and Evelyn answered with confidence, her thorough preparation evident.

Satisfied, Daniel nodded. "The design is impressive. However, I’ll need final approval from our executives. This project is one of Mayby’s most anticipated developments this year. Is that acceptable, Ms. Mitchell?"

Evelyn’s response was calm. "Of course. Standard procedure."

The Summit Realty representative remained silent, recognizing the professional tone of the discussion. Though involved in the project, some intricacies still eluded them.

As Evelyn elaborated on certain design elements, the conference room door swung open, drawing all eyes toward the entrance.

A tall, striking figure stepped inside—Nathaniel Martin.

Daniel greeted him immediately. "Mr. Martin, perfect timing. We were just reviewing the project."

The Summit Realty representative introduced himself politely. "A pleasure, Mr. Martin. I represent Summit Realty."

Nathaniel acknowledged him with a brief nod before his gaze settled on Evelyn, who sat composed.

Daniel gestured toward her. "This is our architect, Ms. Mitchell."

Nathaniel’s voice was low, smooth. "Hello, Ms. Mitchell."

Evelyn stood, meeting his eyes directly. "Mr. Martin."

This marked their first formal meeting outside personal encounters.

Nathaniel’s presence shifted the atmosphere, lending it a quiet intensity.

At Daniel’s request, Evelyn presented the designs again, this time under Nathaniel’s scrutiny. His expression was unreadable—brows slightly furrowed, demeanor serious.

Then he spoke. "What are your thoughts on this project, Ms. Mitchell?"

His tone gave nothing away.

Evelyn didn’t waver. "Mr. Martin, I believe the core design is solid. Any adjustments would be minor, likely concerning exterior details. Personally, I’m very satisfied with the work."

Her words were direct.

The Summit Realty manager tensed, quickly interjecting, "Mr. Martin, Ms. Mitchell didn’t mean to imply—if you have any requests, we’re happy to accommodate them."

Leaning closer to Evelyn, he whispered, "Mr. Martin is our client. His preferences come first."

Evelyn’s lips thinned slightly, but she remained silent. Professional integrity shouldn’t bend for money. Some designs lost their essence when altered.

Nathaniel observed the exchange, his gaze flickering between Evelyn and the manager. Then he turned to Daniel. "Do you agree with Ms. Mitchell’s assessment?"

Daniel, long familiar with Nathaniel’s principles, answered honestly. "I believe she has a point."

The Summit Realty manager blinked in surprise.

Nathaniel’s lips curved faintly. "So do I."

With that settled, the meeting proceeded smoothly. Adjustments were finalized, and as conversation flowed, evening approached.

Samuel Yates, Nathaniel’s secretary, checked the time. "Mr. Martin has arranged dinner for everyone. The reservation is ready—shall we head out?"

The Summit Realty team was visibly honored by the invitation. Evelyn accepted gracefully, though Daniel suspected this dinner held deeper significance.

As they gathered outside the Martin Building, Nathaniel turned to Evelyn. "Ms. Mitchell, ride with me. I’d like to discuss a few design specifics."

She agreed with a polite smile. The air between them was calm, unreadable.

Then her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory.

[Done with the meeting?]

[Just finished. Dinner with the team. Might return to the office after.]

[Let me know if you need anything.]

[Will do.]

As she pocketed her phone, she caught Nathaniel watching her, his expression inscrutable. Their eyes locked briefly before the arrival of the car broke the moment.

Just as they prepared to leave, a familiar voice called out.

"Nathaniel, are you free?"

Isabella Davis approached, graceful in a pale green dress, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Her smile was warm, her tone intimate.

Nathaniel glanced at her. "What brings you here?"

"I thought we could have dinner." Her gaze flickered to Evelyn, then the others. "Unless you’re busy?"

"We have plans," he said evenly.

Isabella’s smile dimmed. "Ah. Bad timing, then."

She greeted the others with effortless charm.

Daniel smiled. "Ms. Davis! A pleasure to meet you in person."

"You’re even more stunning than on screen," another added.

Isabella laughed softly, gracious under the praise.

One of the Martin Group employees asked, "Here to see Mr. Martin, Ms. Davis?"