Chapter 104

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden streaks across her blueprints. She rubbed her temples, trying to focus, but Nathaniel's words from last night still echoed in her mind.

"I need you to trust me, Evelyn."

Trust. That word had haunted her ever since Isabella had reappeared in their lives.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory.

"Meeting with Summit Realty in thirty. Sebastian is pushing for revisions. Again."

Evelyn sighed. The project was already behind schedule, and now Sebastian Wilson, the relentless CEO of Summit Realty, was demanding changes. She grabbed her tablet and headed out, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor.

Downstairs, Nathaniel was in the lobby, speaking in hushed tones with Samuel Yates, his secretary. His sharp suit and composed demeanor contrasted with the tension in his jaw. When he spotted her, his expression softened—just slightly.

"Evelyn."

She nodded. "Nathaniel."

A beat of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.

Samuel cleared his throat. "Sir, the board is waiting."

Nathaniel hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but instead, he turned and strode toward the elevators.

Evelyn exhaled. Whatever was going on with Isabella, she couldn’t let it distract her—not now.

Outside, the city hummed with life. The Summit Realty building loomed ahead, its glass façade reflecting the sky.

Inside the conference room, Sebastian leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. Jonathan Blake, his project manager, stood beside him, arms crossed.

"Ah, Evelyn. Right on time." Sebastian's voice dripped with false warmth.

She forced a smile. "Let’s get started."

As she presented the revised designs, Sebastian interrupted. "Still not what we envisioned. We need something bolder."

Evelyn clenched her fists under the table. "These changes will delay the project by weeks."

Sebastian shrugged. "Then work faster."

Her phone buzzed again—a notification from an unknown number. A photo of Nathaniel and Isabella, standing close in what looked like a private conversation.

Her breath hitched.

Sebastian smirked. "Problem, Evelyn?"

She locked her phone. "No. Let’s continue."

But her mind raced. Who sent that photo? And why?

The meeting dragged on, every second stretching her patience thinner. When it finally ended, she rushed outside, dialing Caroline.

"Caroline, I need your help."

Her cousin’s voice was sharp with concern. "What’s wrong?"

Evelyn hesitated. "I think someone’s watching Nathaniel. And me."

A pause. Then, "Meet me at the café in twenty. We’ll figure this out."

As she ended the call, a black car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Vanessa, Isabella’s agent.

"Evelyn," she said smoothly. "We need to talk."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. "About what?"

Vanessa smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "About the future of your marriage."

The door swung open.

Evelyn stared, her heart pounding.

What game was Isabella playing now?

And more importantly—was Nathaniel part of it?

Evelyn was relieved that she had discovered Nathaniel's scheme through Donovan. Now she could devise a countermove against Isabella. To Evelyn, the authenticity of Nathaniel's voice message was irrelevant—what mattered was whether Isabella bought into it.

At six-thirty sharp, Nathaniel returned to Pineview Villa.

He climbed the stairs to find Evelyn seated motionless before the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze distant. Softly, he asked, "Evelyn, shall we have dinner at Martin Manor tonight?"

"I'd rather not," she replied flatly, her expression unreadable.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed at her subdued demeanor. "Is something wrong?"

She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she lifted her eyes to meet his, her voice steady. "Nathaniel, why did you announce our marriage so abruptly? Was it truly because you couldn’t stand the public scrutiny I faced?"

His gaze darkened. "Evelyn, what are you implying?"

"Nothing," she said coolly. "Just curiosity. Care to enlighten me?"

"What do you think the reason was?" he countered.

"How would I know? Your thoughts have always been a mystery."

"Is it that you can’t decipher them—or that you refuse to try?" Nathaniel checked his watch. When she remained silent, his tone softened. "Fine. No need to answer. But let’s head downstairs. I promised Grandfather we’d join him for dinner. Do you really want to disappoint him?"

He knew her weakness—Edward Martin.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Of course, she wouldn’t let Edward down.

She shot Nathaniel a fleeting glance, the urge to confront him simmering beneath her composed exterior. But what good would it do?

A bitter smile ghosted her lips before she schooled her features. "Go ahead. I’ll change and meet you downstairs."

Nathaniel’s frown deepened as she stood. Just as she turned toward the walk-in closet, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist. With a firm tug, he pulled her against his chest.

His fingers tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his piercing gaze. "Evelyn, what’s this about? Are you angry that I went public without consulting you? Or are you worried your ex might find out and get the wrong idea?"

Her breath hitched. From this angle, Nathaniel’s sharp jawline and composed demeanor were impossible to ignore—regal, controlled, infuriatingly perfect.

When she didn’t respond, his grip tightened. "Answer me. What do you want?"

"The media backlash has been relentless. Am I not allowed to react?"

"Is that all that’s bothering you?"

"I’m not upset," she lied. "Just wondering if you’ve uncovered who orchestrated this mess."

A beat of silence.

Evelyn pressed on. "Aren’t you curious?"

"Who do you suspect?"

"Isabella."

Her answer was blunt, devoid of hesitation.

Nathaniel’s expression remained unreadable. "Do you have proof?"

"Who else would gain from this?"

"We’ll see when the investigation concludes," he said calmly.

Evelyn’s laugh was hollow. "With the Martin Group’s resources, shouldn’t this take hours—not days?"

His eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at?"

"Have you even looked into Isabella? Or have you been protecting her all along?"

Her stare was unflinching, demanding the truth he seemed so determined to evade.