Chapter 201

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she finalized the blueprints for the new Martin Group project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from Gabrielle's desk mingled with the faint aroma of pine from the miniature Christmas tree in the corner.

A sharp knock interrupted her concentration. "Come in," she called without looking up.

The door swung open to reveal Nathaniel, his tailored navy suit accentuating his broad shoulders. In his hands were two steaming cups from her favorite café. "Thought you could use a break," he said, placing one cup carefully beside her mousepad.

Evelyn's lips curved into an automatic smile as she accepted the drink. "You're early. Weren't you supposed to be in that meeting with the Japanese investors until noon?"

Nathaniel leaned against her desk, his expression turning serious. "Edward called an emergency board meeting. Something about the Summit Realty acquisition." His fingers absently traced the rim of his coffee cup. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Downing the last of her coffee, Evelyn stood and smoothed her pencil skirt. "Then let's not keep them waiting." She grabbed her tablet and followed Nathaniel out the door, her heels clicking against the marble floors.

The elevator ride to the executive floor was unusually tense. Nathaniel's jaw clenched visibly, his fingers tapping an erratic rhythm against his thigh. Evelyn reached out instinctively, her hand covering his restless one. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it together," she murmured.

The boardroom was already filled when they arrived. Edward Martin sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. Sebastian Wilson from Summit Realty occupied the seat to his right, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

"Ah, Nathaniel, Evelyn," Edward greeted them without rising. "We were just discussing some... changes to our acquisition strategy."

Sebastian smirked, adjusting his cufflinks. "Changes that require Evelyn's immediate resignation from the project."

The air left Evelyn's lungs as if she'd been punched. "Excuse me?"

Nathaniel's hand found the small of her back, steadying her. "That's not happening," he said coldly. "Evelyn's designs are integral to this development."

Edward sighed, rubbing his temples. "Be that as it may, Summit Realty has raised... concerns about potential conflicts of interest." His gaze flickered between them meaningfully. "Given your personal relationship."

Sebastian leaned forward, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "It's nothing personal, Evelyn. Just business. Though I must say, your designs were... ambitious for someone with your limited experience."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. She opened her mouth to respond, but Nathaniel beat her to it.

"Limited experience?" His voice was dangerously quiet. "Evelyn graduated top of her class at Yale, won the Young Architect Award last year, and has single-handedly brought in three major clients for Mitchell & Wilson. What exactly are your qualifications, Sebastian? Aside from inheriting daddy's company?"

The room fell silent. Edward's lips thinned. "That's enough." He turned to Evelyn. "The board has voted. You're off the project effective immediately."

Evelyn felt the blood drain from her face. All those sleepless nights, the meticulous planning—gone in an instant. She forced herself to breathe evenly. "I see. If you'll excuse me." Turning on her heel, she walked out with as much dignity as she could muster.

Nathaniel caught up with her at the elevator. "Evelyn, wait—"

She held up a hand, her vision blurring with unshed tears. "Not now, Nathaniel. I need... I need to think."

The elevator doors closed between them, cutting off his response. As the car descended, Evelyn pressed her forehead against the cool metal, her mind racing. This wasn't just about the project. This was about control. About sending a message.

And she'd be damned if she'd let them win.

Evelyn stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat.

She didn’t know how to respond.

After a tense pause, Nathaniel’s voice cut through the silence like ice. "So, discussing our divorce with my family behind my back—was that just a casual conversation for you?"

Evelyn’s brows knitted together. "I don’t follow."

"Is it that you don’t follow, or you just refuse to?" Nathaniel’s lips curled into a humorless smile. His dark eyes narrowed, pinning her with an unreadable glare. "Tell me, Evelyn. Are you really that desperate to end this?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she remained silent.

Nathaniel stepped closer, his voice dropping dangerously low. "Answer me. Is this what you want?"

Evelyn had no idea why he was confronting her like this now.

She suspected Edward, Victoria, or Richard must have said something.

After a brief hesitation, she exhaled softly and met his gaze. "Yes. I can’t wait any longer."

Nathaniel let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Bravo, Evelyn. If you’re so determined to walk away, then fine. Consider it done."

Her breath hitched.

The line went dead before she could react.

Even though she’d gotten what she wanted, relief never came.

Instead, something hollow settled in her chest—an ache that spread like slow poison, relentless and suffocating.

Evelyn didn’t understand herself.

This was your decision. Why does it hurt so much now?

She lingered at the doorway, gripping the edge of the counter until her knuckles turned white. Only when she was certain her voice wouldn’t shake did she finally step inside.

Charlotte was sprawled on the couch, phone in hand, but she immediately sat up when she noticed Evelyn’s expression. "Hey, you’re back late. Everything okay?"

Evelyn forced a faint smile. "Just overtime. You wouldn’t get it."

"Ouch. That sounded personal." Charlotte tossed her phone aside and stood, arms open. "Hug?"

Evelyn sidestepped her. "Did you eat?"

Charlotte huffed, plopping back down. "Yeah. But you’re deflecting." She hugged a pillow to her chest, studying Evelyn closely. "Something’s up. Spill."

Evelyn didn’t answer, her tone light but distant. "Maybe you’ve been single too long. Imagining drama where there isn’t any."

"Please. My studio’s barely surviving. I don’t have time to imagine things."

"Then focus on that instead of my life," Evelyn shot back, though there was no real bite to it.

Charlotte’s expression softened. "Evelyn… whatever it is, I’m here. You know that, right?"

Evelyn gave a small, tired smile but said nothing.

Nathaniel’s words haunted her all night.

And the next morning, the call came.

Samuel’s hesitant voice filtered through the phone. "Mrs. Martin… Mr. Martin asked me to meet you. Are you free? He—"

"Just say it, Samuel."

A beat of silence. Then—

"He sent over the divorce papers. He wants your signature."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her phone.

"Did he… sign them already?" she whispered.