Chapter 177

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her blueprints. She rubbed her temples, trying to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Nathaniel.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Gregory.

"Meeting in fifteen. Summit Realty wants revisions."

Evelyn sighed. Another round of negotiations with Sebastian Wilson. The man was relentless.

She grabbed her tablet and headed to the conference room. The air was thick with tension as she entered. Gregory shot her a sympathetic look, while Jonathan Blake from Summit Realty leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

Sebastian smirked. "Miss Mitchell, always a pleasure."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Let's get straight to the point. What changes do you want this time?"

Sebastian tapped his fingers on the table. "The client wants a more modern aesthetic. Less wood, more glass."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. "That contradicts the entire vision we agreed on."

Jonathan shrugged. "Market trends change."

Before she could respond, her phone rang. Nathaniel’s name flashed on the screen.

She excused herself and stepped into the hallway. "Nathaniel?"

His voice was tense. "Evelyn, we need to talk. It's about Isabella."

Her stomach twisted. "What about her?"

A pause. Then, "She's back in town."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. Isabella Davis—Nathaniel's first love, the woman who had once shattered his heart.

And now, she was back.

Evelyn took a shaky breath. "When?"

"Last night. She called me."

The world around her seemed to blur. She barely registered Gregory calling her name from the conference room.

Nathaniel continued, his voice low. "I need to see you. Tonight."

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Okay."

She ended the call, her mind racing. Isabella’s return could only mean trouble.

And Evelyn wasn’t sure she was ready for what came next.

Back in the conference room, Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright, Miss Mitchell?"

Evelyn straightened her shoulders. "Let’s finish this."

But her thoughts were already miles away—on Nathaniel, on Isabella, and on the storm that was about to hit her carefully constructed world.

Evelyn pondered silently, Did he personally tell me? No, not really.

She pressed her lips together, lost in thought. But is there really any difference between what Nathaniel did and telling me directly?

Charlotte, as if reading her mind, spoke up. "Evelyn, haven't you always trusted what you see and hear? Don’t tell me you’ve lost your judgment just because it’s Nathaniel we're talking about."

Evelyn blinked, her gaze momentarily clouded with uncertainty. But deep down, she already knew the answer.

A small smile curved her lips. "I understand."

"Good. So, where to now?"

"Let’s go. I’m treating you to dinner."

Evelyn pulled up the navigation on her phone and typed in the name of a restaurant. Charlotte drove them straight there.

Tonight’s choice was The Scarlet, one of Mayby’s most exclusive restaurants, renowned for its impeccable cuisine. Even Nathaniel, with his discerning palate, had praised it before.

Evelyn had reserved a private booth earlier that morning and pre-ordered their signature dishes.

The two friends chatted over dinner, the meal stretching leisurely over two hours.

When they finished, Evelyn stepped out to settle the bill. Charlotte didn’t insist on splitting it this time. But as Evelyn walked into the hallway, she nearly collided with Thomas.

"What a surprise!" she greeted.

"Indeed!" Thomas waved, excusing himself briefly from the man beside him before approaching her. "Got a minute to talk?"

Evelyn hesitated only slightly. "Of course."

They moved toward a quieter spot near the balcony. Thomas asked casually, "Dining with friends?"

"Yes. Charlotte’s visiting from out of town, so I’m showing her around."

"Nice choice," Thomas remarked with a light smile. Then, leaning against the railing, he got straight to the point. "Nathaniel’s birthday is coming up. I was thinking of arranging something at a countryside resort—great atmosphere, not too far from the city. What do you think?"

He laid out his plans in detail, watching her reaction carefully.

His earnestness made Evelyn feel a flicker of pressure. She kept her tone neutral. "Sounds lovely. I’m sure Nathaniel will appreciate it."

"Since you agree, I’ll go ahead with the arrangements. If you have any suggestions, just let me know. I figured I’d handle it this year since you’re both busy, and I’ve had some free time lately."

Evelyn nodded politely.

Then Thomas studied her, his expression turning serious. "Evelyn… you’ll be there, won’t you?"

She froze, meeting his gaze. "I…"

The truth was, given the current state of her relationship with Nathaniel, she wasn’t sure if her presence would be appropriate.

Still, she had already prepared a gift—one that might mark their last birthday together as a couple.

She had assumed Nathaniel would keep it low-key, perhaps just a family dinner at the Martin estate. With Edward, Richard, and Victoria around, it wouldn’t feel awkward. The gift would just be… a gesture. Nothing more.

But now Thomas was suggesting a resort getaway. Logically, as his wife, she should attend. But…

Evelyn bit her lip lightly before asking, "Would it make things uncomfortable if I went?"