Chapter 287

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 design, a modern villa project she had been pouring her heart into for weeks. The soft hum of the city outside was a comforting backdrop to her thoughts.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted her concentration.

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

Gabrielle, her assistant, stepped inside, holding a sleek tablet. "Evelyn, Mr. Wilson is here to see you. He says it's urgent."

Evelyn frowned. Gregory never dropped by unannounced unless something was wrong. "Send him in."

Gregory strode in moments later, his usual composed demeanor replaced by visible tension. His dark eyes flickered with unease as he closed the door behind him. "We have a problem."

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "What kind of problem?"

"The Summit Realty deal." Gregory ran a hand through his hair. "Sebastian Wilson just pulled out. He claims there are structural concerns with our latest proposal."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. That project was their biggest contract this year—losing it would be disastrous. "That's impossible. We triple-checked every detail."

Gregory exhaled sharply. "I know. But he's insisting on a full review by his team before moving forward. And if they find even the smallest flaw..."

He didn’t need to finish. Evelyn understood. Their reputation was on the line.

She stood abruptly, determination hardening her features. "Then we’ll prove him wrong. Get me everything we have on the project—every calculation, every revision. We’re not backing down without a fight."

Gregory nodded, a flicker of admiration in his gaze. "I’ll have Jonathan pull the files."

As he turned to leave, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. Nathaniel’s name flashed on the screen.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She hesitated before answering. Things between them had been… complicated lately. But she couldn’t ignore him now.

"Evelyn." His deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. "We need to talk."

Her grip tightened on the phone. "About what?"

"Edward." Nathaniel’s tone was grave. "He’s making moves behind the scenes. And if we don’t act fast, we could lose everything."

Evelyn’s breath caught.

This wasn’t just about the project anymore.

Evelyn didn’t utter a single word.

Nathaniel didn’t leave either. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Evelyn, just give me a response. Please?"

Still, silence.

He reached out, tugging the covers down just enough to reveal her face. "Did you hear what I said?"

"I heard you," she muttered, turning her head away. "Nathaniel, you’re insufferable. Just go. You’re driving me crazy."

Her irritation was palpable.

Nathaniel chuckled, pulling the blanket back over her before standing. With one last glance, he left the bedroom.

Only when the soft click of the door echoed through the room did Evelyn finally relax into her pillow, exhaustion pulling her under.

She slept deeply, undisturbed until seven the next morning.

When she opened her eyes, she stretched lazily, lingering in bed. There was no physical discomfort—just a bone-deep weariness that clung to her.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Nathaniel, sent well past midnight. She had been asleep then, and now, seeing it, she had no intention of replying.

The memory of his words from last night resurfaced, stirring fresh annoyance.

"You can’t help me pack. But since you’ve been pregnant, we..."

Ugh.

After washing up, she found Rosalind had already prepared breakfast. "Rosalind," Evelyn said, "he’s away on business. For the next couple of days, just make enough for me."

"Of course," Rosalind replied warmly, setting down a plate of fresh fruit. "You should eat more of these. It’ll give the baby glowing skin and bright eyes."

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

Evelyn smiled. "Then I’ll leave the menu entirely to you."

Rosalind was kind, and Evelyn appreciated her gentle presence.

Breakfast done, Evelyn headed to the office.

With Nathaniel gone, she slipped back into the rhythm of her earlier days—when she had first moved in and lived alone.

Work had been hectic lately, her latest projects keeping everyone on their toes. Even during breaks, the team hustled, determined to meet deadlines.

The chaos was oddly satisfying.

Passing Gregory’s office, she noticed him massaging his temples. She hesitated, then knocked lightly before stepping inside.

"Gregory, are you alright? You look exhausted."

"It’s nothing," he said, forcing a smile. "Just a rough night. Headache."

"Do you need to go home and rest?"

His laugh was dry. "Rest? With everything going on?"

Evelyn sighed. "Is Danielle causing trouble again?"

Gregory’s expression darkened, but he said nothing.

"You can’t keep doing this to yourself," Evelyn said gently. "Maybe it’s time to get her professional help. Some things… they’re beyond what we can fix alone."

"I’m already looking into it," he admitted.

Evelyn nodded, leaving it at that. She reminded him not to push himself too hard—the company could manage without him burning out.

The rest of her day was spent buried in blueprints. With Nathaniel away, she didn’t need to visit Martin Group. Daniel could handle the handover.

By evening, the house was quiet. Too quiet.

Rosalind had left after preparing dinner—enough to feed three people, though Evelyn barely touched it.

Even her favorite dishes couldn’t stir her appetite.

Maybe I’m just too tired today.