Chapter 29

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. She absentmindedly traced the lines of her latest architectural design while her mind replayed last night's argument with Nathaniel for the hundredth time.

Her phone buzzed violently against the mahogany surface. Gabrielle's name flashed on the screen. "Evelyn, you need to see this," her assistant's voice carried an unusual urgency.

Before Evelyn could respond, her office door burst open. Gregory stormed in, his usually composed features twisted in anger. He slammed a tabloid magazine onto her desk. The headline screamed in bold letters: "MARTIN HEIR'S SECRET AFFAIR - NATHANIEL REKINDLES ROMANCE WITH FORMER FLAME ISABELLA DAVIS"

Evelyn's fingers turned ice-cold as she stared at the grainy photo beneath the headline. There was Nathaniel, his arm wrapped protectively around Isabella's waist as they exited a luxury hotel in the middle of the night. The timestamp showed 2:17 AM - just hours after their explosive fight about trust and boundaries.

"I don't believe this," Evelyn whispered, her throat tightening. But the evidence glared back at her, undeniable in its cruelty.

Gregory's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "The entire office is buzzing about it. Clients are calling, asking if this will affect our partnership with Martin Group."

Down the hall, muffled gasps and whispers filtered through the thin walls. Evelyn could practically feel the pitying stares burning through the glass partition of her office.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Nathaniel. Fifteen missed calls. Twenty-three unread messages. The screen flashed with another incoming call as she watched.

Gabrielle appeared at the doorway, her face pale. "Evelyn... there's more. The press just released another photo. From last week."

She handed Evelyn a tablet. The image showed Nathaniel and Isabella locked in an intimate embrace at what appeared to be a private dinner. The date stamp proved it was taken the night Nathaniel had claimed to be at a "business meeting with investors."

The office phone began ringing incessantly. Outside, the murmur of voices grew louder. Evelyn's vision blurred as the weight of betrayal pressed down on her chest.

Then her personal phone lit up with a notification from an unknown number. A video attachment with the caption: "Thought you should see the truth about your husband, Mrs. Martin."

Her finger hovered over the play button, trembling. The air in the room grew thick, suffocating. Somewhere in the building, a glass shattered. The world seemed to hold its breath as Evelyn faced the moment that would change everything.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed movement outside her window. Press vans were pulling up in front of their building, cameras already trained on her office. The scandal had arrived at her doorstep, and there would be no escaping it now.

Evelyn shook her head, her voice quiet. "Victoria, let's go eat. He's occupied."

A shadow of detachment flickered in her gaze.

Nathaniel wouldn't join her for lunch. His heart belonged to Isabella now.

She meant nothing to him.

Evelyn let out a bitter laugh, the weight of her insignificance pressing down on her.

A man's indifference could be so absolute.

She didn’t even need to try.

Victoria had chosen the restaurant—an elegant, long-standing establishment in Mayby, not far from the hospital.

They settled into a private booth, ordering three dishes and a soup.

It was their first meal alone together, yet there was no awkwardness. Victoria had a way of putting people at ease, her warmth making conversation effortless.

She leaned in slightly. "How’s work been? If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Nathaniel. Or if you’d rather not speak to him, Richard and I are here for you."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Thank you, Victoria. Things are manageable. Nathaniel actually helped me with something recently."

"Did he?" Victoria’s brows lifted in surprise. When Evelyn nodded, she chuckled. "Well, perhaps there’s still hope for him yet."

Evelyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard, while Victoria simply sipped her tea, amused.

The food arrived, and the two fell into easy conversation, the atmosphere light and comfortable.

An hour passed before they playfully argued over the bill, but Evelyn won in the end.

"Victoria, as the younger one, it’s only right I treat you," she insisted. "Besides, this gives me motivation to keep earning."

What she didn’t say was that this might be the last time she could do so. Victoria had been nothing but kind to her—gentle, even—and Evelyn wanted to show her gratitude in her own small way.

Victoria laughed, relenting. "Fine, if my daughter-in-law insists, who am I to refuse? But you’ll have to take me out more often. A mother-in-law should have her perks."

Evelyn only smiled, not responding. She wasn’t sure there would be another time.

After paying, Evelyn linked arms with Victoria as they stepped out—only to freeze at the sound of a sweet, melodic voice behind them.

