Chapter 325

Evelyn's response struck the room into stunned silence.

The air grew so thick you could hear a pin drop. No one dared to speak. All eyes turned to her, but she remained composed, her expression unreadable.

Nearly thirty seconds passed before Nathaniel finally broke the tension. "She's made her decision. Respect it." His voice was firm.

"Darling—" Victoria began, but Nathaniel cut her off. "Beatrice, would you mind keeping Mother company? I have urgent matters to attend to."

"Of course," Beatrice replied quickly, sensing the friction between her granddaughter and Nathaniel.

Once he left, Victoria lowered her voice. "Evelyn, tell me honestly—has Nathaniel done something to upset you? Whatever it is, I'll set him straight. You mustn't hold back. We're here to support you, always."

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips.

"You're mistaken, Victoria. There's no quarrel between us. Just... differing perspectives."

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely."

Despite Evelyn's reassurances, Victoria remained unconvinced. The tension between them was palpable.

Failing to extract answers from Evelyn, Victoria excused herself to confront Nathaniel.

The moment they were alone, Beatrice leaned in. "Now, tell me the truth. What's really going on between you two?"

Evelyn exhaled. "Grandmother, it's nothing serious. Just work-related disagreements."

"Truthfully?"

"I wouldn't lie to you."

Beatrice studied her before shifting topics. "Victoria suggested setting a wedding date. Why did you refuse?"

Evelyn's gaze dropped.

After a beat, Beatrice pressed, "Are you still considering leaving him?"

Evelyn lifted her eyes, vulnerability flickering in them. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"If I weren't pregnant... would I still be trapped in this marriage?"

Gregory's words earlier had struck a chord. Evelyn refused to let pregnancy define her future. Staying in a loveless marriage for the baby's sake would only destroy her belief in love—something she'd never compromise on.