Chapter 279

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she reviewed the latest blueprints for the Martin Group's new resort project. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders—not just as an architect, but as Nathaniel's wife.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called, straightening her posture.

The door swung open to reveal Gabrielle, her assistant, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this," Gabrielle said with a knowing smile. "You've been staring at those plans for hours."

Evelyn accepted the cup gratefully, the rich aroma momentarily soothing her nerves. "Thanks. I just want everything to be perfect."

Gabrielle hesitated before speaking again. "Mr. Wilson called. He said the client wants to move up the deadline."

Evelyn's grip tightened around the cup. "By how much?"

"Two weeks."

She exhaled sharply. That was nearly impossible. But backing down wasn't an option—not when Nathaniel had entrusted her with this project.

"I'll handle it," she said, forcing confidence into her voice.

As Gabrielle left, Evelyn's phone buzzed. A message from Nathaniel lit up the screen:

"Dinner tonight? Just the two of us."

A small smile tugged at her lips. Despite the chaos, he always found ways to remind her she wasn't alone.

But before she could reply, another notification popped up—an email from an unknown sender. The subject line sent a chill down her spine:

"You don't belong in his world."

Her breath hitched. Was this another threat? Another attempt to shake her confidence?

Evelyn's fingers hovered over the delete button, but curiosity won. She opened it.

The message was brief, but the words cut deep:

"He'll never love you the way he loved her."

Her stomach twisted. Her. Isabella.

The past was supposed to stay buried. So why did it keep resurfacing?

Evelyn closed the email, her hands trembling. She wouldn't let this rattle her. She couldn't.

But as she turned back to her blueprints, the shadows in the room seemed darker, the silence heavier.

And for the first time in months, doubt crept in.

Was she truly enough for Nathaniel?

Or was she just living in someone else's shadow?

"Victoria, what are you saying? There's no need to apologize." Evelyn smiled warmly, brushing it off without a second thought. "It's really nothing. You didn't do anything wrong."

"You truly don't blame me?"

"Of course not!"

Evelyn took Victoria's hand, her voice soft and reassuring. "Please, don't dwell on it. It's not worth worrying about."

"Evelyn, you're so kind. You really are the most understanding and considerate woman I know."

The compliment made Evelyn blush slightly, unused to such open praise.

The three men watching their exchange exchanged puzzled glances. One moment, Victoria was apologizing, and the next, she was showering Evelyn with compliments. The intricacies of women's conversations remained a mystery to them.

After their chat, Nathaniel drove Evelyn back to their apartment.

He had placed the equity transfer documents from Edward in the car earlier. As he navigated the streets, he glanced at her. "Why won’t you accept what Grandfather gave you?"

"I just think it’s too much."

"Really?"

"Of course. What other reason would there be?"

Nathaniel gave her a knowing look, one that made Evelyn shift slightly in her seat. But he didn’t press further, turning his attention back to the road.

"I’ll have Samuel prepare a list of potential household staff for you to choose from tomorrow," he said gently.

"Alright."

Evelyn had no objections. Most of their meals were taken with Beatrice now, given her frail health. But with her pregnancy, Evelyn needed to pay closer attention to her diet—nutrients, balance, everything. She had to start thinking about herself.

The next morning, Samuel arrived with three candidates. After careful consideration, Evelyn chose Rosalind, a warm-faced woman skilled in diverse cuisines. By noon, Rosalind had prepared a meal for them to sample.

Her cooking was exceptional, earning nods of approval from both Evelyn and Nathaniel. The decision was made on the spot.

Rosalind’s duties were clear—three meals a day, nothing more. She wouldn’t overstay, ensuring they still had their privacy.

But that privacy was short-lived.

A call from Margaret shattered the calm.

Her voice was sharp, laced with barely restrained emotion. "Evelyn, is it true? Are you pregnant?"

Evelyn remained silent.

Margaret took it as confirmation.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "You hid it from us. If Victoria hadn’t mentioned it, would we have ever known? Do I even matter to you anymore? Does this family?"

The humiliation burned. The other women’s shocked expressions when Victoria casually dropped the news—how they’d looked at Margaret, as if she were some neglectful mother who couldn’t even keep track of her own daughter’s life.

She hadn’t slept all night. And yet, Evelyn hadn’t reached out. Not a single call. Surely Victoria must have said something by now.

But Evelyn’s response was calm, almost detached.

"I assumed you wouldn’t be interested," she said simply. "It didn’t seem important enough to bring up."