Chapter 276

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Evelyn stirred awake. The warmth of Nathaniel’s arm draped over her waist was comforting, a silent reminder of the love they had fought so hard to protect. She turned slightly, studying his peaceful expression—the sharp lines of his jaw softened in sleep, the faintest hint of a smile playing at his lips.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the quiet. A message from Gregory flashed on the screen: "Emergency meeting at the office. We need you here ASAP."

Evelyn sighed, carefully untangling herself from Nathaniel’s embrace. He murmured something unintelligible but didn’t wake. She pressed a light kiss to his forehead before slipping out of bed.

Downstairs, Alfred had already prepared her usual coffee—black with a hint of cinnamon. "Good morning, Mrs. Martin," he greeted, handing her the cup. "Shall I inform Mr. Martin of your early departure?"

"No, let him sleep," she said, taking a grateful sip. "He had a late night."

The drive to her firm was brisk, the city streets still quiet at this hour. But the moment she stepped into the conference room, the tension was palpable. Gregory stood by the window, his expression grim, while Gabrielle paced nervously near the whiteboard.

"What’s going on?" Evelyn asked, setting her bag down.

Gregory turned, his jaw tight. "Summit Realty just pulled out of the Riverside project. Sebastian Wilson called me personally—said they’re taking their investment elsewhere."

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. That project was their biggest contract this year. "Did he give a reason?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "Only that they’ve found a ‘more suitable’ partner. But I did some digging—rumor has it Isabella Davis is behind this."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her coffee cup. Isabella. Nathaniel’s ex. The woman who had made it her mission to sabotage Evelyn at every turn.

Gregory exhaled sharply. "We have two weeks before the deadline. If we don’t secure another investor, we lose everything."

Evelyn’s mind raced. She couldn’t let this happen. Not after all the work they’d put in. Not when so much was at stake.

"I’ll handle it," she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.

Gabrielle frowned. "How?"

Evelyn met her gaze, determination burning in her eyes. "I have a few connections of my own."

As she strode out of the room, her phone buzzed again—this time, a message from an unknown number.

"You should know when to walk away, Evelyn. Some battles aren’t worth fighting."

Her grip on the phone tightened. Oh, this was far from over.

Isabella had just made this personal.

Evelyn's gaze sharpened slightly as she studied Gregory with an inscrutable expression.

Unbidden, Nathaniel's words echoed in her mind. A flood of questions surged within her.

Did Gregory intentionally make Danielle mess up?

The thought seemed absurd, yet the seed of doubt took root, twisting uncomfortably in her chest.

Evelyn said nothing more, only offering Gregory a quiet reassurance before leaving his office.

Just as she stepped out, her phone buzzed—Nathaniel's name flashed across the screen.

"I'll pick you up later," his deep voice came through. "Dinner at the Martin estate tonight. Alright?"

"Fine."

"What are you doing now?"

"Working."

She didn’t understand why he was asking.

Nathaniel merely hummed in response before the line fell silent.

Meanwhile, Isabella stood outside the Martin Corporation building, her heels clicking impatiently against the marble steps. The receptionist had already denied her entry—no appointment, no meeting.

Frustrated, she dialed Samuel instead.

Samuel hesitated. He wasn’t sure what Nathaniel was planning, so he cautiously stepped into the office.

Nathaniel was still on the phone, but his sharp eyes flicked up, silently demanding an explanation.

"What is it?" Nathaniel asked coolly.

Samuel swallowed. "Sir, Ms. Davis is downstairs. She insists on seeing you."

A shadow crossed Nathaniel’s face. Then, Evelyn’s voice, icy and detached, drifted through the phone.

"I’ll leave you to it."

The call ended abruptly.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. His glare could have frozen hell over.

Samuel wilted under the weight of it. He told me to speak!

But he wisely kept his head down.

Nathaniel tossed his phone onto the desk. "Bring her up."

His fingers tapped restlessly against the armrest before he snatched his phone again, typing out a quick message:

[I had no idea she was coming.]

Evelyn read it. Then, with deliberate calm, she set her phone aside and picked up a file.

Her eyes skimmed the words, but none of them registered.

Annoyance prickled under her skin. She didn’t want to hear Isabella’s name—not from Nathaniel, not from anyone.

That was all.

Yes. That’s all it is.

She exhaled sharply, propping her chin on her hand as her thoughts spiraled.

Nathaniel waited. No reply came.

His thumb brushed over the screen once, twice, before Samuel returned with Isabella in tow.

This was the first time Isabella had faced Nathaniel since learning of Evelyn’s pregnancy.

Her fingers curled around her purse strap, knuckles whitening. She stood rigid, lips pressed into a thin line.

Samuel slipped out silently.

Nathaniel didn’t offer her a seat. "What do you want?"

His indifference stung.

Isabella inhaled shakily. "Nathaniel, I need to ask you something. And I want the truth."

His brow arched. "Go on."

She met his eyes, unwavering. "Are you staying married to Evelyn only because she’s pregnant? Not because you love her?"

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "Why does it matter?"

"Because it does!" Her voice cracked. "To me, it matters. So tell me—you don’t love her. You’re just staying for the baby. Right?"

Nathaniel leaned back, his gaze glacial. "Isabella, whether I love Evelyn or not—does it change anything for you?"

She flinched.

His next words were merciless. "The only answer you need is this: My children will only ever be Evelyn’s."