Chapter 145

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden streaks across her drafting table. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she reviewed the final blueprints for the Martin Group's latest project. The weight of responsibility pressed on her shoulders, but she refused to let it show.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called.

The door swung open, revealing Gabrielle, her assistant, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this," Gabrielle said with a knowing smile.

Evelyn accepted it gratefully. "You're a lifesaver."

Gabrielle hesitated, then added, "Nathaniel called earlier. He said he’d be late for dinner tonight—another emergency meeting."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the cup. "Again?"

Gabrielle nodded sympathetically. "He asked if you could meet him at the penthouse later."

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Fine. I’ll wrap things up here first."

As Gabrielle left, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. A message from Isabella flashed on the screen:

"We need to talk. It’s urgent."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t spoken to Isabella since the gala incident, and the last thing she wanted was another confrontation. But something in Isabella’s tone made her hesitate.

She typed a quick reply: "About what?"

The response was immediate. "Nathaniel. And the truth you don’t know."

Evelyn’s pulse quickened. What truth?

Before she could reply, another message popped up—this time from Nathaniel: "Don’t believe anything she says. I’ll explain everything tonight."

Evelyn stared at the conflicting messages, her mind racing. What game was Isabella playing now? And why was Nathaniel so quick to dismiss her?

She set her phone down, her earlier exhaustion replaced by a surge of restless energy. Whatever was coming, she wouldn’t back down.

But first, she had a meeting with Gregory Wilson.

Pushing her chair back, Evelyn grabbed her blazer and strode out of the office, determination hardening her features.

Tonight, she would get answers—one way or another.

Evelyn mused to herself, He might not be concerned, but he certainly isn’t treating this with the gravity it deserves.

She didn’t respond to Nathaniel because Victoria had just finished her tasks and was gathering her things. Glancing at Evelyn, she asked, "Evelyn, have you decided where we’re eating?"

Evelyn nodded. "Let’s get steak. We women deserve a little indulgence too."

The phrase we women made Victoria smirk. Evelyn really knows how to keep things lively.

"Alright, whatever you prefer," Victoria agreed.

Hand in hand, they left the office. Evelyn paused to tell Gabrielle, "I might not return this afternoon. If anything urgent comes up, contact Mr. Wilson."

Gabrielle gave a quick nod.

As they passed Gregory’s office, Evelyn turned to Victoria. "Wait here a moment."

"Of course," Victoria replied.

Evelyn knocked on Gregory’s door. "Gregory, I’m heading out. Call me if anything needs attention."

"Go ahead, drive safely," Gregory said with a warm smile, his tone soft.

Evelyn returned the smile before rejoining Victoria.

In the elevator, Victoria casually ventured, "Evelyn, is that Gregory… your business partner?"

Evelyn nodded absently. "We’ve known each other for years. Good friends, too."

"Oh," Victoria murmured.

Nathaniel is being far too careless. How does he expect to compete like this?

She pressed further. "Does he have a girlfriend?"

Evelyn blinked, studying Victoria’s expression. "Not that I know of."

"Still single?" Victoria echoed, her smile tightening slightly.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Victoria, is there something you want to ask?"

Victoria shook her head. "Just thinking—he seems like a great guy. It’s a shame if he’s unattached. I know plenty of single women. Maybe I could introduce someone? What do you think?"

Evelyn exhaled. "I wouldn’t, Victoria. If it’s meant to happen, it will. Forcing it might make things awkward. Let’s leave it be, alright?"

"Fine, just a passing thought. Don’t overthink it."

"Good."

They drove to an upscale bistro.

Victoria had reserved a table by the window.

Once seated, Evelyn slid the menu toward her. "Why don’t you order?"

"What are you craving?"

"Anything’s fine."

Victoria requested two bowls of corn chowder, a salmon salad, two steaks, and dessert.

Then Evelyn added, "One steak well-done."

The waiter hesitated. "Are you certain?"

"Absolutely."

He nodded and left.

Steak was usually best medium-rare. Well-done was… unusual.

Evelyn explained, "My stomach’s been sensitive lately. I need it fully cooked."

"No problem. Your comfort matters most," Victoria assured her.

Just then, Victoria’s phone buzzed.

She checked the screen and grinned. "Hello? What’s up?"

Her voice was sweet, laced with familiarity.

Evelyn couldn’t hear the response, but Victoria replied, "I’m at lunch. What do you need?"