Chapter 185

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden streaks across her blueprints. She tapped her pen against the desk, lost in thought. The Pineview Villa project was nearing completion, but something felt off.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel.

"Dinner tonight? I have something to tell you."

Evelyn's fingers hovered over the screen. His tone was unreadable. Was it good news? Or was this about Isabella again?

She exhaled sharply. Ever since Isabella had reappeared, Nathaniel had been distant. Evelyn had tried to ignore it, but the tension was suffocating.

Her assistant, Gabrielle, knocked lightly on the door. "Evelyn, Gregory is here to see you."

Evelyn straightened. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in, his usual confident demeanor slightly frayed. "We have a problem."

Evelyn's stomach tightened. "What is it?"

"The investors for Pineview are pulling out."

"What?" She shot to her feet. "Why?"

Gregory ran a hand through his hair. "Rumors are circulating. They think the project is cursed after the last accident."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "That’s ridiculous. It was an isolated incident."

Gregory sighed. "I know. But perception is everything. We need to act fast."

Evelyn’s mind raced. If the investors backed out now, the entire project would collapse. And with it, her reputation.

Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Nathaniel.

"It’s important."

Evelyn gritted her teeth. She couldn’t deal with Nathaniel’s cryptic messages right now. Not when her career was on the line.

She grabbed her coat. "I’ll handle the investors. Set up a meeting."

Gregory nodded. "I’ll make the calls."

As Evelyn stormed out of the office, she barely noticed the curious glances from her colleagues. Her mind was a whirlwind of contingency plans.

But beneath the panic, one thought nagged at her.

What did Nathaniel want to tell her?

And why did she have a sinking feeling it would change everything?

Perhaps it had been too long since Nathaniel last touched Evelyn. Their last intimate moment had been that heated kiss in the car, and now, the second his lips met hers again, electricity surged through his veins.

Nathaniel lost control—just for a moment—forgetting they were still in the elevator.

The doors slid open.

A startled gasp echoed from outside. Evelyn jolted, her cheeks flushing crimson as she fisted Nathaniel’s shirt in her hands.

"Nathaniel, you—"

Her reaction was too obvious. Nathaniel noticed, but he didn’t care. His expression remained unreadable, his dark eyes unflinching as they locked onto her.

She was breathtaking like this—flushed, delicate, her tear-brightened eyes shimmering with something that sent a primal thrill through him.

He didn’t pull away.

But with people watching, Evelyn couldn’t take it. She shoved him back, ducked her head, and fled past the stunned onlookers, rushing straight to Charlotte’s hospital room and slamming the door behind her.

Nathaniel watched her go, a faint smirk tugging at his lips before he stepped out of the elevator, his usual composed mask sliding back into place.

Evelyn pressed her back against the closed door, her pulse still racing.

Charlotte blinked up at her from the bed. "What’s wrong? Did you see a ghost?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply, fanning her burning face. "I’ll order takeout."

Charlotte tilted her head. "You’re acting weird. What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, mentally cursing Nathaniel.

She didn’t leave the room again until Charlotte was discharged that afternoon.

Samuel arrived just as they were preparing to leave. He bowed slightly. "Mrs. Martin, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Martin sent me to assist you."

"No need," Evelyn said coolly.

Charlotte whispered, "Did Nathaniel figure me out already?"

Evelyn shot her a warning look.

Samuel hesitated. "Mrs. Martin, at least allow me to escort you downstairs."

Evelyn sighed. "Fine."

The three stepped into the elevator. Charlotte, still weak, leaned against Evelyn and murmured, "So that’s why you came back all flustered this morning. You ran into Nathaniel?"

Evelyn stayed silent.

Charlotte grinned. "What did he do to you?"

Evelyn’s jaw tightened.

"Did he kiss you? Your face is still red."

"Charlotte," Evelyn warned, her voice icy.

The elevator fell silent.

Samuel stood rigid at the front, barely breathing. The way Evelyn had just spoken—cold, commanding—sounded exactly like Nathaniel.

Couples really do start to resemble each other, he thought.