Chapter 102

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, illuminating the blueprints spread across her desk. Her fingers traced the intricate lines of the design—a new luxury resort project that had consumed her thoughts for weeks.

A soft knock interrupted her concentration. "Evelyn, you have a visitor," Gabrielle, her assistant, announced with a knowing smile.

Before Evelyn could respond, the door swung open, revealing Nathaniel. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, his presence filled the room with an undeniable energy. His dark eyes locked onto hers, sending a familiar warmth through her chest.

"I thought we could have lunch," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding.

Evelyn arched a brow. "You flew all the way here just for lunch?"

Nathaniel smirked. "Would you believe me if I said I missed you?"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the flutter in her stomach. "You're impossible."

He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against hers as he examined the blueprints. "This looks impressive. The Martin Group would be lucky to have you on board."

Evelyn hesitated. The offer had been on the table for weeks—a high-profile collaboration between her firm and the Martin Group. But working directly under Nathaniel? That was a complication she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

"I'm still considering it," she admitted.

Nathaniel’s expression darkened slightly. "Isabella called me last night."

The mention of his ex-girlfriend sent a sharp pang through Evelyn. She schooled her features into neutrality. "And?"

"She wants to meet. Says it's important."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "So, what are you going to do?"

Nathaniel exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I don’t know. But I wanted you to hear it from me first."

The air between them thickened with unspoken tension. Evelyn bit her lip, weighing her next words carefully. Before she could respond, her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory.

Emergency meeting. Summit Realty just undercut our bid for the waterfront project.

Her stomach dropped. That project was supposed to be her firm’s breakthrough.

Nathaniel noticed the shift in her expression. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn grabbed her blazer. "I have to go. Something just came up."

He caught her wrist. "Let me help."

She met his gaze, torn between professional pride and the undeniable pull between them. "This is my battle, Nathaniel."

His grip tightened slightly before he released her. "Fine. But remember—you don’t have to fight alone."

As Evelyn rushed out, her mind raced. Between Isabella’s sudden reappearance and Summit Realty’s sabotage, the day had taken an unexpected turn.

And she had a sinking feeling things were about to get much worse.

Donovan Sinclair stood before her, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Isabella, I came here specifically for you. I've asked you out repeatedly, but you always claim to be occupied. You reject my advances and now refuse even my friendship?"

Isabella offered him a practiced smile. "Don't be ridiculous. People might misunderstand. You're the heir of the Sinclair family—who would dare reject you?"

"Isabella, you never change. First, you push me away, then you pull me back. How am I supposed to move on?"

Donovan's smile remained, but his gaze never wavered from her face. Handsome, yes, but beneath that charm lay something darker—calculating, manipulative.

Keeping her expression composed, Isabella deftly shifted the conversation. "Donovan, is there something you need from me?"

"Nothing urgent. I just wanted to check on you. I’ve been... concerned."

The implication was clear, and Isabella caught it instantly.

Her eyes welled up, the smile slipping from her delicate features. She looked wounded, the kind of fragile beauty that made men ache to protect her. "I'm fine," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Truly."

"Nathaniel is humiliating you with this arrangement," Donovan pressed. "Isabella, why cling to him? He’s already promised Edward and Thomas he won’t divorce Evelyn. Worse—he’s planning to have a child with her."

"Planning doesn’t mean she’s pregnant yet, does it?"

The realization struck Isabella like lightning, but she betrayed nothing. Instead, she bit her lower lip, her voice trembling. "Donovan, I know you mean well. I know my presence caused the rift between you and Nathaniel. This is all my fault."

Tears spilled over as she spoke. Donovan immediately softened, reaching for her. "Isabella, how could I blame you? If anything, it’s my fault for not finding you sooner. Had I met you first, things would be different."

She pressed her lips together, silent sobs shaking her shoulders. The sight shattered Donovan’s resolve. Unable to bear her distress, he reluctantly stepped back.

Once he was gone, Isabella wiped her tears and strode to her car in the parking lot, her composure fully restored.

Inside, she dialed a number. "Evelyn, we need to talk. There’s something you deserve to know."

Evelyn’s response was dry. "Is this about your claim on Nathaniel? Save your breath. If you want to argue over our open marriage or remind me he loves you, not me, don’t bother. Take it up with him."

Isabella’s lips curled. "Evelyn, are you scared?"

"Your games won’t work on me. Whatever you have to say is irrelevant. I don’t care to hear it."

Just as Evelyn moved to hang up, Isabella’s voice turned urgent. "Evelyn, did Nathaniel ever tell you why I could never conceive?"

The line went silent.

Evelyn froze, her breath catching.

Infertility... because of Nathaniel?

Her mind reeled, but her voice remained steady. "And why should that matter to me?"

Isabella’s tone turned sly. "You don’t find it odd that he suddenly wants a child with you?"