Chapter 147

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Pineview Villa, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. Evelyn stretched lazily in bed, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, running a hand through her tousled hair. The weight of last night's argument still lingered in the air, unspoken but heavy. Nathaniel had been distant lately, ever since Isabella's unexpected return to the city.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory: "Meeting at 10. Don’t be late."

Evelyn groaned. She’d almost forgotten about the client presentation today. Throwing off the covers, she padded to the ensuite bathroom, the cool tiles soothing against her bare feet.

The shower did little to wash away her unease. As she towel-dried her hair, her gaze drifted to the framed photo on the dresser—her and Nathaniel on their honeymoon in Santorini, his arms wrapped around her waist, both of them laughing under the Mediterranean sun.

A sharp knock at the door startled her.

"Ma'am?" Alfred's voice filtered through. "Your car is ready."

"Thank you, Alfred. I’ll be down in five."

She dressed quickly, opting for a tailored navy pantsuit—professional yet elegant. As she fastened her pearl earrings, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Caroline:

"Heard about Isabella’s charity gala tonight. You’re still coming, right?"

Evelyn’s fingers hovered over the screen. She hadn’t discussed it with Nathaniel. Would he even want to go?

Swallowing hard, she typed back: "Of course. See you there."

Downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon rolls greeted her. Rosalind, their new chef, had outdone herself again.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martin," Rosalind chirped, setting a plate before her. "You look lovely today."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, though her appetite had vanished. She picked at the pastry, her mind racing.

The drive to the office was quiet. Too quiet. Evelyn stared out the window, watching the city blur past. Was Nathaniel avoiding her? Or was she just being paranoid?

Her phone buzzed a third time. A notification from The Daily Chronicle:

"Isabella Davis Returns: A Star’s Comeback and the Rumors Swirling Around Martin Group’s Heir."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. She swiped the notification away, but the damage was done.

By the time she reached the office, her hands were clammy. Gabrielle, her assistant, took one look at her and frowned.

"Everything okay?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just tired. Is the presentation ready?"

Gabrielle nodded. "All set. Gregory’s already in the conference room."

The meeting passed in a haze. Evelyn delivered her pitch flawlessly—years of practice made it second nature—but her mind was elsewhere.

Afterward, Gregory pulled her aside. "You were off today. What’s going on?"

She hesitated. "It’s nothing. Just... personal stuff."

He studied her for a moment, then sighed. "If you need to talk..."

"I know. Thanks."

Back at her desk, Evelyn stared at her computer screen, the words blurring together. She needed to focus. Needed to—

Her phone rang. Nathaniel’s name flashed across the screen.

Her heart leapt. "Hello?"

"Evelyn." His voice was strained. "We need to talk."

The line went dead before she could respond.

A cold dread settled in her chest. Whatever this was, it couldn’t be good.

And just like that, the fragile peace she’d been clinging to shattered.

The boutique was bathed in soft golden light when Evelyn spotted them—Margaret and Sophia. Dressed in an elegant silk dress that whispered of old money, Sophia offered a practiced smile. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Victoria Martin."

Her gaze flickered past Evelyn without acknowledgment before she leaned closer to Margaret, murmuring, "Mother, Mrs. Victoria Martin and Evelyn are here."

Margaret turned, her smile polished but hollow. "What a pleasant surprise. It’s been too long."

"Indeed. The city feels smaller these days," Victoria replied, her tone cordial yet cool.

After the obligatory exchange, Margaret’s voice sharpened. "Evelyn, where are your manners? Have you forgotten how to greet your own mother?"

Evelyn exhaled slowly, steadying herself. "Mother—"

Victoria smoothly cut in. "Margaret, don’t be too hard on her. I practically dragged Evelyn away from work today. Had I known you and Sophia were shopping, I’d have insisted she join you instead."

Margaret waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense. She’s fortunate to spend time with you. After all, she’s Nathaniel’s wife now. It’s only right."

A knowing smirk curved Victoria’s lips. "You’re overthinking it. Honestly, sometimes I feel more like her mother than you do. Evelyn is extraordinary. Nathaniel marrying her was the best thing to happen to our family. We adore her as if she were our own."

The warmth in Victoria’s voice was unmistakable, a stark contrast to Margaret’s stiff demeanor. The unspoken comparison hung in the air like a slap.

Margaret’s jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "Spoiling her will only make her ungrateful."

"Daughters should be spoiled," Victoria countered breezily, leaving no room for argument.

Sophia, ever the mediator, chimed in. "Mother, shouldn’t we be glad Mrs. Martin cares for Evelyn so deeply? More love is always a blessing, isn’t it?"

Margaret relented, though her smile didn’t reach her eyes. She turned to Evelyn. "Just remember—no matter how much Victoria dotes on you, you’re still a wife first. Respect and humility are paramount."

Evelyn’s fingers twitched at her side. She met Sophia’s gaze across the room, their silent standoff devoid of warmth.

Before Evelyn could respond, Victoria squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Margaret, you worry too much. Evelyn treats me with nothing but kindness. She even insisted on treating me to lunch earlier. We’re the lucky ones to have her."

Margaret paled, her retort dying on her lips as a familiar baritone voice cut through the tension.

"What’s going on here?"

Evelyn stiffened. Before she could turn, Nathaniel was beside her, his cedarwood scent enveloping her like a shield.

Sophia’s smile turned saccharine. "Nathaniel, what a lovely coincidence."

He gave her a curt nod before acknowledging Margaret with equal indifference.

Margaret, however, brightened unnaturally. "Nathaniel! How wonderful to see you!"

Nathaniel remained impassive, offering no reply.

Victoria arched a brow. "Sophia, dear, mind your smiles. He’s your sister’s husband. Boundaries matter."