Chapter 275

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Evelyn stirred awake. Beside her, Nathaniel slept soundly, his breathing steady. She traced the outline of his jaw with her fingertips, marveling at how peaceful he looked.

A soft knock interrupted the moment.

"Mrs. Martin?" Alfred's voice was muffled through the door. "Mr. Edward has requested your presence in the study."

Evelyn sighed. She had hoped for a quiet morning, but it seemed her grandfather-in-law had other plans.

"Tell him I'll be there shortly," she replied, careful not to wake Nathaniel.

She slipped out of bed and dressed quickly, choosing a simple yet elegant navy dress. The house was unusually quiet as she made her way to Edward's study.

The door was slightly ajar. She knocked lightly before entering.

Edward sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression unreadable. "Ah, Evelyn. Come in."

She took a seat across from him, folding her hands in her lap. "You wanted to see me?"

He studied her for a long moment before speaking. "I've been reviewing the latest reports from the Summit Realty project. Your designs have garnered significant attention."

Evelyn blinked. "That's... good news, isn't it?"

Edward leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "It is. But success comes with scrutiny. There are those who would rather see you fail."

A chill ran down her spine. "What do you mean?"

Before he could answer, the door burst open. Nathaniel strode in, his expression dark. "Grandfather, we need to talk."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "About?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Isabella is back in town. And she's already making moves."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. Isabella—Nathaniel's ex, the woman who had nearly destroyed their relationship before.

Edward sighed. "I see. And what does she want?"

Nathaniel's eyes flicked to Evelyn before returning to his grandfather. "She claims to have information that could damage the family. Specifically, Evelyn."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Me? What could she possibly have on me?"

Nathaniel shook his head. "I don't know yet. But I intend to find out."

Edward steepled his fingers. "Be careful, Nathaniel. Isabella is not to be underestimated."

Nathaniel nodded grimly. "I know."

Evelyn stood abruptly. "I won't sit back and let her manipulate us again. If she's coming after me, I'll face her head-on."

Nathaniel reached for her hand. "We'll handle this together."

Edward watched them, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Unity is our strength."

As Evelyn and Nathaniel left the study, she couldn't shake the unease settling in her chest. Isabella's return was no coincidence. And whatever game she was playing, Evelyn refused to be a pawn.

The battle lines had been drawn. And this time, she was ready to fight.

Gabrielle nodded, her curiosity growing with each passing second. Recalling Evelyn's instructions, she suspected there might be some truth to them.

The realization hit her like a well-kept secret—one she couldn’t share.

Evelyn stood silently in the office for a moment before stepping out and knocking on Gregory’s door.

The moment he saw her, Gregory forced a smile. "Is everything running smoothly at the construction site?"

"Yes, no issues so far."

Evelyn studied him closely. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his usual warmth was replaced by a subdued melancholy.

She tilted her head. "Did Danielle come by again?"

The last traces of his smile vanished. His voice was quiet. "Yes. She accused me of seeing someone else. It… upset her."

"That woman from the café last time?"

Evelyn had only caught a glimpse of her retreating figure that day.

Gregory nodded. "Do you think it’s because of my background that she feels she can treat me this way?"

Evelyn’s brows drew together. "Absolutely not. You’re equals. The Wilsons may have taken you in, but you’ve given them just as much in return—if not more."

He owed them nothing. If anything, their relationship had been mutually beneficial.

Though adopted into the Wilson family, Gregory had devoted himself to their business since his teenage years. Yet, they’d always viewed him with suspicion, fearing he might usurp their legacy. That was why he’d sought refuge in Mayby alongside Evelyn.

Gregory exhaled, a faint, humorless smile touching his lips. "Evelyn, I understand the weight of their kindness. But Danielle—someone I’ve always treated like a sister—called me a stray dog. That’s how they see me. Maybe they always have."

He had been Danielle’s constant protector since childhood. Before Mayby, she’d clung to him like a shadow, relying on him for everything. And now? This was his reward—being reduced to nothing more than an adopted mutt.

A cold smirk twisted his lips, his expression darkening further.

Evelyn frowned, lowering her voice. "Gregory, that’s not true. She was probably just overwhelmed. Maybe she cares too much about you. She—"

The more she spoke, the more something felt off. She trailed off abruptly.

Gregory lifted his gaze. "What is it?"

"Does she have feelings for you? Is that why she can’t stand other women near you?"

The pieces clicked into place. It explained Danielle’s hostility toward her—the glares, the sharp words.

Evelyn glanced at Gregory. His lack of surprise told her everything.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You knew?"

"Yes. She’s confessed a few times. I dismissed it as childish infatuation. I thought she’d outgrow it."

"Did you ever reject her? If you don’t feel the same, you should’ve made it clear. Otherwise, she’ll keep hoping."

Evelyn didn’t press further. This was his personal matter, and as a friend, she could only offer a gentle reminder.

But one question lingered in her mind: How did Danielle find out about the woman from the café?

Did he let it slip on purpose?