Chapter 170

The moment Evelyn stepped into the grand hall of the Martin estate, the weight of Nathaniel’s absence pressed heavily on her. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the marble floors, but the opulence felt hollow without him by her side.

She tightened her grip on her clutch, her nails digging into the soft leather. The last time she had been here, Nathaniel had held her hand, his warmth a silent reassurance. Now, she was alone, facing the storm brewing within the Martin family.

"Evelyn," a familiar voice called. She turned to see Edward Martin, Nathaniel’s grandfather, standing at the top of the staircase. His sharp eyes, though aged, still held the same commanding presence. "I’ve been expecting you."

She forced a polite smile. "Mr. Martin."

He descended the stairs with measured steps, his cane tapping lightly against the marble. "I assume you’re here about Nathaniel."

Evelyn’s pulse quickened. "Yes. I need to know where he is."

Edward studied her for a long moment before sighing. "Come with me."

He led her to his private study, where the scent of aged books and polished wood filled the air. The moment the door closed behind them, Evelyn couldn’t hold back any longer.

"Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me what’s going on."

Edward leaned against his desk, his expression unreadable. "Nathaniel has been called away on urgent family business. He didn’t have a choice."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. "What kind of business?"

"One that requires discretion," Edward replied cryptically.

She clenched her fists. "That’s not an answer."

For the first time, Edward’s stern façade cracked slightly. "Evelyn, you must understand—there are forces at play here that even Nathaniel can’t control. He left to protect you."

Her breath hitched. "Protect me from what?"

Before Edward could respond, the door burst open. Isabella stood there, her designer dress immaculate, her lips curled into a smirk.

"Well, well," she drawled. "If it isn’t the little architect, snooping where she doesn’t belong."

Evelyn stiffened. "Isabella."

Isabella sauntered in, her heels clicking against the floor. "Did Nathaniel not tell you? He and I have some unfinished business."

Edward’s voice cut in sharply. "That’s enough, Isabella."

But Isabella ignored him, stepping closer to Evelyn. "Face it, darling. You were just a distraction. Nathaniel always comes back to me."

Evelyn’s chest burned with anger, but she refused to let it show. "If that were true, you wouldn’t be here trying to convince me."

Isabella’s smirk faltered.

Edward cleared his throat. "Evelyn, I suggest you leave. Now."

She held Isabella’s gaze for a moment longer before turning to Edward. "Tell Nathaniel I’m not waiting around for answers."

With that, she walked out, her head held high. But the moment she stepped outside, her resolve crumbled.

Where was Nathaniel? And why did it feel like the walls of the Martin estate were closing in on her?

As she got into her car, her phone buzzed. An unknown number.

Her fingers trembled as she opened the message:

"If you want to see Nathaniel again, come alone. Midnight. The old docks."

Her heart stopped.

This wasn’t just family business.

This was a trap.

Nathaniel's brows furrowed as he spoke coolly, "Excluding travel time and freshening up, you've barely been back an hour. Is she truly asleep?"

"Mr. Martin, do you honestly believe I'd lie to you?" Charlotte arched a brow, her tone composed. "Even if she were awake, you should maintain your distance. After all, you're in the middle of a divorce."

At the mention of divorce, Nathaniel's striking features darkened, his expression turning icy.

His gaze pinned Charlotte as he replied flatly, "This is between Evelyn and me. That divorce was her unilateral decision—I never agreed to it."

"Considering you've already met Isabella's parents, isn't that crossing a line?" Charlotte crossed her arms. "Besides, Evelyn is free to date whoever she pleases now."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Charlotte remained unfazed. "Just stating facts. Surely you're not offended?"

"Either you bring Evelyn out here, or I go in."

"I told you—she's showering. You should leave."

"Are you her keeper?"

His voice dripped with disdain. Her sharp tongue grated on his nerves.

Internally, he resolved to distance Evelyn from Charlotte. The last thing he needed was her picking up bad influences.

Unaware of his thoughts, Charlotte shrugged. "Evelyn and I are best friends. Now, if you don’t mind? It's late, and I still need to introduce her to potential suitors. Given your impending divorce, she’ll want options."

Every word was a deliberate jab, and Charlotte made no effort to soften them.

Nathaniel's voice turned glacial. "Are you encouraging bigamy? I’m starting to question if you’re her friend or her enemy."

"You—!"

"Evelyn." He cut Charlotte off, his attention shifting to the bedroom door. "Either I come in, or you come out."

His tone brooked no argument.

Charlotte opened her mouth to retort, but Evelyn emerged just then.

Having overheard everything, Evelyn moved to stand beside Charlotte, both women effectively blocking the doorway. She met Nathaniel’s gaze evenly. "Can this wait until tomorrow? It’s not that late, but it’s hardly appropriate with company here."

"Then step out. We’ll talk elsewhere."

His voice was calm, but his jaw was tight.

Evelyn sighed. "What’s so urgent? Is it about what I saw earlier—you and Isabella at the restaurant?" A faint, detached smile touched her lips. "If so, save your breath. That’s between you two."

"Evelyn." His voice dropped, rough and low. "Come out. Now."

She didn’t budge.

Charlotte smirked. "Mr. Martin, she’s made herself clear. Must you force the issue? After everything, you should be hiding in shame, not harassing her."

Evelyn squeezed Charlotte’s wrist in warning.

Nathaniel’s gaze never left Evelyn. "Is that really how you feel?"