Chapter 191

The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floors. Evelyn stretched lazily in bed, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, pushing back the silk sheets. The scent of his cologne lingered faintly on his pillow, a bittersweet reminder of how little time they had spent together lately.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory.

"Meeting in thirty. The investors are getting impatient."

Evelyn groaned. The pressure was mounting. The architectural project she had poured her heart into was on the verge of collapse, thanks to Summit Realty’s sudden withdrawal.

She quickly dressed in a tailored navy suit, her fingers deftly fastening the buttons. As she stepped into the living room, Alfred, their butler, appeared with a tray of coffee.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martin."

"Morning, Alfred," she murmured, accepting the cup. The rich aroma of espresso did little to soothe her nerves.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an unknown number.

"We need to talk. It’s about Nathaniel."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around her phone. The message was unsigned, but she had a sinking feeling she knew exactly who it was from.

Isabella.

Her stomach twisted. The woman had been a ghost from Nathaniel’s past, haunting the edges of their marriage. And now, she was back.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Whatever game Isabella was playing, she wasn’t going to let her win.

But first, she had a company to save.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the sleek, modern lobby of Mitchell & Wilson Architects. Gabrielle, her assistant, rushed toward her, eyes wide with urgency.

"Evelyn, thank God you’re here. The investors are already inside. They’re demanding answers."

Evelyn straightened her shoulders. "Then let’s not keep them waiting."

As she strode into the conference room, all eyes turned toward her. The air was thick with tension.

Gregory gave her a tight smile. "Glad you could join us."

She didn’t miss the sarcasm in his tone. Ignoring it, she placed her tablet on the table and faced the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I understand your concerns. But I assure you, this project is far from over."

One of the investors scoffed. "Then explain why Summit Realty pulled out."

Evelyn’s jaw tightened. She had no answers—yet. But she would find them.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, her phone vibrated again. Another message.

"Meet me at the old café. Noon. Don’t tell Nathaniel."

Her pulse quickened.

This wasn’t just about business anymore.

It was personal.

"I don't have friends like you," Evelyn said coolly, arching a brow. "If you love spinning fantasies so much, maybe you should quit singing and become a novelist instead." She cast Isabella a dismissive glance before turning to the others. "The barbecue was delicious, but my best friend visited me these past few days, and we indulged a bit too much. My stomach isn’t handling it well. Enjoy the party without me."

Her explanation made Thomas nod in understanding. "No worries. Just take it easy."

Theodore chimed in, flashing a grin. "It’s nothing serious. Don’t overthink it. Let’s raise our glasses to Nathaniel instead."

Isabella’s lips pressed into a thin line, clearly displeased at being brushed off. She shot Evelyn a frosty glare but reluctantly lifted her glass along with the others.

As the barbecue wound down, the bonfire party kicked into full swing.

The group sat in a loose circle, laughter and chatter filling the air. Glasses clinked, and when the mood struck, a few even got up to dance. The atmosphere was electric, everyone lost in the moment.

Then, someone—probably Theodore—grinned and suggested, "How about a game? Truth or Dare?"

No one objected.

Isabella grabbed an empty wine bottle and handed it to Nathaniel with a smirk. "You go first."

Nathaniel set the bottle on the ground and gave it a spin. It wobbled before landing on—

Thomas.

Theodore barked out a laugh. "Karma’s quick tonight, huh?"

The others joined in, amused.

Thomas rolled his eyes but shrugged. "Fine. Ask away."

Theodore leaned forward, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Ever been dumped?"

A few of the guys snickered—they all knew Thomas’ history.

Thomas shot Theodore a dark look, but Theodore just grinned wider. "Truth or Dare?"

"Truth," Thomas muttered.

Then it was his turn to spin. The game continued, questions growing bolder, dares more ridiculous. Thomas and Theodore ended up as the main targets, their friends merciless in their teasing.

Evelyn had almost relaxed, thinking she’d escape unscathed—until the bottle spun and landed squarely on her.

Thomas smirked. "Evelyn. Truth or Dare?"

"Truth," she answered smoothly.

His grin turned wicked. "Who’s the one man you’ve never been able to forget?"

Silence.

Nathaniel’s gaze snapped to her, intense and unreadable. Even Isabella looked stunned, her drink halfway to her lips.

Evelyn didn’t flinch. "Him."

Him?

Dominic tilted his head. "Care to elaborate?"

She merely smiled. "That’s a second question."

Fair enough.

But Nathaniel’s stare burned into her, as if trying to peel back layers she wasn’t willing to reveal. Evelyn ignored it, spinning the bottle again. This time, it landed on Thomas once more.

For the rest of the night, luck stayed on her side—she didn’t lose again. The question hung in the air, unanswered.

Nathaniel, oddly enough, never got picked. He just watched, his gaze never leaving Evelyn for long.

Eventually, they cut the cake just before midnight and headed inside.

Evelyn’s phone buzzed as she stepped onto the balcony. "Gregory? It’s late. Everything okay?"

Gregory’s voice was calm. "Did I wake you?"

"No. What’s wrong?"

"I’m leaving Mayby for a couple of days. Wanted to give you a heads-up."

Her grip tightened on the phone. "Did something happen?"