Chapter 31

Three days later, the lawyers from both sides assembled at City Hall for the divorce proceedings. Evelyn Carter arrived precisely on time, her heels clicking against the marble floors with purpose. Nathan Sterling followed moments later, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn completed the paperwork swiftly, her pen moving without hesitation. Nathan, however, stared blankly at the forms before him.

"Time is money, Mr. Sterling," she remarked coolly, not bothering to look at him.

Nathan's jaw tightened at her tone. He finally began filling out the documents with deliberate strokes. When finished, they slid the papers through the service window together.

"Wait." Nathan's command halted the clerk's hand just as she prepared to stamp their divorce decree.

The young woman's eyes widened when she recognized the CEO of Sterling Enterprises and his former executive assistant. She'd expected wedding announcements from this power couple - not dissolution papers.

Nathan turned to Evelyn, using that infuriatingly superior tone she knew too well. "Last chance to reconsider."

All the extravagant spending in Darai, the public humiliation, Isabella's pregnancy - he'd overlook everything if she'd just back down now.

Evelyn's lips curled in derision. "Still playing the magnanimous benefactor? How very...you."

The weight pressing against Nathan's chest intensified as he recognized the finality in her gaze. Something vital was slipping through his fingers.

Since Evelyn left, he'd realized they'd never truly communicated. His voice softened unexpectedly. "We should talk properly. I never acknowledged your contributions to Sterling Enterprises these past three years."

His dark eyes held hers. "You belong in my home. In my company."

Evelyn actually laughed. "Too little, too late. Isabella's practically ready to deliver your heir. What exactly are you offering her? The mistress suite?"

"I'll handle Isabella," Nathan said, an unfamiliar desperation coloring his words.

They stood at the precipice of divorce, yet this arrogant man still believed she'd come crawling back. The realization made Evelyn's blood boil.

"Your ego is truly staggering," she spat. "Did you actually think sweet words would undo years of neglect?"

Nathan's composure shattered. "You'll regret this," he hissed.

"Not in this lifetime," Evelyn countered without missing a beat. To the clerk she said, "Proceed."

The stamp came down with finality. Evelyn snatched her copy and strode out without a backward glance, leaving Nathan rooted in place.

His gaze tracked her retreating figure. Three years of marriage erased in three minutes. She left nothing behind - not even a trace of perfume. The hollowness that followed nearly brought him to his knees.

At Sterling Manor, Eleanor Blackwell had prepared a lavish celebration. Isabella Delaney wore crimson silk - a bold departure from her usual pastel modesty. The scene resembled a wedding feast more than a divorce party.

"Finally free of that gold-digging wretch!" Eleanor raised her champagne flute triumphantly.

Vanessa Sterling clinked glasses eagerly. "Now you can marry properly, Nathan."

Isabella lifted her juice glass with a demure smile. "To new beginnings," she murmured sweetly.