Chapter 222

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her blueprints. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she tried to focus. The weight of the upcoming project pressed on her shoulders, but it wasn’t just work that clouded her thoughts.

Nathaniel had been distant lately.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. A message from Gregory flashed on the screen: "Meeting in 10. The client wants changes—again."

Evelyn sighed, tossing her pencil onto the desk. Just as she stood, her assistant Gabrielle hurried in, her expression tense.

"Evelyn, you need to see this." She handed over a tablet.

The screen displayed a gossip column, featuring a photo of Nathaniel and Isabella at a high-profile charity gala the night before. The headline read: "Reunited? Martin Heir Spotted with Former Flame."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. She had known about the event—Nathaniel had mentioned it in passing—but he hadn’t said Isabella would be there.

Gabrielle hesitated. "Do you want me to cancel the meeting?"

Evelyn shook her head, forcing a calm she didn’t feel. "No. Let’s go."

As she walked down the hall, her phone vibrated again. This time, it was Nathaniel.

"We need to talk."

Three words that never meant anything good.

Evelyn clenched her jaw. Whatever was coming, she wouldn’t let it break her. Not again.

But as she stepped into the conference room, her mind raced with possibilities—none of them reassuring.

The game was far from over.

Nathaniel's voice cut through the tense silence. "What's the matter? Are you busy? Then call Grandfather yourself and explain." He stood abruptly, grabbing his car keys before casting a sharp glance at Evelyn, who remained frozen in place. "If you still care about his kindness toward you, come with me to the hospital. Now."

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before following.

She wasn’t busy. Just stunned. How did Grandfather know I was with Nathaniel?

She shook her head. Asking Nathaniel directly was out of the question.

In the parking lot, she stopped him. "I'll drive myself. I need to return to the office later. It’s more convenient."

Nathaniel halted mid-step, his piercing gaze locking onto her. "Then why agree to come with me in the first place? If I were you, I’d have refused outright. No need for this performance."

Evelyn stared at him, incredulous. "How can you think like that? Driving separately means I can go straight back to work afterward. No detours. It’s just practical."

"Don’t bother explaining. You’ve already made your decision."

Without another word, he turned and strode toward his car.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Why is he upset now?

Yet, in the end, she still drove herself to the hospital.

They arrived nearly at the same time. Nathaniel exited his car first, walking briskly ahead. Evelyn hurried after him, but he slowed deliberately at the ward door, waiting for her before entering together.

Edward’s face lit up at the sight of them. Even his usual irritation toward Nathaniel faded. "A man earns respect by cherishing his wife," he declared.

The meaning was clear.

Nathaniel, however, remained silent.

Evelyn smiled warmly. "Grandfather, you look much better. How are you feeling?"

"With you here, I feel so well I could live another decade."

"Don’t say such things," Evelyn scolded lightly, though her voice was firm. "You’ll live at least thirty more years."

Edward chuckled. "Then I’d be a walking corpse."

Evelyn laughed despite herself.

Richard and Victoria, who had been keeping Edward company, exchanged glances. Only Evelyn could draw this much cheer from him.

Nathaniel observed them coldly. She didn’t do anything special. So why does she make him so happy?

A brief silence settled before Edward turned serious. "Evelyn, your grandmother is in Mayby. Why didn’t you tell us? Do we not count as family?"

Evelyn stiffened. He knows?

She recovered quickly. "Grandfather, it wasn’t like that. She arrived unexpectedly, and she hasn’t been well. I just haven’t had the chance to mention it yet."

Victoria stepped forward, her tone gentle but earnest. "Evelyn, since your grandmother is here, we should invite her for dinner. If she’s uncomfortable at the estate, we can dine out. You and Nathaniel have been married over a year. She raised you—we should thank her properly."

The sincerity in Victoria’s voice struck Evelyn deeply.

Touched, she felt a swell of gratitude.

Beatrice and Margaret weren’t related by blood, yet Beatrice had cared for Margaret’s daughter all these years. And still, Margaret could never show Beatrice the same warmth Victoria just had.