Chapter 190

Evelyn glanced at her phone, then turned it off and rose from the couch. She slipped away to the bathroom unnoticed.

The living room buzzed with laughter and warmth, but Evelyn didn’t linger when she returned. Instead, she stepped outside into the garden, settling onto the swing beneath the afternoon sun. Closing her eyes, she let the gentle sway lull her into a drowsy calm.

The quiet was interrupted by soft footsteps. Isabella stood a few paces away, her gaze sharp and unrelenting.

Evelyn’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Isabella’s cold stare. Without hesitation, she stood, ready to retreat inside.

Isabella blocked her path, lips curling into a smirk. "Evelyn, how shameless of you to show up for Nathaniel’s birthday. Didn’t you hear what was said at the hospital? Even he admitted he only married you for a child. Are you really this delusional?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "And?"

Isabella’s confidence wavered slightly. "You can’t possibly think a baby will make him love you."

A dry laugh escaped Evelyn. "Is that what you’re afraid of? That a child will tie him to me permanently?"

"Don’t be ridiculous," Isabella snapped, though her eyes flickered away. "Nathaniel would never fall for you."

The words stung, but Evelyn refused to let it show. She tilted her head, feigning amusement. "Are you sure about that?"

By afternoon, the gathering had moved to the backyard for a barbecue. Thomas, ever the entertainer, manned the grill with exaggerated flair. "A small token of gratitude for Nathaniel putting up with me all these years," he announced, earning chuckles from the group.

Evelyn picked at her food, careful not to overeat. Isabella noticed immediately.

"Not hungry, Evelyn?" she purred, loud enough for others to hear. "Or is the food not to your taste?"

All eyes turned to Evelyn.

She smiled sweetly. "How attentive of you, Isabella. Have you been watching me this closely?"

Isabella stiffened. "I just happened to notice."

"Really?" Evelyn’s tone was light, but her gaze was razor-sharp. "Then you must also know I’ve been savoring every bite. But thank you for your… concern."

A flush crept up Isabella’s neck as the others exchanged glances.

Evelyn took a sip of her drink, her expression unreadable. The game was far from over.