Chapter 32

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints as she made last-minute adjustments to the resort project. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp paper smell—a familiar comfort in her chaotic world.

Gabrielle burst in, her heels clicking urgently against the hardwood. "Evelyn, Mr. Wilson is on line one. He sounds... agitated."

Evelyn's stomach knotted. Gregory only used that tone when something was catastrophically wrong. She snatched the receiver. "Gregory? What's happened?"

"Turn on the news. Now." His voice was razor-sharp.

The flat-screen TV flickered to life, revealing a breaking news banner: Martin Group Heir Nathaniel Martin Spotted with Ex-Lover Isabella Davis at Exclusive Malibu Retreat. The footage showed Nathaniel helping Isabella from a yacht, his hand lingering at the small of her back.

Evelyn's coffee cup slipped from her fingers, shattering against the floor. The dark liquid spread like a stain across her carefully constructed reality.

Meanwhile, across town, Nathaniel paced his penthouse like a caged panther. Samuel stood rigid by the door, clutching a manila envelope. "Sir, the paparazzi photos—"

"Were supposed to be contained." Nathaniel's phone buzzed incessantly—twelve missed calls from Edward Martin, each more furious than the last. He raked a hand through his hair. "Where's Vanessa? She swore Isabella understood the terms of their arrangement."

Samuel hesitated. "Ms. Davis's agent claims they had no knowledge of the photographer. But our security team found this." He produced a grainy surveillance still showing Vanessa handing an envelope to a tabloid reporter.

The intercom crackled. "Mr. Martin? Your grandfather's limo just pulled up downstairs."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. The old man never made house calls unless delivering ultimatums. As the elevator descended, his mind raced through damage control scenarios—each more disastrous than the last. He'd promised Evelyn no more scandals. After the miscarriage, after everything...

The elevator doors opened to reveal Edward Martin's steely gaze. "We," he declared, tapping his cane against the marble, "have a problem."

Upstairs, Evelyn stared at her silent phone. Nathaniel hadn't called. Not when the story broke. Not in the three agonizing hours since. Caroline's texts piled up—Have you seen this?, Call me!, Evelyn please answer—but she couldn't bring herself to respond.

Her office door creaked open. Gregory entered, his usually impeccable tie loosened. "The board's emergency meeting starts in twenty minutes. They're voting on whether to suspend our contract with Martin Group." He paused. "Evelyn... are you okay?"

She turned toward the window, where the midday sun now glared mercilessly. Somewhere beyond that skyline, her husband was with another woman. Again. "No," she whispered. "But I will be."

The phone rang. Unknown caller. Evelyn almost didn't answer—until she heard the breathy, unmistakable voice. "Evelyn, darling. We need to talk." Isabella's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "About our shared... interests."

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable, his chiseled features casting an unfamiliar shadow over Evelyn.

"She's only staying temporarily until she finds a suitable place," he explained calmly.

Evelyn's response was sharp. "Nathaniel, that excuse might fool me, but I refuse to believe a man of your resources can't secure proper accommodations for her. Or is Ms. Davis so delicate that only our home will suffice?"

"Evelyn." His voice carried a note of disappointment. "Isabella was hospitalized today. Even if arrangements were made, nowhere else would be as comfortable for her right now. Can't you show a little generosity instead of being so petty?"

"Me? Petty?" A bitter laugh escaped her lips. Words could be so cruel—sharp enough to shatter a person's spirit.

She inhaled deeply, fighting back the sting of tears.

"If this place suits her so well, then I'll leave. Sooner or later, my space needs to be cleared for her anyway."

Her tone was icy as she turned toward the stairs to pack her things.

Isabella quickly intervened, her voice soft. "Evelyn, please don't be upset with Nathaniel. I never meant to intrude. I had nowhere else to go, and because of my situation, he was worried for my safety. I promise, I'll move out as soon as I can."

"What exactly are you implying, Ms. Davis? That I should welcome you with open arms like Nathaniel does?" Evelyn's words dripped with sarcasm.

"That's not what I meant," Isabella murmured, her expression wounded.

Evelyn scoffed. "Then enlighten me. Should I pack up and leave right now to make you happy? Teach me, Ms. Davis—how exactly should I proceed?"

She didn’t know Isabella’s true nature, but one thing was clear: even if their marriage was ending, no one had the right to barge in before it was finalized.

