Chapter 94

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she reviewed the latest blueprints for the Martin Group's new resort. The project was demanding, but she thrived under pressure.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called, glancing up as Gabrielle, her assistant, entered with a tray of coffee.

"You've been at it for hours," Gabrielle said, setting the tray down. "Thought you could use a break."

Evelyn smiled gratefully. "You're a lifesaver." She took a sip, savoring the rich aroma.

Gabrielle hesitated. "Nathaniel called earlier. He said he’d be late tonight—another meeting with the investors."

Evelyn’s grip tightened slightly around the cup. Lately, Nathaniel had been distant, buried under the weight of his family’s expectations. She understood, but the growing distance between them gnawed at her.

"Did he say when he’d be back?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

Gabrielle shook her head. "Just that he’d text you."

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Thanks for letting me know."

As Gabrielle left, Evelyn turned back to her work, but her focus had shattered. She tapped her pen against the desk, her mind drifting to the whispered rumors she’d overheard at last week’s gala—rumors about Nathaniel and Isabella Davis, his ex, being seen together.

She shook her head. No, he wouldn’t.

But doubt lingered.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Charlotte.

"Girls’ night. My place. Wine and venting. You in?"

Evelyn hesitated, then typed back: "I’ll be there."

Maybe a distraction was exactly what she needed.

Meanwhile, across town, Nathaniel sat in his office, staring at the contract in front of him. The numbers blurred as his thoughts wandered.

Samuel Yates cleared his throat. "Sir? The investors are waiting for your signature."

Nathaniel blinked, forcing himself back to the present. "Right." He signed the papers mechanically.

"Everything alright?" Samuel asked carefully.

Nathaniel hesitated. "Just tired."

But it was more than that. The weight of his family’s legacy, the expectations, the constant scrutiny—it was suffocating. And then there was Evelyn.

He missed her. Missed the way she’d tease him out of his bad moods, the way her laughter filled the silence. But lately, every conversation felt strained, every touch hesitant.

His phone lit up with a message from Isabella: "We need to talk. It’s important."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. He’d been avoiding her, but he knew he couldn’t forever.

With a sigh, he replied: "Meet me at the usual place. 8 PM."

As he pocketed his phone, a sense of foreboding settled over him. Whatever Isabella wanted, it wouldn’t be good.

And he had a sinking feeling it would only drive Evelyn further away.

"Gregory, I'm fine. Don't say anything. I just need some quiet time."

"Alright, I'll step out then. Take all the time you need. If you need anything, I'm here for you."

"Thanks."

She forced a small smile.

That evening, Evelyn arrived at the lavish birthday party with Nathaniel, held in an opulent villa in Mayby's elite neighborhood—home to the city's wealthiest families.

The host, Simon Gilbert, personally greeted Nathaniel's arrival. They exchanged pleasantries for quite some time, and even Evelyn, as his companion, received VIP treatment.

"Mr. Martin, Ms. Mitchell, enjoy the evening. With so many guests tonight, I apologize if I can't attend to you as I'd like."

Nathaniel gave a slight nod. "No need for apologies."

Just then, Simon's assistant hurried over. "Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Edward from Martin Group has arrived."

"Mr. Edward?" Simon's face lit up with surprise.

He turned back to Nathaniel. "Mr. Martin, please excuse me. Someone will escort you to your seats. I'll join you for a drink later."

"Of course, Mr. Gilbert. Don’t let us keep you."

Simon rushed off. Through the crowd, Evelyn spotted him heading toward a distinguished-looking couple. She studied the man, only for Nathaniel's voice to pull her attention back.

"Edward is here too. What a coincidence."

"We all move in the same circles. It's inevitable."

"Yet this party hardly matches his status. Did you see Simon's reaction?" Nathaniel glanced at her. "Shall we find our seats?"

"Sure." Evelyn withdrew her gaze—but not before locking eyes with the man in the gray suit, his expression unreadable.

Nathaniel led her to the lounge area, where he proved to be the perfect escort, attentive and composed. Many recognized him, but his aloof demeanor kept most at bay. Those bold enough to approach received only curt replies.

Evelyn smirked. "You really know how to charm a crowd."

Nathaniel shot her a look but said nothing.

She laughed softly.

Just then, Isabella approached on Edward's arm, her voice dripping with sweetness before they even reached them.

"What's so amusing, Mr. Martin and Evelyn? Care to share with us?"

Evelyn's smile vanished, replaced by icy indifference. Nathaniel remained composed, offering only a polite nod.

Isabella continued, feigning innocence. "Edward, have you noticed how Mr. Martin dotes on Evelyn? I can't help but wonder if there's something more between them."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Why don’t you announce it to the entire room, Isabella? Make sure everyone hears your speculation."

The sweeter the facade, the sharper the claws beneath.

Isabella gasped, playing the wounded victim. "How cruel! I merely observed that you two seem close."

Evelyn scoffed. "And why do you care about my relationships?"

Nathaniel interjected calmly. "Ms. Davis, Evelyn isn’t seeing anyone. Your words could cause misunderstandings. Best to drop it."

Isabella feigned embarrassment. "My apologies, Mr. Martin. I didn’t mean to assume."

"An apology doesn’t erase the implication," Evelyn countered. "Should criminals just say sorry and walk free?"

Nathaniel’s lips curved slightly. "Evelyn, any more of this, and Ms. Davis might burst into tears." Then, to Isabella, "She’s spoiled. You understand, don’t you?"

His words left Isabella speechless. She glanced at Edward, but his gaze never left Evelyn—cold, calculating.

The tension thickened until Edward finally spoke. "Mr. Martin, shall we share a drink?"

"Certainly."

The two men raised their glasses, while Evelyn and Isabella sat in strained silence.

Though not close, Nathaniel and Edward conversed effortlessly—business, politics, even art. Their exchange was smooth, but Evelyn felt Edward’s piercing stare the entire time.

Unable to bear it, she stood abruptly. "Excuse me. I need the restroom."

Nathaniel nodded, his eyes flickering to Edward, who met his gaze with equal intensity.

"Confused?" Nathaniel asked lightly.

"Not particularly," Edward replied.

Nathaniel sipped his wine. "I studied psychology. A person’s thoughts are often written on their face."

"Oh? Can you read mine?"

"Not entirely. Men like you are the hardest to decipher."

Their cryptic exchange left Isabella lost. She leaned in eagerly. "Then tell us, what is Edward thinking?"

Edward remained silent.

Nathaniel smiled. "That would require his consent. Professional ethics, you understand."

Isabella paled, sensing the veiled mockery. She pressed her lips together, fists clenched.

Edward finally spoke, his voice low. "Go on. Tell me."

"Do you really want me to?"

"By all means."

Nathaniel’s gaze flickered to Evelyn’s empty seat. "You’re troubled by a woman you’re intimately connected to."

Isabella’s breath hitched. Her wide eyes darted to Edward, searching for denial—but found none.

Her mind raced. Who? Evelyn? Impossible.

Before she could react, Edward’s phone buzzed. He excused himself and strode away, leaving Isabella seething.

The moment he was gone, she whirled on Nathaniel. "Do you have feelings for Evelyn?"

Evelyn had just dried her hands when the bathroom door burst open. A tall figure pinned her against the sink, his familiar scent enveloping her.

Edward’s smirk was infuriatingly charming as he whispered, "Nathaniel says you’re single. So, who am I? Still keeping our relationship a secret?"