Chapter 267

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 bold, innovative, and exactly the kind of challenge she thrived on.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, not looking up.

The door opened, and Gabrielle, her assistant, stepped inside, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "You’ve been at this since dawn," she said, placing the cup beside Evelyn’s elbow. "Thought you could use this."

Evelyn smiled gratefully, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. "Thanks, Gabrielle. You’re a lifesaver."

Gabrielle hesitated, then added, "Nathaniel called earlier. He said he’d be late for dinner tonight. Something about an unexpected meeting with the board."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the cup. Lately, Nathaniel had been pulling longer hours, and though she understood the demands of running Martin Group, she couldn’t shake the unease settling in her chest.

"Did he say when he’d be home?" she asked, keeping her tone light.

Gabrielle shook her head. "Just that he’d call you later."

Evelyn nodded, forcing a smile. "Alright. Thanks for letting me know."

As Gabrielle left, Evelyn exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting back to the blueprints. But her focus was shattered.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Caroline.

"Heard from a little bird that Isabella is back in town. Thought you should know."

Evelyn’s breath hitched. Isabella Davis—Nathaniel’s first love, the woman who had once held his heart before Evelyn came into the picture.

She hadn’t seen Isabella in years, not since that disastrous gala where their paths had last crossed. The memory still stung.

Evelyn set her phone down, her pulse quickening.

Why was Isabella back now?

And more importantly—did Nathaniel know?

The questions swirled in her mind, but before she could dwell on them, her office phone rang.

It was Gregory.

"Evelyn, we’ve got a problem," he said, his voice tense. "The client just called. They want to move up the deadline by two weeks."

Evelyn groaned. "That’s impossible. We’re already stretched thin."

"I know, but they’re insisting. Said they’ll pull the contract if we can’t deliver."

Evelyn pinched the bridge of her nose. "Alright. Call the team. We’ll need to work overtime."

As she hung up, Evelyn glanced at the clock. Another late night ahead.

And Nathaniel wouldn’t even be home.

The weight of it all pressed down on her, but she squared her shoulders. She had a company to run, a reputation to uphold.

But beneath the surface, a storm was brewing.

And Isabella’s return was only the beginning.

Gregory hesitated for a moment before asking carefully, "Evelyn, have you put on a little weight lately? But I noticed you barely touched your food. Are you feeling okay?"

Evelyn shook her head lightly. "No, I'm fine. Maybe it's because I had lunch late. I wasn't very hungry yet."

Gregory paused, his expression unreadable. Then, as if changing the subject, he said, "By the way, how are things between you and Nathaniel? Any progress?"

"Same as before."

"Still planning to go through with the divorce?"

Evelyn fell silent.

She met Gregory's gaze, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

When she didn’t respond, Gregory pressed on, "Evelyn, I’m not trying to push you. I just want to remind you—if you’re serious about leaving, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. In a family like the Martins, once you’re pregnant, cutting ties won’t be easy."

Evelyn’s brows furrowed instinctively. The truth was, her pregnancy wasn’t exactly a secret anymore.

She had intended to tell Gregory, but the way he spoke made her wonder if he already knew and was testing her.

Evelyn kept her voice steady. "Gregory, do you already know I’m pregnant?"

His expression darkened. He didn’t answer, but his eyes never left hers.

They stared at each other for a long moment before Evelyn finally smiled faintly. "Yes, I am. It’s been over three months now. I didn’t tell you because I was conflicted. And then, with the divorce plans… I kept it to myself. Besides you, the only person who knows is Charlotte, and that’s only because she came to Mayby."

Gregory’s handsome face remained impassive, but disappointment flickered in his eyes. Still, he forced a small smile. "Congratulations."

Evelyn studied him carefully.

Gregory continued, "Evelyn, you’ve waited so long for this. Now that you’re expecting, I’m sure Nathaniel will treasure you. At the very least, you’ll finally have the chance to be together properly. That’s all I’ve ever wanted—for you to be happy."

Evelyn lowered her gaze, understanding the unspoken implication.

He was telling her that if Nathaniel ever showed her affection, it would only be because of the baby.

Her mind spun.

When she looked up again, her eyes were shadowed.

Softly, she said, "Gregory, I know what you’re implying. Honestly, I never expected Nathaniel to love me. And this baby… it’s not a bargaining chip to keep him tied to me."

"Evelyn, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry. Maybe I phrased it wrong. I just don’t want to see you hurt. I want you to take care of yourself and not lose sight of who you are because of love."

"Of course. I understand, Gregory. Thank you. I know you mean well. But don’t worry—I know exactly what I want and what I don’t."

Her response left him speechless.

They finished their meal before seven.

Gregory offered, "Should I drive you back?"

"No, it’s fine. Danielle is here with you. You should get back to her—she’s new to Mayby and probably needs you more than I do."

Evelyn declined politely, and Gregory didn’t insist.

She took a cab back to the apartment, only to find Nathaniel stepping out of his car just as she arrived.

Their eyes locked.

Nathaniel strode toward her, his gaze intense. "Where were you?"

"I went out for dinner."

"You’ve already eaten?"

"Yes."

"Why didn’t you tell me? I canceled my plans to have dinner with you."

Evelyn exhaled. "Nathaniel, you don’t have to do this. It’s… too much pressure."

His eyes narrowed. "So now I’m the problem?"