We’re both women. Couldn’t she at least leave me with a shred of dignity?

Isabella remained silent, her pitiful gaze speaking volumes.

Nathaniel’s brows furrowed, his voice firm. "Evelyn, I never intended for Isabella to stay indefinitely. Even if we divorce, Pineview Villa will remain yours. Must you keep pushing like this?"

She stared at him, stunned.

After a year of marriage, how is there not an ounce of kindness left in him? Only relentless hurt?

No matter what, it was always her being unreasonable, her refusing to cooperate.

Realizing the futility, she fell silent.

See it clearly now? He loves only Isabella. He would move mountains for her. Stop clinging to false hope—it’s pointless. The only one getting hurt is you.

This is where my love ends.

Better to cut ties cleanly than cling to a marriage—and a man—who no longer wanted her. At least this way, he could remain the man she once loved in her memories.

Dinner, usually shared between two, now included a third—an unwelcome presence.

Evelyn felt like the intruder. She ate in silence, forcing herself to swallow each bite for the sake of the child growing inside her.

Isabella’s voice was sweet as she urged, "Nathaniel, try this. It’s just like how you used to love it."

She pushed a dish toward him—something Evelyn had done countless times before, only to be met with indifference.

Yet now, he ate it without hesitation.

So it was never about the dish. It was about the person serving it.

Evelyn let out a quiet, humorless laugh, her heart sinking further.

That night passed in a haze. She wasn’t sure if she slept or simply lay awake, drowning in thoughts.

Morning came with the shrill ring of her phone.

Charlotte’s name flashed on the screen.

Evelyn answered quickly. "Charlotte?"

"Evelyn! Your grandfather is awake and asking for you. Can you come to the hospital now?" Excitement laced her friend’s voice.

She bolted upright, ignoring Nathaniel still asleep beside her. "Of course. I’ll be there soon. Take care of him until I arrive."

"Will do."

Hanging up, Evelyn freshened up swiftly and rushed out.

Pineview Villa was quiet in the early hours, the morning air crisp.

At the hospital, she overheard Edward’s gruff voice from the ward. "These past days have been unbearable. If not for trying to keep Evelyn, I wouldn’t have faked illness and ended up here."

Richard’s reply was quick. "Father, it’s my fault for not handling Nathaniel properly."

"Enough. That boy has lost his mind. If he lets a woman like Evelyn slip away, he’ll regret it for life," Edward huffed.

Victoria chimed in, "Father, don’t upset yourself. We’ll talk sense into Nathaniel. Rest now—Evelyn will be here soon."

Standing outside, Evelyn smiled wryly.

She wasn’t angry—just resigned. Edward, Richard, and Victoria were fighting for her, but her fate with Nathaniel was already sealed.

Taking a steadying breath, she knocked and entered.

The three straightened at her arrival, but she pretended not to notice. Seeing Edward looking healthy eased her worry.

He beckoned her over. "Evelyn, were you worried about me?"

She nodded. "Of course, Grandfather. Please take care of yourself—we all worry."

"As long as you and Nathaniel are well, I’ll be fine," he said with a smile.

Evelyn stayed quiet, watching him closely.

Sensing her gaze, Edward changed the subject. "You came so early—you must not have eaten. Go with Victoria and grab something."

"I’m not hungry. I’d rather stay with you," she replied.

"Evelyn, talk with your grandfather. Richard and I will fetch you something," Victoria suggested.

"Thank you," Evelyn said softly.

Victoria smiled. "No need for formalities. We’re family."

As they left, Evelyn turned to Edward, her expression serious. "Grandfather, were you lying to me?"

He avoided her eyes. "Evelyn, my hearing isn’t what it used to be. Oh—my head feels dizzy all of a sudden…"

He turned away like a child caught in a fib, making her chuckle despite herself.

It was strange—she had always connected deeply with Edward. Since her own grandfather passed, he had treated her like his own, always putting her first.

The thought weighed on her heart.

"Grandfather," she said gently, "please don’t do this again. I just want you healthy."

Edward softened. Patting her hand, he promised, "Alright, I was wrong. Forgive me?"

They shared a smile, letting it go.

But Edward added sternly, "Keep this between us. Don’t tell that rascal Nathaniel."

She agreed, knowing he wanted to teach Nathaniel a lesson.

Then he asked, "Has he been giving you trouble lately?"