Chapter 184

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, illuminating the blueprints spread across her desk. Her fingers traced the intricate lines of the latest project—a luxury resort that could redefine Martin Group's portfolio. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders, but she welcomed it.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn?" Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn straightened, smoothing her blouse. "Send him in."

Gregory Wilson strode in, his usual confident demeanor laced with something unreadable. He dropped a file onto her desk. "We have a problem."

She flipped it open, scanning the contents. Her stomach twisted. "This can't be right. The zoning permits were approved weeks ago."

"Apparently, Summit Realty filed an objection," Gregory said grimly. "Sebastian Wilson is pulling strings."

Evelyn's jaw tightened. Sebastian had been a thorn in her side since the beginning. "We need to act fast. If this delays construction, Nathaniel will—"

"Already knows," a deep voice cut in.

She turned to see Nathaniel leaning against the doorframe, his expression unreadable. The air between them crackled with tension.

Gregory cleared his throat. "I'll leave you two to discuss." He slipped out, closing the door behind him.

Evelyn exhaled. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." Nathaniel pushed off the door and approached, his gaze intense. "Why didn't you tell me Summit was causing trouble again?"

"Because I can handle it." She met his stare, refusing to back down.

His lips thinned. "This isn't just about the project, Evelyn. It's about us."

She blinked. "What?"

"You've been shutting me out." His voice softened, but the hurt was unmistakable. "I thought we were partners."

The accusation stung. She looked away, fingers curling into fists. "I didn't want to burden you with more problems."

Nathaniel cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "You're never a burden."

Her breath hitched. For a moment, the world narrowed to just them. Then her phone buzzed, shattering the moment.

She glanced at the screen—Isabella Davis.

Nathaniel's hand dropped. "You should get that."

Evelyn hesitated, but duty won. She answered. "Isabella?"

"Evelyn," Isabella's voice was sharp. "We need to talk. Alone."

Her pulse quickened. "About what?"

"About the past. And what it means for your future."

The line went dead.

Nathaniel watched her, his expression unreadable. "What did she want?"

Evelyn swallowed. "I don't know. But I think we're about to find out."

The weight of impending chaos settled over them. Whatever Isabella had planned, it wouldn't be good. And this time, Evelyn wasn't sure she could face it alone.

The elevator doors didn't close fast enough. Just as they were about to seal shut, a large hand shot out, blocking them. Nathaniel stepped inside, his imposing frame immediately cornering Evelyn against the wall.

The doors slid closed with a final click, muffling Isabella's distant cry of, "Nathaniel—!"

But Nathaniel wasn't listening. His dark eyes were locked onto Evelyn, his expression unreadable, voice dangerously low. "Evelyn. Why are you running?"

Evelyn met his gaze with equal frost. She pressed herself harder against the elevator wall, as if she could melt into it. Every inch of her screamed to put distance between them.

His jaw tightened at her reaction. "I asked you a question. Are you ignoring me now?"

She pressed her lips together, refusing to look at him. But he was too close—his breath warm against her skin, his presence suffocating. His stare burned through her, making her pulse race uncomfortably.

Evelyn swallowed. "I wasn’t running. And I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just going to the cafeteria for soup. I didn’t expect to walk in on your... intimate conversation with Ms. Davis. If that bothers you, I can apologize."

Her hand instinctively moved to shield her stomach. To Nathaniel, it was a rejection. His eyes darkened, the air between them turning glacial.

In one swift motion, he cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. He leaned in, his breath teasing her lips, making her shiver. "You think that was intimate?"

"Wasn’t it?"

"Are you upset because of what Isabella said?"

"No." Why would I be? Evelyn thought bitterly. I stopped caring long ago.

From the sting of betrayal to the numbness of acceptance—she was past anger now.

Nathaniel scoffed. "You can’t even admit you’re angry. Since when did you become such a coward?"

"I told you—I’m not angry. What right do I have to be? What you do with Isabella is your business. But Nathaniel, let me make one thing clear—even if you promised her I’d bear a child for you to raise, I won’t. I never agreed to that, and I never will."

His frown deepened. "You think this is about her?"

"Isn’t it? Because of you, Isabella can never be a mother. And now, suddenly, you won’t divorce me, you’re forcing me to stay—all for her. You’d give her anything because you love her. But you don’t get to build your happiness on my suffering."

"So that’s why you moved out?"

"This isn’t about the apartment. I left because there’s no point in pretending anymore. We are getting divorced."

Nathaniel’s expression turned thunderous. His grip on her tightened. "Evelyn, the way you talk—it infuriates me. You’re much more tolerable when you’re silent."

Her eyes flashed. She jerked her head away, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, he tilted her face up and crushed his lips against hers in a searing kiss.