"Nathaniel, you remembered my favorite dish. You’re too sweet."

Both women turned, their gazes landing not just on the speaker but on the man beside her.

The four of them had collided in the most unfortunate way.

Evelyn’s expression went blank, her emotions locked away behind a carefully constructed wall.

Nathaniel’s surprise was fleeting, quickly replaced by composure. "Mother, what are you and Evelyn doing here?"

Victoria’s eyes narrowed. "What, you’ve reserved the entire place? Are we not allowed?"

"Mrs. Martin," Isabella murmured, her voice soft and deferential. "It’s been so long. I meant to visit, but Nathaniel was concerned about my health. Please don’t be upset with me."

Her head was bowed, her tone dripping with humility.

Victoria, however, showed no mercy. "There’s no need for you to visit Martin Manor. Not everyone is welcome there. By the way, Ms. Davis, are you aware that the man beside you is married?"

Isabella’s breath hitched. She glanced helplessly at Nathaniel.

But Victoria wasn’t done.

"Is there something you can’t say, Ms. Davis? Or do you know he’s married and still cling to him? If so, that’s rather shameless, don’t you think? Given your reputation, it would be quite the scandal."

Isabella’s lips trembled. She clutched Nathaniel’s sleeve. "Nathaniel, Mrs. Martin is right. It’s my fault—"

"Mother," Nathaniel cut in, his voice tight. "Can we discuss this at home? Isabella isn’t fully recovered. She shouldn’t be upset."

"What exactly did I say that was wrong?" Victoria snapped, pulling Evelyn closer. "Tell me, Nathaniel—who is Evelyn to you?"

Evelyn stiffened, caught off guard.

Victoria was never one to mince words.

Evelyn met Nathaniel’s gaze—cool, unreadable. But beneath that calm, she thought she saw accusation.

He blames me for this.

For being here.

For making Isabella feel slighted.

Neither spoke, and Victoria pressed on. "Nathaniel, don’t forget—Edward is still in the hospital. If you dare mistreat Evelyn, don’t bother coming home."

Nathaniel knew better than to argue with his mother. Beneath her gentle exterior lay a spine of steel.

"So?" Victoria demanded. "Who is Evelyn to you?"

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. Silence stretched between them.

Isabella bit her lip. "Mrs. Martin, please don’t pressure Nathaniel. If you’re upset because of me, I’ll apologize—"

"Ms. Davis," Victoria interrupted coldly, "I’m speaking to my son. As an outsider, you should refrain from interrupting."

Isabella’s face paled.

Victoria turned back to Nathaniel. "Well?"

"Evelyn is my wife," Nathaniel said flatly. "Are you satisfied now?"

The words struck like a blow—shocking Evelyn, wounding Isabella, and delighting Victoria.

Victoria smirked at Isabella. "You heard him, didn’t you? A woman with self-respect knows her place. Anything else would be disgraceful."

Isabella’s eyes welled with tears. "Y-You’re right, Mrs. Martin."

"Good. Then we’re done here." Victoria’s gaze swept over her dismissively before landing on Nathaniel. "Now, take Evelyn and me home."

Nathaniel didn’t move. "Mother, you go ahead. Isabella isn’t well—I need to take her back to the hospital."

"Ms. Davis won’t mind," Victoria said sweetly. "She wouldn’t dream of clinging to a married man. Right, Ms. Davis?"

Isabella’s voice was barely a whisper. "Mrs. Martin is right, Nathaniel. You should go with them."

But her eyes pleaded with him, brimming with silent desperation.

Before Nathaniel could respond, Isabella suddenly swayed, her legs giving way. Nathaniel caught her effortlessly, pulling her against his chest.

Evelyn’s breath caught.

Victoria’s eyes flashed with fury.

Evelyn hadn’t expected such a blatant display—right in front of her. The pain in her chest was sharp, suffocating.

Her voice was eerily calm. "Victoria, let’s go."

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Victoria shot Nathaniel one last scathing look. "You’re a disgrace."

Then she hurried after Evelyn.

Nathaniel’s gaze followed Evelyn’s retreating figure, his expression unreadable.

Isabella, still in his arms, whispered, "Nathaniel… is Evelyn angry?"