Chapter 149

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints as she made last-minute adjustments to the resort project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp scent of tracing paper.

A soft knock interrupted her concentration. "Come in," she called without looking up.

Gabrielle, her assistant, stepped inside with a tablet in hand. "Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Wilson is here to see you. He says it's urgent."

Evelyn's pencil paused mid-stroke. Gregory never visited unannounced. "Send him in."

Gregory entered with uncharacteristic haste, his usually impeccable suit slightly rumpled. "We have a problem," he said, dropping a folder on her desk. "Summit Realty just filed an injunction against our waterfront development."

"What?" Evelyn snatched the documents, scanning the legal jargon rapidly. Her stomach twisted. "This can't be right. We cleared all the zoning approvals months ago."

"Sebastian Wilson is claiming historical preservation rights," Gregory explained, running a hand through his hair. "He's got the mayor's office backing him."

Evelyn's phone buzzed. Nathaniel's name flashed on the screen. She answered immediately. "Did you hear—"

"I just got off the phone with our legal team," Nathaniel's voice was tight with controlled anger. "Meet me at Martin Group headquarters in thirty minutes. We're declaring war."

The line went dead. Evelyn exchanged a look with Gregory. Neither needed to voice what they both knew—this wasn't just business. Sebastian had crossed a line, and Nathaniel Martin never backed down from a fight.

As Evelyn gathered her things, her gaze fell on the framed photo on her desk—her and Nathaniel laughing at their wedding reception. She touched the glass lightly. Whatever storm was coming, they'd face it together.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal Nathaniel waiting in the lobby, his sharp navy suit doing little to soften his predatory stance. When their eyes met, Evelyn saw the same fierce determination mirrored in his gaze that burned in her chest.

"Ready?" he asked, offering his arm.

Evelyn took it without hesitation. "Always."

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression softening as he gazed at Evelyn. His voice was low, barely above a whisper. "If that's what you believe."

"See? Nathaniel agrees. Evelyn, just accept it, won't you?" Victoria beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Evelyn hesitated, her fingers brushing against the hem of Nathaniel's sleeve. She leaned in slightly, her voice a quiet plea. "Nathaniel, please… tell your mother I really shouldn’t take this."

They were in the middle of a divorce, after all. Accepting such a gift would only complicate things further.

But Nathaniel’s grip tightened around her wrist, his touch firm yet gentle. "If Mom wants you to have it, then take it. She has plenty more where that came from."

Before Evelyn could protest, he slid the bracelet onto her slender wrist. The delicate gold links contrasted sharply with her cool, understated elegance, creating a striking harmony between classic sophistication and modern simplicity.

Victoria clapped her hands together in delight. "Evelyn, now that you’ve accepted my gift, I’m afraid I must impose on you and your husband for a favor."

She emphasized the word husband with a playful smirk, making Evelyn’s cheeks flush. Nathaniel, fully aware of the tension between them, merely smirked in response, playing along.

Evelyn shot him a questioning glance, but his expression gave nothing away.

Just then, Victoria cleared her throat. "Oh dear, I just remembered—I have plans with an old friend. Nathaniel, hand me your keys. I’ll take your car. Evelyn, you can drive him home later. And don’t forget to settle the bill!"

Without waiting for a response, she swept out of the room, leaving Evelyn gaping after her.

Evelyn made to follow, but Nathaniel caught her wrist. "Where do you think you’re going?"

"I—"

"Evelyn," he murmured, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do you truly despise being near me that much? Have I made you so uncomfortable?"

His piercing gaze bore into hers, stirring something deep and unnameable within her.

She pressed her lips together, refusing to answer.

Nathaniel’s grip tightened imperceptibly. "Answer me, Evelyn. Do you really hate seeing me this much?"

A beat of silence passed before she met his eyes. "Nathaniel, you know exactly where we stand. Yet you still insisted I take this bracelet. You’re making me feel guilty—like I’m betraying Victoria’s kindness."

"So you think I’m forcing you?" His voice turned icy. "It’s just a bracelet. If you don’t want it, then don’t take it. Why make it so complicated?"

"Do you honestly believe this is just about a bracelet?"

The unspoken weight between them was suffocating. The bracelet wasn’t just a gift—it was a symbol, a reminder of everything they were losing.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her eyes flashing with quiet defiance. Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening. "If you don’t want it, give it back to Mom. I doubt she’d force you to keep it the way you’re accusing me of doing."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away.

Evelyn watched him go, her chest aching with an inexplicable heaviness. He hadn’t even let her drive him home. Their relationship had frozen over once again.

Was I wrong? she wondered, staring at the bracelet.

Nathaniel had said she could return it anytime, but how could she face Victoria after this?

Meanwhile, whispers of Evelyn’s divorce petition had spread. Isabella had caught wind of it, her lips curling in satisfaction.

But beneath her triumph, doubt lingered. Is Evelyn really ready to let go… or is this just another game?

Her delicate features darkened as she murmured to herself, "Well, now that the idea’s out there… I might as well make sure it sticks."