Chapter 242

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she adjusted the 3D rendering of the new waterfront development project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of her jasmine perfume.

"Evelyn?" Gabrielle's voice came through the intercom. "Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

She sighed, saving her work. "Send him in."

Gregory Wilson strode into her office with his usual confident gait, his tailored navy suit accentuating his broad shoulders. "You look exhausted," he remarked, dropping a stack of files on her desk. "Did you pull another all-nighter?"

"Just finishing the revisions for the Martin Group proposal," Evelyn replied, rubbing her temples. The tension between her shoulder blades had become a constant companion these past weeks.

Gregory's expression darkened. "You're still working with Nathaniel Martin? After everything that's happened?"

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her coffee mug. The ceramic felt suddenly cold against her skin. "It's business, Gregory. Nothing more."

"Is it?" He leaned against her desk, his piercing gaze unsettling. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks personal. Especially with Isabella Davis back in the picture."

The mention of Nathaniel's ex-girlfriend sent an unexpected pang through Evelyn's chest. She schooled her features into professional neutrality. "Our firm won the bid fair and square. I won't let personal matters interfere with our biggest project yet."

Gregory studied her for a long moment before sighing. "Just be careful, Evelyn. The Martins play by different rules." He tapped the files. "These are the zoning permits for the downtown project. Thought you'd want to review them before the meeting tomorrow."

As the door closed behind him, Evelyn exhaled shakily. Her phone buzzed with a text from Nathaniel: "Dinner tonight? 8pm at Le Ciel. We need to talk."

Her thumb hovered over the screen. The last time they'd spoken, words had been exchanged that couldn't be taken back. The memory of their argument in his penthouse - voices raised, accusations flung - still burned fresh in her mind.

Before she could respond, another message appeared: "It's about Isabella. She's coming back to town."

The coffee turned bitter in Evelyn's mouth. Outside her window, storm clouds gathered on the horizon, mirroring the turmoil in her chest. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled - a warning of the tempest to come.

"Where is she?" Evelyn's reaction was immediate, her fingers digging into Nathaniel's arm as she spoke, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. "Is she...hurt?" The words caught in her throat, thick with worry.

She nearly choked on the question, her eyes burning with unshed tears.

Nathaniel's response was quiet but firm. "She's staying at a motel downtown. I've already alerted Thomas. We should get there before he does."

Evelyn nodded frantically, already turning toward the door, but Nathaniel caught her wrist. "At least grab your coat. It's freezing outside."

Though she huffed in impatience, she didn’t argue, snatching her jacket before following him out.

Minutes later, they were speeding toward the motel. Nathaniel drove with controlled urgency, weaving through traffic without reckless abandon.

The moment the car stopped, Evelyn was already unbuckling, flinging the door open before Nathaniel could even cut the engine.

Samuel had been waiting outside, and upon spotting Evelyn, he rushed forward. "Ms. Mitchell—"

"Take me to her. Now," Evelyn demanded, her voice sharp with urgency.

Samuel glanced at Nathaniel, who gave a curt nod, before leading Evelyn inside and up to the second floor.

"The door's unlocked. Ms. Bennett is inside—she’s just had some soup," Samuel informed her before Evelyn pushed the door open without hesitation.

Charlotte sat at the small table, a half-finished bowl in front of her. When she looked up, her eyes were red-rimmed, exhaustion etched into her pale face.

"Charlotte," Evelyn breathed, her voice softening as she crossed the room in quick strides. She scanned her friend from head to toe—physically unharmed, but drained. "What happened? Why didn’t you call me?"

Evelyn’s own voice was hoarse, the strain of the last few days evident.

Charlotte swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the spoon. "I got caught in the storm. Fever hit me hard. I’ve been holed up here for two days. I wanted to reach out, but..." She hesitated, then whispered, "I was afraid Thomas would track you down and cause a scene. I thought—I thought I’d wait until I was better before contacting you."

Then, without warning, Charlotte lurched forward, wrapping her arms around Evelyn in a tight embrace. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you."

Evelyn exhaled shakily, blinking back tears as she held her friend close. After a moment, she pulled back, cupping Charlotte’s face. "You’re really okay?"

Charlotte managed a weak smile. "I’m fine."

Evelyn’s expression hardened. "The driver who picked you up was arrested. You got lucky this time. Don’t ever take risks like that again. Promise me."

Charlotte flinched at the mention of the driver—Samuel had filled her in earlier. But her biggest fear had been Thomas finding her. That night, she hadn’t dared call the police or ask for help.

"I promise," Charlotte murmured, squeezing Evelyn’s hand. Then, hesitantly, she asked, "Did... Alexander reach out to you?"

Evelyn nodded. "Once. He didn’t seem suspicious. Don’t worry."

Before they could say more, a sharp knock interrupted them. Samuel’s voice filtered through the door. "Mr. Martin, Mr. Ellsworth is here. He’s asking to see Ms. Bennett."