Chapter 88

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the bedroom. Evelyn stirred, blinking against the soft light as she turned to find Nathaniel already awake, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

"You're up early," she murmured, stretching slightly.

Nathaniel smirked, his fingers tracing idle patterns along her arm. "Couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."

Evelyn propped herself up on one elbow, studying him. "Anything you want to talk about?"

Before he could answer, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. "It's Samuel."

Evelyn exhaled. "Work?"

Nathaniel nodded, sitting up. "I need to take this."

She watched as he strode out of the room, his voice low and clipped. Something was off.

Downstairs, Alfred was setting the breakfast table. He gave her a polite nod. "Good morning, Mrs. Martin."

"Morning, Alfred," she replied absently, her thoughts still on Nathaniel's tension.

The front door opened, and footsteps echoed in the hall. A moment later, Gregory Wilson appeared, looking harried. "Evelyn, we have a problem."

She frowned. "What kind of problem?"

"The Summit Realty deal. Sebastian Wilson just pulled out."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "What? Why?"

Gregory ran a hand through his hair. "No explanation. Just a cold email saying they're terminating negotiations."

Nathaniel re-entered the room, his jaw tight. "I just got off the phone with Jonathan Blake. He claims it's a 'strategic realignment.'"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "That's corporate speak for someone got to them."

Nathaniel's eyes flashed. "Exactly."

A tense silence settled over them. Then, Evelyn squared her shoulders. "We need to find out who's behind this."

Nathaniel's phone buzzed again. He glanced at it, then looked up, his expression unreadable. "We might already know."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "Who?"

His voice was grim. "Isabella Davis."

The name hung in the air like a storm cloud. Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Of course it is."

Gregory frowned. "But why would she interfere with your business?"

Nathaniel's grip on his phone tightened. "Because she knows hitting us professionally is the fastest way to get under our skin."

Evelyn met his gaze, determination hardening her features. "Then we hit back."

Nathaniel's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Oh, we will."

The game had just escalated. And Evelyn wasn't about to let Isabella win.

Nathaniel's palm cradled the back of Evelyn's head, his grip firm yet possessive. She wanted to pull away, but his other arm was locked around her waist, trapping her against him. Afraid of putting pressure on her abdomen, she could only tilt her head and surrender to his demanding kiss.

His lips claimed hers with an intensity that left no room for escape. The scent of him—warm, masculine, intoxicating—filled her senses. He deepened the kiss, his mouth moving over hers with relentless hunger, teasing and tasting until she was breathless.

By the time he finally pulled back, Evelyn was limp against his chest, her face flushed, her pulse racing. She looked up at him, her voice a breathless murmur. "What was that for?"

It sounded more like a coy challenge than a protest.

Nathaniel's lips curved as he leaned down to steal another quick kiss. "What do you think?" His voice was rough, thick with desire. Even through the fabric of her dress, she could feel the heat of his hands branding her skin.

Evelyn bit her lip, unaware of how tempting she looked in that moment.

"Skip your plans tonight," he murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw.

"No."

She tried to shift away, but he tightened his hold, keeping her in place.

Nathaniel brushed his thumb over her lips. "No more lipstick. It doesn't taste good."

The blunt demand made her cheeks burn hotter.

At first, he had only meant to wipe away the bright color, but the sight of her bare lips—soft, slightly swollen—only made his restraint falter further. His gaze darkened, and Evelyn knew if this continued, she wouldn’t be leaving the house at all.

Seizing the moment when his grip loosened slightly, she slipped free and hurried toward the door, her heart pounding.

Nathaniel watched her go, a slow smirk curving his lips.

At the airport, Evelyn spotted her friend waiting at the arrivals gate. The man wore a cap pulled low over his forehead, sunglasses, and a nondescript outfit—clearly trying to avoid attention. They exchanged a quick embrace.

"Long time no see," she teased. "I was worried I’d hug the wrong person. That would’ve been awkward."

He chuckled. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever?"

They walked to the parking lot together, and as Evelyn slid into the driver’s seat, she said, "Let’s grab dinner first, then you can rest. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around the city."

"Sounds perfect. Though, I have a dinner tomorrow night—care to join me?"

"Isn’t that inappropriate?"

"Since when are you so formal with me?" He smirked. "I’d feel better with you there. Otherwise, I might just bail."

It was half a joke, but not entirely untrue. He had always been socially anxious, preferring small gatherings over crowded events. Tomorrow’s dinner was an exception, and Evelyn understood.

She agreed.

At the restaurant, they settled into a private booth. As they ate, her friend suddenly asked, "You’ve been distant this past year, Evelyn. Not that I mind, but… are you okay?"

"I’m fine," she said, shaking her head. "Just personal things."

"Good." He didn’t press further. Then, after a pause, he added, "Is Gregory still in Mayby with you?"

"Yes. We’re partners at the firm now."

"He’s always treated you well." His tone turned knowing. "And as a man, I can tell—he’s in love with you."

Evelyn laughed. "Oh, come on. Let’s not ruin a good friendship with that kind of talk."

"If he had any game, you’d have fallen for him years ago."

She only smiled, not denying it.

Her friend didn’t push. After dinner, she dropped him off at his hotel. Before getting out, he said, "I talked too much tonight. If I annoyed you, just say so. Though I can’t promise I’ll change next time."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "If only your social anxiety could cure your big mouth."

He mimed zipping his lips and walked inside.

Meanwhile, at Pineview Villa, Nathaniel’s phone rang.

A voice reported, "Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin just dropped her friend at the hotel. She didn’t go inside—they said goodbye at the entrance."

"Good."

He hung up, setting the phone aside.

Evelyn had no idea.

When she returned home half an hour later, she headed straight upstairs. Nathaniel was in bed, reading, ignoring her.

She broke the silence first. "Not sleeping yet?"

"My wife is out with another man. How could I sleep?"

"I told you I was going. It’s not like I snuck out."

"Only because I asked. Would you have told me otherwise?"

His sharp gaze pinned her.

Evelyn had no answer.

She showered, removed her makeup, and waited—but the moment she slipped into bed, Nathaniel rolled over, pressing her into the mattress.

Instinctively, her hands flew to her stomach, stopping him from putting his full weight on her.

He frowned. "What’s wrong?"

"You’re too heavy. It hurts."

Nathaniel accepted the excuse but adjusted, lifting her on top of him instead. His fingers tipped her chin up. "I’ve waited all night. Now it’s your turn to satisfy me."

She opened her mouth to protest, but he silenced her with another kiss.

Evelyn knew she couldn’t keep refusing. If she did, he’d figure it out sooner or later. Caroline had assured her that as long as they were careful, it would be fine. So she controlled the pace, driving Nathaniel to the edge of madness.

By the time they finished, it was deep into the night. Nathaniel, thoroughly satisfied, cleaned her up with a smug tenderness that only made her more flustered. She threw a pillow at him before burying her face in the sheets.

The next morning, Evelyn slept through her alarm.

Nathaniel turned it off for her, letting her rest. But just as he was about to leave, her phone rang.

He picked it up, saw the name, and answered immediately, stepping onto the balcony.

"Evelyn, I brought breakfast. Want to share it at the office?" Gregory’s voice came through.

Nathaniel’s tone was deceptively smooth. "Mr. Wilson, how thoughtful of you. But my wife is still asleep. She won’t be joining you today. Enjoy your meal alone."

The words were laced with warning.

Gregory stiffened. "Mr. Martin, are you now dictating who Evelyn can see?"