Chapter 254

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 design—a luxury resort for the Martin Group. The project was her biggest yet, and the pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn?" Gabrielle poked her head in, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this."

Evelyn smiled gratefully. "You're a lifesaver."

Gabrielle hesitated before speaking again. "Nathaniel called earlier. He said he’d be late for dinner tonight—another emergency meeting."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around the mug. Lately, Nathaniel had been distant, buried under the weight of his family’s empire. She understood, but the loneliness still stung.

"Is everything okay?" Gabrielle asked gently.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just work stress. Nothing I can’t handle."

But as Gabrielle left, Evelyn’s gaze drifted to her phone. No messages. No calls. Just silence.

Meanwhile, across town, Nathaniel sat in his father’s office, listening to Richard Martin’s latest demands.

"You need to finalize the merger with Summit Realty by the end of the week," Richard said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Nathaniel clenched his jaw. "I’ll handle it."

Richard’s eyes narrowed. "See that you do. The board expects results, not excuses."

As Nathaniel left the office, Samuel Yates fell into step beside him. "Sir, Isabella Davis is waiting in the lobby. She says it’s urgent."

Nathaniel froze. Isabella—his past, a ghost he thought he’d buried.

"What does she want?"

Samuel shook his head. "She wouldn’t say. Only that it concerns Evelyn."

A cold dread settled in Nathaniel’s chest. Whatever Isabella wanted, it couldn’t be good.

Back at the office, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. An unknown number.

Meet me at Café Blanc. We need to talk.

The message sent a shiver down her spine. Something was coming—something that would change everything.

Thomas stepped out of the club with Nathaniel. At the entrance, they ran into Penelope, who had just arrived.

Penelope immediately rushed to Thomas's side, looping her arm through his. "Thomas, you're drunk. Let me take you home."

Then she turned to Nathaniel. Despite Evelyn having taught her a lesson, Nathaniel's influence was undeniable. She forced a polite smile. "Good evening, Nathaniel. It's late. Would you like me to arrange a driver for you?"

"No need." Nathaniel hadn't been drinking. He gave Thomas a brief glance. "I'm leaving."

Thomas shook Penelope off and quickly caught up with him. "I'm staying at your place tonight."

Left standing alone, Penelope bit her lip, frustration flashing in her eyes. "Thomas, I came all this way to pick you up. If the press catches you like this, your grandfather will hear about it by morning."

"Are you threatening me with Grandfather?" Though intoxicated, Thomas's mind was sharp. His cold stare pinned her in place. "Don't think I don't know what you've been up to. This is your last warning. If you ever interfere with her again, we're done."

The severity of his words stunned Penelope into silence.

She didn't dare argue further, watching helplessly as Thomas walked away. Finally, she climbed into her car and left, her expression darkening with resentment.

The next morning, Edward was discharged from the hospital.

Samuel drove Edward back to the Martin estate before promptly taking Victoria to Evelyn's office.

Samuel relayed Nathaniel's exact words to Victoria, who raised an eyebrow. "What is Nathaniel playing at? Does he expect me to convince Evelyn for him?"

"Mrs. Victoria Martin, I wouldn't presume to interpret Mr. Martin's intentions. Perhaps he's simply concerned about Mrs. Martin's well-being, given her pregnancy, and thought your presence might reassure her."

Victoria chuckled. "How diplomatic. You should teach Nathaniel a thing or two about sweet-talking. Otherwise, by the time my grandchild arrives, he'll be the one sleeping on the couch."

Samuel suppressed a smile, wisely choosing not to respond.

After dropping Victoria off at Evelyn's company, Samuel left. Victoria took the elevator up alone, familiar with the route from her previous visit.

She had thoughtfully brought coffee from the café downstairs—a morning pick-me-up for the team.

Gabrielle was the first to spot her. She greeted Victoria warmly before escorting her to Evelyn's office.

Evelyn wasn't surprised to see Victoria. While Edward had known about her pregnancy for a while, Victoria and Richard had only recently found out.

The two women exchanged knowing smiles.

Gabrielle discreetly excused herself, closing the door behind her.

Evelyn gestured to the sofa. "Victoria, what brings you here? Have you eaten? Is Edward settled at home?"

"Yes, he's fine. I came straight here after getting him settled." Victoria sat beside her, lowering her voice. "How are you feeling? Everything alright with the baby?"

Evelyn nodded. "We're both doing well."

"Good." Victoria patted her hand. "Pregnancy is exhausting. You should cut back on work and take it easy. Understand?"

"Of course. Anything you say."

"You'll really listen to me?" A mischievous glint appeared in Victoria's eyes.

Evelyn laughed. "Yes. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Perfect. Then move back to the estate. Let me take care of you. Your diet needs to be balanced now, and I won't have you living alone while pregnant. Come home, alright?"

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard.

She hadn't expected this.

Before she could respond, Victoria pressed on. "No arguments. You promised to listen to me."

Evelyn sighed in amusement. "Victoria, I thought you just wanted me to reduce my workload. I didn’t realize you were plotting to bring me back."