Chapter 144

The moment Evelyn stepped into the grand hall of the Martin estate, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made her fingers curl instinctively around the strap of her purse.

Nathaniel stood by the fireplace, his expression unreadable. The flickering flames cast shadows across his sharp features, making him look even more imposing than usual.

"Evelyn," he said, his voice low but firm. "We need to talk."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "About what?"

Isabella chose that exact moment to make her entrance. Dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, she sauntered in with a smirk. "Oh, don’t stop on my account," she purred, her gaze flickering between them.

Evelyn clenched her jaw. She had known this confrontation was coming, but she hadn’t expected it to happen like this—not with Isabella watching, clearly enjoying every second of it.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "Not now, Isabella."

Isabella merely shrugged, leaning against the doorway. "Fine. But you can’t avoid the truth forever, Nathaniel."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. What truth? What was she missing?

Gregory, who had been standing quietly near the window, finally spoke up. "Evelyn, maybe we should step outside."

She shook her head. "No. Whatever this is, I want to hear it now."

Nathaniel’s eyes darkened. "It’s about the project. There’s been a complication."

Evelyn frowned. "What kind of complication?"

Before he could answer, Samuel hurried into the room, his face pale. "Sir, we have a problem. The investors are pulling out."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Evelyn’s stomach twisted. This couldn’t be happening. Not after everything they’d worked for.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "Why?"

Samuel hesitated, then glanced at Isabella. "They’ve been approached with another offer. A more... lucrative one."

Evelyn’s breath hitched. She turned to Nathaniel, searching his face for answers. "Did you know about this?"

His silence was answer enough.

Isabella smirked. "Looks like you’re not the only one with connections, Evelyn."

The words were like a slap. Evelyn took a step back, her mind racing. This wasn’t just about the project anymore. This was about trust. And right now, hers was hanging by a thread.

Nathaniel reached for her, but she sidestepped him. "I need some air," she muttered before turning on her heel and walking out.

The cool evening breeze did little to calm the storm inside her. She had trusted Nathaniel with everything—her heart, her career, her future. And now? Now she wasn’t sure of anything.

As she stood there, staring at the sprawling gardens, one thought echoed in her mind: What else was he hiding?

Victoria nodded in comprehension, though she had an inkling this individual might prove challenging. Still, she held her tongue, unwilling to complicate matters for Evelyn.

When she stepped into Evelyn’s office, Evelyn immediately stood to welcome her. "Victoria, from now on, just come straight up. No need to wait downstairs. If I’m busy, you can relax here until I’m free."

"Can I visit often?"

"Of course."

"Evelyn, you’re the best." Victoria’s smile was radiant, her affection unmistakable—even to Gabrielle, who stood nearby.

Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law didn’t have to be adversaries—not if they got along.

Gabrielle, sensing the moment was private, murmured, "Ms. Mitchell, Mrs. Martin, I’ll leave you to chat. I’ll be outside if you need anything."

"Thank you," Victoria replied politely.

Once the door clicked shut, Victoria unpacked the pastries she’d brought. "I shared some with the team downstairs, but I saved your favorites. Sit, try them."

Evelyn obliged, accepting the slice of cake.

Victoria glanced around the office, admiration softening her features. "Evelyn, you’re remarkable. Am I the first family member to visit you here?"

She likely was.

Nathaniel’s last visit hadn’t exactly been social.

Evelyn nodded. "Yes."

"Then I’m honored." Victoria’s voice warmed. "You’re extraordinary, Evelyn. A woman with her own career—that’s perfection."

Evelyn chuckled. "Victoria, if you keep flattering me, I might start believing it."

"Every word is true. Do you think I’d lie?"

"Never. I know you mean it."

Evelyn took another bite of cake.

Truthfully, she wasn’t fond of sweets, but she indulged out of appreciation for Victoria’s thoughtfulness.

As Evelyn resumed work, Victoria occupied herself quietly, observing the younger woman’s focus with quiet pride.

Then, an idea struck.

Victoria discreetly raised her phone, recording Evelyn’s concentrated expression before sending the clip to Nathaniel.

"Your wife is working hard. I never realized how captivating a woman looks when she’s absorbed in her craft, Nathaniel. If you weren’t my son, I’d say she’s out of your league."

A mother’s honesty was brutal.

She snapped a few more photos, adding: "If you let a woman like this slip away, you’ll regret it for life. Don’t come crying to me later."

After sending the media, Victoria stopped. Getting caught would be awkward, and she didn’t want Nathaniel blaming her if things backfired.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel remained oblivious to his mother’s lack of faith in him. He stared at the images on his phone, jaw tight. After a long pause, he typed: "There are no ‘ifs.’"

Victoria rolled her eyes and fired back: "Nathaniel, don’t be overconfident. A woman like Evelyn has admirers. That Gregory from her firm? He’s a serious contender. He wasn’t exactly warm to me—because of you. Tread carefully."

A mother’s warning.

Nathaniel scoffed, replying: "You think he’s a threat to me?"