Chapter 179

The tension in the room was suffocating. Evelyn clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she faced Nathaniel. His stormy gray eyes held a coldness she hadn’t seen in months.

"You knew," she whispered, her voice trembling. "All this time, you knew."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "It wasn’t that simple, Evelyn."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Of course it wasn’t. Nothing ever is with you."

The revelation had shattered her. Isabella’s sudden reappearance wasn’t a coincidence—it was orchestrated. And Nathaniel had been aware of it. The betrayal cut deeper than she expected.

Across the room, Gregory cleared his throat. "Evelyn, maybe we should—"

"No." She held up a hand, silencing him. "I need answers. Now."

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "Fine. But not here."

He reached for her arm, but she jerked away. "Don’t touch me."

The pain in his eyes was fleeting, quickly replaced by frustration. "Then where?"

Evelyn hesitated. The penthouse, their home, no longer felt safe. Every corner held memories now tainted by lies.

"Somewhere neutral," she finally said. "The café by the river."

Nathaniel nodded curtly. "One hour."

As he strode out, the door slammed behind him, the sound echoing through the silent room. Evelyn sank into a chair, her legs suddenly weak.

Gregory approached cautiously. "You okay?"

She shook her head. "No. But I will be."

Her phone buzzed—a message from Caroline. Call me when you can. It’s urgent.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. What now?

She glanced at the clock. Fifty-five minutes until she faced Nathaniel again. Fifty-five minutes to gather the strength to hear the truth—no matter how much it hurt.

The game had changed. And this time, she wouldn’t let him dictate the rules.

Nathaniel's response was measured. "Alexander is aware of the situation. Given his prior interactions with Mrs. Bennett, he has no objections to Charlotte maintaining a friendship with her."

"Since when does he have a say in this?" Isabella's gaze turned icy as she glared at Samuel, her displeasure evident.

Samuel quickly corrected himself. "My apologies. That was poorly phrased."

"Enough. Focus on monitoring Charlotte and Evelyn for now. If Evelyn dares to drag Charlotte into her mess, find a way to notify the Prescott family to retrieve her immediately."

"Understood, sir."

Samuel gave a curt nod.

The night passed uneventfully, but by morning, Isabella was on the phone with Nathaniel again.

Her voice trembled with feigned distress. "Nathaniel, the hospital results came back. My mother’s condition is worse than we thought. The doctors are recommending a heart transplant. Without it, she’ll only deteriorate further."

Her choked sobs made Nathaniel’s jaw tighten slightly. His reply was detached. "If the doctors recommend a transplant, then proceed with it."

"You’re right. But, Nathaniel, I’m unfamiliar with the hospital procedures, and there’s so much to arrange. I hate to ask, but… could you help me?"

"Samuel will handle anything the hospital requires. The Martin Group has critical projects underway, so I won’t be available in person. Is that acceptable?"

Isabella forced a smile into her voice. "Of course, work comes first. I’ll coordinate with Samuel if anything arises. But…"

"But?"

"My mother has been asking for you. She’s frightened—being in the hospital at her age is unsettling. She’d feel so much better if she could see you. Nathaniel, if you have even a moment to spare, could you visit?"

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Nathaniel’s voice, cool and unreadable, broke it. "If time permits, I’ll stop by."

"Thank you! She’ll be overjoyed. I truly appreciate this, Nathaniel."

"Don’t mention it."

His tone remained indifferent, his expression unreadable. Only after ending the call did he set his phone down, his sharp features hardening with quiet suspicion.

Back at the hospital, Isabella slipped her phone into her pocket and returned to the private ward. Samuel had just completed the admission paperwork and entered with a respectful nod.

"Ms. Davis, I’ve contacted the specialists. We’ll proceed with the transplant as soon as a donor match is confirmed."

Isabella’s response was flat. "Fine."

Samuel’s brow furrowed slightly, but he maintained his professionalism. Turning to Sean and Wanda, he added, "Please rest for now. Lunch has been arranged and will arrive shortly."

Wanda offered a frail smile. "Thank you."

"It’s my duty." Samuel then addressed Isabella. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to the office."

"Wait." Isabella’s voice was sharp. "Find someone to keep my mother company—she needs distraction. And since Nathaniel instructed me to go through you, tell me… has he been truly occupied with work lately?"

The implication was clear.

Samuel met her gaze evenly. "Ms. Davis, Mr. Martin’s schedule is confidential. I’m not at liberty to disclose it."

Isabella’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Samuel, must you be so difficult? Once I marry Nathaniel, your position will depend on my goodwill. Wouldn’t it be wiser to start proving your loyalty now?"

Her threat hung in the air, unsubtle and venomous.