Chapter 44

Nathan couldn't pretend he hadn't witnessed everything. He had to get Evelyn out of that situation immediately, regardless of her protests.

But when he reached the room, he'd learned Trevor had gotten hurt.

Only when he saw Evelyn's composed expression did he realize how terribly he'd misjudged her.

An unfamiliar ache tightened in his chest. It was unbearable.

Evelyn's scornful gaze lashed at him like a whip. He couldn't muster the courage to approach, much less continue his charade of interrogation.

Trust? What trust? He couldn't recall ever truly giving that to Evelyn, not even during their marriage.

After leaving the hotel, Evelyn saw paramedics rushing inside with a stretcher.

She summoned her driver, then noticed Nathan standing nearby in his tailored suit.

"I'll take you," he offered calmly, as if she might actually consider it.

The suggestion surprised her, but her glare remained icy.

"No thanks. I wouldn't want to dirty your precious car."

"I know I was wrong," Nathan admitted, a trace of regret in his voice. "Let me apologize for what Isabella and Vanessa did to you."

Evelyn stepped back, every fiber of her being rejecting him. Yet her expression stayed perfectly composed. "Unnecessary."

"Why didn't you tell me how exhausted you were all those years?" Nathan had only discovered the truth after she left. Even now, asking these questions, he could see Evelyn's patience had evaporated long ago.

"Are we done here, Mr. Sterling? It's been ages. Why dwell on ancient history? Don't you have more important things to do?"

Belated apologies were worthless.

When her chauffeur arrived in the sleek town car, she walked away without a backward glance, leaving Nathan rooted to the spot.

At home, Evelyn showered and collapsed into bed. Her phone buzzed incessantly with messages from her friends.

When she shared what she'd done to Cameron, the responses flooded in.

"Queen behavior! That black belt finally paid off. White briefs? I'm blind now," Olivia texted.

"Should I delete the video?"

"Absolutely not! I'm showing it to my puppy as a chew toy deterrent."

"Perfect framing. Next time, let me handle cinematography," Natalie replied.

"Still got those killer instincts," Sophia chimed in.

The group chat exploded. No one expected Evelyn's message to lure Sophia Whitmore out of her usual silent lurking.

Founder of VERE Jewelry, Sophia's pieces routinely sold at international auctions as masterpieces. Even Pamore's elite considered her creations status symbols.

"The queen has spoken! Praise be!" Olivia declared.

"Overseas exhibition wrapping up. Back in Pamore soon. Drinks?" Sophia responded.

"Julian's in town. Have you two talked?" Evelyn asked.

The moment Julian's name appeared, Sophia went radio silent.

"Call me if you need backup," Natalie offered.

Evelyn stifled a laugh as she set her phone down.

Their friendship ran deep - petty drama never caused real tension.

But Sophia's reaction proved she still hadn't moved on from Julian. The trio had grown up together, with Sophia secretly pining for him.

Too shy to confess, she'd lost her chance forever.

Now that Julian was famous, women flocked to him constantly. Too proud to speak up, Sophia remained silent.

Evelyn wanted to shake some sense into her friend. They were from the same city, for heaven's sake. It was time to make a move.

Sophia definitely needed a stern talking-to when she returned to Pamore.

After chatting with Olivia, Evelyn fell asleep clutching her phone.

When she noticed her colleagues' admiring glances the next morning, she spotted the lobby roses - identical to yesterday's bouquet.

Neptune roses didn't grow in Pamore, but since Julian had money to burn, she let him indulge.

Evelyn simply instructed her assistant to distribute all incoming flowers to female staff.

Then, opening her office door, she found Trevor Maddox waiting with crutches.