Chapter 10

"Is that...Nathan?"

Isabella had no clue about the true nature of Nathan and Evelyn's relationship. But what she'd witnessed was enough to make Evelyn's presence unbearable.

"Just send Ms. Carter away already. My parents are waiting for you at the estate. It's been ages since—"

Her sharp tone snapped Nathan from his thoughts.

The Sterlings owed the Delaneys a considerable debt, making this visit unavoidable.

Evelyn's face remained an unreadable mask throughout the exchange.

As if she'd already erased him from her heart.

Nathan's jaw tightened visibly, irritation flashing across his features.

"Over there."

Following his gaze, Evelyn spotted her ID card wedged beneath the water dispenser. The way it lay discarded mirrored how insignificant she must be to him.

"Appreciate it." She swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth as she retrieved the card.

Without a backward glance, she strode toward the exit.

She could feel his icy stare burning holes into her retreating figure.

The moment Evelyn pushed through the office doors, dozens of eyes locked onto her.

Some held pity. Most brimmed with morbid curiosity.

The whispers hit her like daggers—how she'd been caught throwing herself at Nathan, how his pregnant girlfriend had rightfully kicked her out.

The irony stung. She was his legal wife, yet here she stood, branded the other woman.

Hot tears threatened, but she blinked them away fiercely.

Footsteps echoed behind her in the lobby.

Simon. He extended an umbrella. "Ms. Carter, it's pouring out there. You'll catch cold—take my jacket too."

At least one soul in Sterling Enterprises retained basic decency.

Evelyn stopped him before he could remove his coat. The lump in her throat made speaking impossible.

Simon opened his mouth, then closed it, helpless against her shattered expression.

In that hesitation, Evelyn fled. She plunged into the storm, letting the icy rain numb the pain.

Hours later, she found herself in a taxi bound for the airport. As the city lights blurred past, she dialed a familiar number.

The moment the line connected, her voice cracked. "Dominic..."

The call lasted mere seconds.

Eight hours later, a private jet touched down at Pamore International.

A towering man engulfed Evelyn in a bear hug while his bodyguard collected her luggage. Together, they boarded the waiting aircraft.

Midnight found a sleek Bentley idling outside Sterling Manor.

From the backseat, Nathan studied the darkened windows of the master bedroom—usually illuminated, now hauntingly vacant.

A tangible reminder of her absence.

Isabella misread his tension. "Nathan, I know what happened between Harrison and my sister hurt everyone. Marriage isn't urgent—"

"Your sleeve." His cold interruption made her jump. "It's wrinkled."

She recoiled as if burned.

Nathan exited without another word, leaving Isabella gaping.

That morning, he'd allowed her to perch on his lap in his office. Now he treated her like a stranger.

What had changed?

Shaking off her confusion, she scrambled after him into the storm.