Chapter 285

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the bedroom. Evelyn stirred, blinking against the light as she turned to find Nathaniel already awake, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

"You're up early," she murmured, stretching beneath the sheets.

Nathaniel smirked, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind."

Evelyn sat up, studying the tension in his jaw. "Is it about the board meeting today?"

He exhaled sharply, nodding. "Edward’s pushing for another merger. He thinks it’ll secure our position, but I’m not convinced."

She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "You’ll handle it. You always do."

His fingers tightened around hers. "Not without you."

A soft knock interrupted them. Alfred’s voice came through the door. "Mr. Martin, your car is ready. And Miss Mitchell—your sister is on the phone."

Evelyn groaned. "Sophia never calls this early unless it’s an emergency."

Nathaniel chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Go. I’ll see you at the office."

Downstairs, Evelyn grabbed the phone, bracing herself. "What’s wrong?"

Sophia’s voice was breathless. "You need to come to the studio. Now."

Evelyn frowned. "Why? What happened?"

"It’s Isabella. She’s here—with Vanessa. And they’re demanding to see you."

The name sent a chill down Evelyn’s spine. Isabella never showed up without an agenda.

"I’ll be there in twenty."

Hanging up, Evelyn grabbed her coat, her mind racing. Whatever game Isabella was playing, she wasn’t about to let her win. Not again.

The drive to the studio was a blur. Inside, the tension was palpable. Isabella stood near the window, her posture flawless, while Vanessa hovered nearby, her expression unreadable.

Sophia rushed to Evelyn’s side. "They’ve been here for fifteen minutes. Refused to say why until you arrived."

Evelyn squared her shoulders, stepping forward. "Isabella. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Isabella turned, her smile razor-sharp. "Evelyn. Always so direct." She paused, tilting her head. "I thought you’d want to hear this from me first. I’m back in Nathaniel’s life—for good."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked, but she kept her voice steady. "Is that so?"

Vanessa finally spoke, her tone smooth. "We’ve signed a deal with Martin Group. Isabella will be the face of their new campaign. A… long-term partnership."

The words hit like a physical blow. Nathaniel hadn’t mentioned this. Hadn’t warned her.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Congratulations. Though I’m surprised Nathaniel didn’t tell me."

Isabella’s eyes gleamed. "Oh, he will. Soon." She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Face it, Evelyn. You were always just a placeholder."

The door burst open before Evelyn could respond. Nathaniel stood there, his expression dark. "Isabella. We need to talk. Now."

Evelyn’s breath caught. The game had just gotten a lot more complicated.

The silence didn’t last long before Nathaniel’s call came through.

His voice was smooth yet commanding over the line. "I’m leaving Mayby tonight for a business trip to Teninus."

"Tonight?" Evelyn asked, surprised.

"Yes."

She exhaled softly. "How long will you be gone?"

"Two or three days," he murmured, his tone lower than usual.

Evelyn nodded to herself. "Alright."

A brief pause stretched between them.

Then, Nathaniel’s voice dropped to a whisper. "That’s all you have to say?"

"Safe travels?"

His laughter burst through the phone, rich and warm, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

She frowned. "What’s so funny?"

"Evelyn," he said, amusement still lacing his words, "is that really all you want to say?"

"You’re going away for a couple of days. What’s wrong with wishing you a safe trip?"

"Nothing’s wrong," he replied, though his tone shifted, turning cooler. "Maybe I’m the one expecting too much." The displeasure in his voice was unmistakable. Then, sharply, he added, "Why don’t you stay at Martin Manor while I’m gone? Mother misses you. And Grandfather would be thrilled to have you back."

"I’ll visit, but I’m not moving in. It’s too much trouble, and it’s not practical. I need to take care of Grandma, so I’ll stay at the apartment."

When she put it like that, Nathaniel didn’t press further.

Still, he couldn’t resist giving orders. "At least let the driver take you to and from work."

"Fine. I will. Anything else?"

"Anything else?" He scoffed, irritation thickening his voice. "Evelyn, do you think I’m giving you orders? I’m looking out for you. Tsk."

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

Here we go again.

After countless exchanges like this, she’d learned one thing—silence was her best defense.

If she didn’t engage, she won.

The call dragged on for several more minutes before Nathaniel finally got to the point. "Pack my things for the trip."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?"

"Nathaniel, I’m pregnant."

Oh, now she’s using that as a shield, he thought, amused despite himself.

A slow, knowing smile curved his lips. "You don’t have to lift a finger. But since you are pregnant, we could—"

"Fine, I’ll pack your luggage. Will you come back for it, or should Samuel pick it up?"

"I’ll come back. Our flight’s late. I’ll have dinner with you before I leave."

"Alright. I’ll let Rosalind know to prepare something."

Evelyn quickly found an excuse to hang up before he could say anything else.

Even though they were living together now, Nathaniel hadn’t crossed that line—not physically, and certainly not with suggestive remarks like the one he’d just made. It left her flustered, unsure how to react.

They were still married. It wasn’t unreasonable.

But something nagged at her, a feeling she couldn’t quite place.

Things between them had shifted. There was no going back to how things were before.

By the time Nathaniel returned, Evelyn had already packed his suitcase. She was efficient at it—years of marriage had made her an expert.

But this was the first time she’d done it since they’d nearly divorced.

The effort left her slightly breathless. Whether it was the pregnancy or not, she didn’t know, but her body temperature seemed higher lately. The slightest exertion made her sweat.

Alone in the bedroom, she stripped off her loungewear, leaving only a black sports bra, her slightly rounded belly on display. The rest of her—her waist, her arms—looked just as it had before the pregnancy.

Stretching toward the window, she didn’t notice Nathaniel standing in the doorway, watching her.

Her skin was smooth, glowing against the dark fabric.

His eyes darkened.

He shut the door behind him and crossed the room in quick strides, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Evelyn gasped.