Chapter 98

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she finalized the blueprints for the new Martin Group project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of lavender from the diffuser in the corner.

A sharp knock interrupted her concentration. "Come in," she called without looking up.

Gabrielle, her assistant, entered with a tablet in hand. "Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Wilson is here to see you. He says it's urgent."

Evelyn's fingers stilled. Gregory never visited without an appointment. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in moments later, his usually composed face tight with tension. He closed the door firmly behind him. "We have a problem," he said without preamble. "The zoning permits for the waterfront development just got rejected."

"What?" Evelyn's chair scraped against the hardwood as she stood abruptly. "That's impossible. We had all the approvals in place."

Gregory ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "Apparently there were last-minute objections from the environmental committee. Someone tipped them off about potential wetland disturbances."

Evelyn's mind raced. This project was crucial - not just for their firm, but for Nathaniel's reputation at Martin Group. She reached for her phone. "I need to call Nathaniel."

"Wait." Gregory's hand hovered over hers. "There's more. I just got off the phone with Jonathan Blake from Summit Realty. He mentioned seeing Isabella Davis having lunch with Sebastian Wilson yesterday."

The air left Evelyn's lungs. Sebastian Wilson - Edward's biggest business rival. And Isabella... Nathaniel's ex who'd made no secret of wanting him back. This couldn't be a coincidence.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call. An unknown number. With trembling fingers, she answered. "Hello?"

"Evelyn Mitchell?" A smooth female voice purred through the line. "We need to talk. About your husband... and the rather interesting documents that just landed in my possession. Meet me at The Velvet Lounge in an hour. Come alone."

The line went dead before Evelyn could respond. She stared at the phone, her pulse pounding in her ears.

Gregory's brow furrowed. "Who was that?"

Evelyn swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "I think... I think it was Vanessa. Isabella's agent."

The office seemed to tilt around her. Whatever game was being played, the stakes had just gotten dangerously high. And Evelyn had the sinking feeling she was being maneuvered into checkmate.

Evelyn assumed he was talking about the scandalous rumors, so she nodded. "Yes, I saw them."

"You have nothing to say to me?"

His expression was tense. The Martin Group had released two official statements. Why was she so indifferent?

Evelyn met his gaze steadily. "I never did any of those things. Whether you believe me or not, I—"

"You think I’m asking about the rumors?" Nathaniel’s deep voice cut her off.

"Then what?"

Nathaniel let out a low chuckle. "So you haven’t seen the announcement?"

Evelyn frowned, confused.

Nathaniel picked up his phone, pulled up Instagram, and handed it to her. When she saw the Martin Group’s post confirming their marriage, her breath hitched.

She stared at the screen, frozen.

Nathaniel took his phone back. "Anything to say now?"

"You announced our marriage?"

"Obviously."

"But what about Isabella? And we’re supposed to be getting divorced soon, aren’t we?"

"Evelyn," Nathaniel said, his voice edged with frustration, "you really have a talent for worrying about everyone but yourself. You should be relieved this mess is over. For once, think about yourself."

Her lack of enthusiasm darkened his expression.

Evelyn just frowned at him. It wasn’t that she cared about Isabella—she just didn’t see the point in revealing their marriage when it was ending anyway.

Given time, the scandal would fade.

But Nathaniel’s actions stirred something in her. He had defended her publicly, silencing the rumors. It was unexpected.

Before Evelyn could respond, Nathaniel’s phone rang. Martin Group stocks had surged after his marital status was confirmed. He needed to attend an emergency meeting.

Before leaving, he glanced at her. "Evelyn, when I get back tonight, I hope you’ll understand why I did this. And don’t mention that word again."

That word.

Divorce.

She watched him walk away, her thoughts tangled.

Evelyn was always logical, but Nathaniel’s actions left her uncertain.

A thought flickered in her mind.

Did he do this because he doesn’t want a divorce?

No.

She shook her head. "Impossible."

Not only did Evelyn struggle to believe it, but Isabella would never accept it either.

Meanwhile, Isabella was in chaos. Fans who had shared her posts were demanding explanations.

Vanessa, her agent, asked, "Isabella, how do we respond? The studio’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Sponsors want answers."

Public scrutiny was ruthless. Even if the scandal faded, the internet never forgot.

Isabella sat stiffly, her face blank. Since seeing the marriage announcement, she had been numb.

"Just have someone impersonate me online," she said flatly. "My account isn’t under my real name."

"That’s all we can do. But why would Nathaniel reveal his marriage now? Did the Martin family pressure him because of Evelyn’s scandal?"

Isabella stayed silent.

The announcement required Nathaniel’s approval. No one could force him.

Her chest ached with frustration.

She pulled the blanket over her head, unwilling to speak. Only when Vanessa left did she grab her phone and dial.

"Why did it turn out like this? I wanted rumors about Evelyn and Isaac, not a marriage announcement!"

"Blame yourself. Those rumors spread because of you. Now that they’ve gone public, it’ll be even harder for you to get close to him. At least now you know where you stand."

"But—"

"Enough. Focus on damage control. When this dies down, find a way to drive them apart."

The cold voice on the other end gave her a sliver of confidence.

Meanwhile, the Martin family was celebrating.

Edward called Nathaniel. "Bring Evelyn for dinner tonight. Your mother’s cooking."

Nathaniel smirked. "You’re in a good mood."

Edward huffed. "You should’ve done this sooner. Maybe then I wouldn’t have to nag you."

"Grandpa, am I really part of this family?"

"Not if you don’t treat Evelyn right," Edward teased before turning serious. "Come early. I have big news tonight."

"What is it?"

Edward chuckled. "Patience. You’ll find out soon enough. Consider it your reward."

"My reward?" Nathaniel echoed.