Chapter 148

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 into her palms. She had known this day would come—the day she would finally meet Nathaniel’s family properly, not as an outsider, but as his wife.

At her side, Nathaniel’s grip on her hand tightened, his warmth a silent reassurance. “Relax,” he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “They’ll love you.”

Evelyn wasn’t so sure.

The Martins were a dynasty, their influence stretching far beyond the glittering chandeliers and marble floors of their ancestral home. And she? She was just Evelyn Mitchell, an architect with a modest firm and a past that didn’t quite fit into their polished world.

“Ah, there you are.” Edward Martin, Nathaniel’s grandfather, approached with measured steps, his sharp gaze assessing her from head to toe.

Evelyn straightened her shoulders, forcing a polite smile. “Mr. Martin, it’s an honor.”

Edward’s lips twitched, though whether in amusement or disapproval, she couldn’t tell. “We’ll see about that.”

Before she could respond, Victoria Martin swept forward, her elegant gown whispering against the floor. “Evelyn, darling,” she said, her tone smooth as silk. “We’ve heard so much about you.”

Evelyn caught the subtle edge beneath the sweetness. She had dealt with enough high-society women to recognize a veiled challenge when she heard one.

“All good things, I hope,” she replied lightly.

Victoria’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course.”

Nathaniel’s father, Richard, remained silent, his expression unreadable as he studied her. It was clear where Nathaniel got his piercing stare.

Then, from the corner of the room, a familiar laugh rang out—one that sent a chill down Evelyn’s spine.

Isabella Davis.

Nathaniel’s ex.

Dressed in a sleek black gown that hugged every curve, Isabella sauntered over, her crimson lips curved in a smirk. “Evelyn,” she purred. “How… unexpected to see you here.”

Evelyn’s pulse quickened, but she refused to let her discomfort show. “Isabella. I didn’t realize you’d be joining us.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Isabella’s gaze flicked to Nathaniel, lingering just a second too long. “After all, family gatherings are always so… enlightening.”

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. “Isabella, this isn’t the time.”

She laughed, the sound like shattering glass. “Isn’t it?”

Evelyn felt the tension coil tighter, the room’s atmosphere shifting dangerously. She had known this wouldn’t be easy, but she hadn’t expected an ambush.

Then, from the doorway, a new voice cut through the tension.

“Well, isn’t this a delightful reunion?”

Everyone turned as Gregory Wilson, Evelyn’s business partner, strode in, his usual easy grin in place.

Evelyn blinked in surprise. “Gregory? What are you doing here?”

He winked. “Crashing the party, obviously.”

For the first time that evening, Evelyn felt a genuine smile tug at her lips.

But the relief was short-lived.

Because as Gregory stepped aside, another figure emerged—one that made Evelyn’s blood run cold.

Sebastian Wilson.

The man who had nearly destroyed her career.

His smirk was slow, deliberate. “Long time no see, Evelyn.”

The room seemed to tilt.

Nathaniel’s grip on her hand turned almost painful. “What the hell is he doing here?”

Sebastian spread his hands. “Just paying my respects to the happy couple.” His gaze locked onto Evelyn’s. “And offering a little… congratulations.”

Evelyn’s breath caught.

Because she knew—whatever game Sebastian was playing, it wasn’t over.

And this time, the stakes were higher than ever.

Evelyn stood frozen for a moment before nodding slowly. "Mrs. Victoria Martin, you're absolutely right."

"See how understanding Evelyn is," Victoria remarked, her tone polite but noticeably cooler than when she spoke to Sophia.

Nathaniel didn’t argue with his mother. Instead, he murmured, "Didn’t you have shopping to do?"

"Oh, right. My apologies—we should get going," Victoria said, taking Evelyn’s hand and leading her out of the boutique.

Once outside, she turned to Evelyn with an apologetic smile. "Darling, I didn’t mean to keep this from you. I just wanted Nathaniel to splurge a little today and treat us to something nice. Please don’t be upset with me."

Evelyn thought, With you phrasing it like that, how could I possibly stay angry?

"What would you like to buy?" she asked instead.

"Let’s browse first," Victoria replied, gesturing toward an upscale jewelry store nearby.

Victoria was renowned in elite circles as a connoisseur of fine jewelry, her collection boasting rare and exclusive pieces.

The moment they stepped inside, the staff recognized them immediately—especially Victoria, who was a distinguished VIP client.

"Mrs. Victoria Martin, we’ve reserved the jewelry set you inquired about. Would you like to see it now?" a sales associate greeted warmly.

Victoria nodded, and the three were escorted to the private VIP lounge.

The associate carefully unboxed the reserved item—a breathtaking diamond and emerald set that sparkled under the soft lighting.

Victoria’s eyes gleamed with approval. "I’ll take this set." Then she added, "Is my bracelet ready from maintenance?"

"It’s already been packaged for you. Shall we open it for inspection?" The associate swiftly produced another velvet box, revealing an exquisite emerald bracelet.

Victoria’s gaze shifted pointedly to Nathaniel. "I want this."

Nathaniel didn’t even blink. Then Victoria turned back to the associate. "What about the other bracelet I requested?"

The associate retrieved an ornate wooden box, lifting the lid to reveal an imperial green emerald bracelet of unparalleled clarity.

The gemstone’s icy translucence was mesmerizing, its rich hue intensified against the black velvet lining.

Handling it with reverence, the associate said, "This bracelet is exceptionally rare. Our master jewelers have never encountered emeralds of this quality before."

Victoria smiled enigmatically. After arranging payment for the jewelry set, she turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, do you like this bracelet?"

Evelyn had been admiring it since the moment the box opened. It was, without question, a masterpiece. "It’s stunning," she admitted.

"If it’s stunning and you love it, then it’s yours," Victoria declared.

"Mine?" Evelyn’s eyes widened. "Victoria, I couldn’t possibly—this should stay with you as an heirloom."

"It is an heirloom. My mother gave it to me as a wedding gift. Now, I’m passing it to you," Victoria said, handing the bracelet to Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, help Evelyn put it on."

Nathaniel took it, then extended his other hand toward Evelyn, waiting for hers.

But Evelyn hesitated. "Victoria, this doesn’t feel right. Something so precious should remain with you—or your daughter."

"Precious things are meant to be passed down. Don’t overthink it, darling. Truthfully, I should’ve given it to you sooner, but it was with Nathaniel’s sister overseas. She only just returned it to me," Victoria explained.

Evelyn knew Nathaniel had a sister who lived abroad, though they’d never met.

Still, she resisted. "Victoria, your daughter should have it. It’s too significant for me to accept."

"Evelyn," Victoria said firmly, "if you truly see me as your mother-in-law, then take it."

Oh no, emotional leverage, Evelyn thought.

Victoria turned to Nathaniel. "Don’t you think Evelyn should have this?"