Chapter 199

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of our penthouse, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. I stretched beneath the silk sheets, my fingers brushing against the empty space where Nathaniel should have been. The cold sheets told me he'd left hours ago - another early morning at Martin Group headquarters.

My phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand. Gabrielle's name flashed across the screen with three missed calls. I groaned, rubbing sleep from my eyes as I answered.

"Evelyn! Thank God you're awake," Gabrielle's voice crackled with urgency. "Gregory's been trying to reach you for an hour. The Summit Realty project - there's been a major development."

I sat bolt upright, the last remnants of sleep evaporating. "What happened?"

"They're demanding revisions to the waterfront design by end of day. Sebastian Wilson himself called the office."

My stomach dropped. The Summit Realty project was our firm's biggest commission this year. I threw back the covers, already mentally rearranging my schedule. "Tell Gregory I'll be there in forty minutes. And Gabrielle - cancel all my afternoon appointments."

As I rushed through my morning routine, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. Nathaniel had been distant lately, buried in some secretive acquisition deal. Last night, he'd come home after midnight smelling faintly of jasmine - Isabella's signature perfume.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal our firm's sleek reception area. Gregory stood waiting, his usually impeccable suit slightly rumpled, dark circles under his eyes. "Thank goodness," he breathed. "Jonathan Blake just sent over their notes. They want to scrap the entire eastern pavilion."

"What?" I grabbed the tablet from his hands, scrolling through the redlined documents. "This makes no architectural sense. The pavilion anchors the whole design!"

Gregory ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "I know. But Sebastian's threatening to pull the contract if we don't comply."

I set my jaw. "Then we'll make him see reason. Set up a meeting for this afternoon."

As I strode toward my office, my phone vibrated again. An unknown number. I answered warily.

"Evelyn Mitchell?" A woman's voice, smooth as velvet. "This is Vanessa. Isabella's agent. We need to talk."

The blood drained from my face. Isabella Davis - Nathaniel's ex, the woman who'd haunted our relationship from the beginning. "About what?"

"About the photos that are about to surface. Meet me at Café Blanc in an hour. Come alone." The line went dead.

My hands trembled as I lowered the phone. Whatever game Isabella was playing, I wouldn't let her destroy what Nathaniel and I had built. Not again.

But first, I had a multimillion-dollar project to save. Squaring my shoulders, I pushed open my office door, ready to face the storm gathering on all fronts.

Before Evelyn could utter a word, Edward's voice came through the phone, firm yet gentle. "Evelyn, wait at the hospital entrance. I've sent the car for you. Come see me—we should talk."

Her breath hitched. How did the Martins already know about her hospital visit? Even Edward and Victoria were aware.

Soon, she arrived at the Martin estate. The moment she stepped into the grand foyer, Victoria rushed forward, her eyes wide with concern. "Are you hurt? You scared me half to death! Why didn’t you tell us about the accident?"

Evelyn offered a soft smile, brushing it off. "It was nothing serious, just a minor bump."

Edward, however, studied her intently before gesturing toward the garden. "Evelyn, walk with me."

"Of course." She set her bag down and helped him outside.

Victoria frowned, turning to Richard. "Why does Edward always pull Evelyn aside like this? Does he think we’re not treating her well enough?"

Richard chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t overthink it. He just adores her. And you? You’re the perfect mother-in-law."

"And she’s the perfect daughter-in-law," Victoria sighed, then shot Richard a sharp look. "If that son of yours lets her slip away, he’ll die a bachelor!"

Richard suppressed a groan. Spoken like a true mother.

Outside, Evelyn guided Edward to a stone bench beneath the sprawling oak. He studied her carefully. "You’re sure you’re unharmed?"

A knowing smile curved her lips. "You mean the baby?" She placed a hand over her stomach. "Everything’s fine. Just a scare."

"Thank heavens." Then, as if catching himself, he added, "Not just the baby—you matter too."

"I know, Edward." Her smile warmed. "You’ve always been too good to me."

The tension in his shoulders eased. Silence settled between them, comfortable yet weighted. Then, quietly, he asked, "Did you spend Nathaniel’s birthday at the resort?"

Her lashes flickered. "Yes."

"Evelyn… do you truly dislike him?"

She blinked. "Why ask me this now?"

"Call it an old man’s curiosity." He sighed. "If there’s even a flicker of affection in your heart, let me help. But if there’s none… then he doesn’t deserve you. Some things can’t be forced."

"He doesn’t deserve me?" The phrase almost made her laugh.

She exhaled, choosing her words carefully. "Edward, it’s not about like or dislike. Nathaniel and I… we’re simply not meant to be."

She appreciated his kindness, but no amount of interference could bridge what wasn’t there.

Edward nodded, accepting her answer without pressing further.

Later, after sharing Victoria’s homemade pie, Evelyn returned to her apartment.

The moment the door closed behind her, Victoria pounced. "What did you two talk about?"

Edward sipped his coffee, unfazed. "Nothing of consequence."