Chapter 255

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 in the Maldives. The design was ambitious, but she thrived on challenges.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Gabrielle, her assistant, peeked in. "Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Wilson is here to see you."

Evelyn straightened, smoothing the creases from her blouse. "Send him in."

Gregory Wilson strode in, his usual confident demeanor slightly frayed at the edges. "We have a problem," he said without preamble, dropping a folder onto her desk.

She flipped it open, scanning the contents. A frown creased her brow. "The zoning permits were denied?"

"Not just denied," Gregory sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The city council is pushing for a complete redesign. They claim our current plan doesn’t align with their environmental regulations."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. This was the third setback this month. "We can’t afford any more delays. The investors are already restless."

Gregory leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "I’ve scheduled a meeting with the council tomorrow. We’ll need to present a revised proposal."

She nodded, already mentally rearranging her schedule. "I’ll pull an all-nighter if I have to. We need this project to stay on track."

Just as Gregory turned to leave, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel flashed on the screen: Dinner tonight? I have something important to discuss.

Her heart skipped a beat. Important discussions with Nathaniel rarely meant good news these days.

Gregory noticed her hesitation. "Everything alright?"

She forced a smile. "Fine. Just family stuff."

He gave her a knowing look but didn’t press further. "Don’t work too late."

Once alone, Evelyn stared at the message, her fingers hovering over the screen. She typed a quick reply: Sure. 8 PM at the usual place?

Nathaniel’s response was immediate: Perfect.

She set the phone aside, trying to ignore the knot forming in her stomach. Whatever he wanted to talk about, she had a sinking feeling it involved her—Isabella Davis, the woman who had once held Nathaniel’s heart and now seemed determined to reclaim it.

Evelyn clenched her fists. She wouldn’t let Isabella—or anyone—destroy what she and Nathaniel had built.

But first, she had a resort to save.

Grabbing her coffee, she dove back into the blueprints, determination burning in her chest.

The battle lines were drawn. And Evelyn Mitchell never backed down from a fight.

"So, you're telling me you don't want to move into the Martin Estate and live with us? Edward would be overjoyed if you came back."

"Victoria, it's not that simple."

"Then it's decided."

Victoria clapped her hands together, her tone final.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. After a long pause, she said, "I need to talk to Nathaniel about this first."

"Why? He’s practically begging for you to return!" Victoria huffed.

Evelyn blinked. "What?"

"I said, you don’t need his permission. You’re the one carrying his child—you call the shots."

Victoria had always been charming, which was why she and Richard remained as close as they had been in their youth.

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile, though she didn’t agree outright. "Victoria, I want to discuss it with Nathaniel because our routines are different from yours and Richard’s. I don’t want to disrupt your household. Habits don’t change just because I’m pregnant. What do you think?"

Victoria didn’t push further. She knew when to back off.

With a nod, she agreed to let Evelyn consult Nathaniel before making a decision.

Then, smoothly shifting topics, they spent the next two hours chatting about pregnancy experiences, losing track of time entirely. By the time Victoria left the office, the sun was already dipping low.

Evelyn called Nathaniel immediately, relaying the conversation. His response was immediate. "You don’t want to move back to the estate?"

"Wouldn’t it be complicated?"

"Fine. What about Pineview Villa? That way, Mom and Grandpa won’t worry, and you’ll have your space."

Evelyn’s expression flattened.

She didn’t answer.

Nathaniel exhaled. "Evelyn, I promise you—nothing will happen without your consent. I won’t cross that line, alright?"

She remained silent. Of course, she didn’t want him touching her.

If she had wanted that, she would’ve agreed yesterday when Samuel brought it up. But moving back wasn’t just about convenience. If things went south later and she wanted to leave, she’d look like the unreasonable one.

Evelyn was comfortable on her own. She didn’t want that to change.

"Nathaniel, your idea isn’t what I want. So, no."

Her refusal was firm.

Nathaniel went quiet.

But Evelyn didn’t soften.

A beat later, his voice turned low. "You really don’t want to move, do you?"

She swallowed. "No."

Nathaniel chuckled darkly. Frustration simmered beneath his tone, but he didn’t argue. Instead, after a tense silence, he said, "Fine. If you won’t come to the estate or Pineview, then I’m moving into your apartment."

"Nathaniel—"

"Enough. This is my compromise. Evelyn, I’ve given you enough space—so much that I didn’t even know you were pregnant for nearly four months."

His tone left no room for negotiation.

Evelyn relented.

She assumed he’d move in a few days later. But by evening, Nathaniel had already sent over his clothes and essentials.

Charlotte, who was supposed to fly back to Dattlech that night, raised an amused brow. "Wow, Evelyn. New roommate already?"

She hadn’t even left yet, and Nathaniel was moving in.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but said nothing.

Charlotte leaned in, whispering, "So… is this him trying to win you back?"