Chapter 108

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 latest project—a luxury resort that could redefine Martin Group's portfolio. But her mind was elsewhere.

Nathaniel had been distant lately. Ever since Isabella's sudden reappearance, tension had coiled between them like a silent storm. Evelyn exhaled sharply, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She refused to let doubt creep in.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Gregory: "Meeting in 10. Edward’s pushing for revisions."

Evelyn groaned. Edward Martin, Nathaniel’s grandfather, was relentless. Every design had to be perfect—no, beyond perfect. She gathered her files, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she headed to the conference room.

Inside, the air was thick with unspoken tension. Nathaniel sat at the head of the table, his jaw set, his stormy gaze fixed on the screen displaying the resort’s mock-up. Isabella lounged beside him, her crimson lips curved in a smirk.

"Ah, Evelyn," Edward greeted, his voice smooth but edged with authority. "Let’s discuss these adjustments."

Evelyn forced a smile, though her grip on the files tightened. "Of course."

As the meeting progressed, Isabella leaned toward Nathaniel, whispering something that made his expression darken. Evelyn’s chest tightened. She knew that look—the one he reserved for battles he didn’t want to fight but couldn’t avoid.

Then, Edward dropped the bombshell.

"The board wants Isabella as the face of the resort’s campaign," he announced, his gaze flickering between Evelyn and Nathaniel. "Given her influence in the industry, it’s the logical choice."

Silence.

Evelyn’s nails dug into her palms. This wasn’t just about business. This was a test—one designed to unravel her and Nathaniel’s fragile peace.

Nathaniel finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "We’ll discuss it privately."

Isabella’s smirk widened.

As Evelyn left the room, her phone buzzed again—this time, an unknown number. The message sent a chill down her spine:

"You don’t belong here, Evelyn. And soon, everyone will know why."

Her breath hitched. Someone was playing games.

And she refused to lose.

Edward Martin's brows knitted together in concern. "Evelyn, those words Nathaniel said... Is there truly someone else in your heart?"

"No, Grandpa, absolutely not. I swear to you, if I'm lying—"

"My dear, I'm not accusing you," Edward interrupted gently. "I only worry you're being treated unfairly. If such a person existed, you should have told me from the start. But if not, why would Nathaniel say those things? And why haven't you defended yourself?"

His tender inquiry tugged at Evelyn's heart.

She exhaled softly. "Grandpa, there was never anyone—not before, not now. Nathaniel only said that because I fabricated an excuse before our marriage to ease his concerns. As for now... any misunderstanding born from that lie doesn't matter to me anymore."

Edward's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean, Evelyn?"

"Edward," she murmured, steeling herself, "I think divorce is the best path. I won't use a child to chain Nathaniel down, and I refuse to bring a baby into this kind of environment. So, I need your help to keep my pregnancy a secret."

Silence stretched between them. Edward's expression darkened, his fingers tightening around his cane. When he finally spoke, his voice was heavy. "Is there truly no other way? Must it end like this?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. She hated hurting him—hated disappointing Richard and Victoria, who had shown her nothing but kindness. But the image of her child calling Isabella "Mom" was a blade twisting in her chest.

She had to choose.

Lowering her lashes, she couldn't bear Edward's searching gaze any longer. "Yes. It's necessary. Divorce is better for both of us. More than that... I won't let my child grow up in a home where love between parents is absent." Her voice wavered. "Forgive my selfishness, but I won't endure this pain—nor subject my baby to it."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, defiance and sorrow warring in her glistening eyes.

For a year, she had weathered her marriage to Nathaniel without complaint. She had made her choice.

But his plan to co-parent with Isabella? That was a line she couldn't cross. Their unbreakable bond was what made her feel truly... betrayed.

Seeing her anguish, Edward sighed. He reached out, patting her shoulder with grandfatherly warmth. "Very well. If your mind is made, I won't stop you. But remember this—don't sever ties with the Martins completely, or I will hunt you down."

He deliberately avoided mentioning the child, not wanting her to think his concern was solely for the heir. Yet he couldn't resist adding, "No matter what happens between you and Nathaniel, you'll always be family. And that baby? They will always belong to the Martins."

They spoke a while longer before Evelyn left, her steps slow with the weight of her decision.

In the living room, Nathaniel, Richard, and Victoria were embroiled in their own tense discussion.

Richard crossed his arms. "What's your game? One day you're flaunting your marriage, the next you're planning a child. Nathaniel, this erratic behavior is raising alarms."

"Do I need a reason for you to believe me?" Nathaniel's voice was ice. He lounged on the sofa, his striking features devoid of warmth, his detachment chilling.