Chapter 250

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, illuminating the blueprints spread across her desk. Her fingers traced the intricate lines of the latest project—a luxury resort that could redefine Martin Group's portfolio.

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, glancing up as Gabrielle, her assistant, stepped inside.

"You have a meeting with Mr. Wilson in fifteen minutes," Gabrielle reminded her, placing a fresh cup of coffee on the desk. "And Mr. Martin called earlier. He asked if you'd join him for dinner tonight."

Evelyn's lips curved into a small smile. Nathaniel had been unusually attentive lately, ever since their argument about Isabella's sudden reappearance. She still wasn't sure how she felt about it—his ex-fiancée showing up after all these years, claiming she only wanted closure.

"Tell him I'll be there," she said, taking a sip of coffee.

Gabrielle hesitated. "Also... Ms. Davis left another message. She insists on speaking with you."

Evelyn's grip tightened around the mug. Isabella had been relentless, calling and texting, even showing up at the office once. Nathaniel had assured her it was nothing, but the woman's persistence was unsettling.

"Block her number," Evelyn said coolly. "If she shows up again, have security escort her out."

Gabrielle nodded and left, closing the door softly behind her.

Evelyn exhaled, rubbing her temples. She needed to focus. The meeting with Gregory was important—they were finalizing the resort's design before presenting it to the board. But Isabella's shadow loomed over her thoughts, a ghost from Nathaniel's past that refused to stay buried.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Nathaniel:

Looking forward to tonight. I have something to tell you.

Her heart skipped. Was this about Isabella? Or something else entirely?

She typed back: Can't wait. I have news too.

Because she did. News that could change everything.

But first, she had a meeting to win.

Charlotte's eyebrows knitted together as she studied Evelyn's face. "You're really keeping it?"

"This baby is mine," Evelyn declared, her voice steeled with conviction. "No one will take that from me—not even Nathaniel."

Charlotte's breath hitched at the raw determination in her best friend's words.

Unaware of Charlotte's reaction, Evelyn continued, her tone measured. "He doesn't love me. A child won't change that. Even if he suddenly starts acting tender, it won’t be for me—it’ll be for the baby. I’m not naive enough to confuse obligation with love."

"I spent a year trying to make him love me. It didn’t work. This marriage was doomed from the start."

The clarity in Evelyn’s reasoning struck Charlotte like a splash of cold water, sharpening her own thoughts.

A slow, approving smile curved Charlotte’s lips. "Good. You’re still the same Evelyn I know—too proud to settle for scraps of affection."

Evelyn let out a dry chuckle. "I wasted twelve months chasing Nathaniel’s love. If you’re mocking me, just say it outright."

Her refusal to beg for Nathaniel’s love didn’t mean she couldn’t cherish this child.

To her, those were two entirely separate things.

After breakfast, the doctor performed a color ultrasound, confirming both Evelyn’s health and the baby’s steady heartbeat.

When Nathaniel saw the tiny flicker of life on the screen, his expression softened in a way Evelyn had never witnessed before.

He really does care about the baby.

An unexpected pang of uncertainty twisted in her chest.

Once discharged, they stepped outside to find Samuel waiting with the car. Nathaniel motioned for Evelyn to enter, then turned to Charlotte. "Coming with us, or do you have other plans?"

Charlotte hesitated. "You go ahead. I’ll catch up in thirty minutes."

"Fine." Evelyn didn’t press further, though she did shoot Thomas a brief glance before sliding into the backseat.

Nathaniel and Thomas exchanged a silent look before joining her.

As the car pulled away from the hospital, Nathaniel broke the quiet. "Don’t worry about Charlotte. Thomas knows he messed up. He won’t cross that line again."

Evelyn kept her gaze fixed on the passing buildings. "I’m not worried."

The air grew thick with tension. Samuel, sensing the frosty silence, cleared his throat. "Should we head straight to the estate?"

"Take me to my apartment first," Evelyn said firmly. "My grandmother must be frantic by now."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, but Evelyn refused to meet his eyes, her attention locked on the window.

She didn’t bother sugarcoating it—she had no intention of moving back in with him.

His voice was low, edged with frustration. "Do as she says."

Samuel nodded, and silence reclaimed the car, heavy and suffocating.

When they arrived at her building, Evelyn pushed the door open before anyone could assist her. She turned to Nathaniel with a polite but distant smile. "I’ll go up alone. You should head to the office."

Nathaniel’s frown deepened. "Are you pushing me away again?"

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard.

"I just don’t need you hovering over me," she said evenly. "I’m four months pregnant, not an invalid. I can take care of myself. This baby doesn’t mean I’ll stop living my life—as long as I’m not endangering it, I intend to carry on as usual."