Chapter 328

"Am I being unreasonable?" Evelyn let out a bitter, hollow laugh. "Nathaniel, you've poured every resource into promoting Isabella without even mentioning it to me. With the Martin Group's vast resources, are you telling me she's the only talented singer out there? Is she truly that irreplaceable?"

To Evelyn, no contact meant exactly that—no calls, no texts, no professional entanglements.

But now that Isabella was signed under the Martin Group, how could that possibly count as no contact?

Nathaniel's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "It's not what you think. Isabella's contract with Martin Group is purely business. As for why she was chosen... I can't explain everything right now. But you need to know—the only person in my heart is you. Understand?"

The only person in his heart was her?

That line used to make her heart flutter.

Not anymore.

She wouldn’t let it.

She refused to be swayed by empty words.

His tenderness might be given freely, but his sincerity had always belonged to Isabella. So she steeled herself, repeating inwardly, "Evelyn, stay sharp. Even if he cares for you now, it’s only because of the baby."

She forced a faint smile. "Nathaniel, I get it. If you don’t want to explain, I won’t push. Whoever holds your heart is none of my concern."

With that, she tried to step past him, putting distance between them.

But he didn’t move. His hand shot out, gripping her wrist, his voice dangerously quiet. "Evelyn, what do you mean, none of your concern?"

"Exactly what it sounds like."

"So you wouldn’t care if there were other women in my heart?" His tone turned icy.

She met his gaze evenly. "What difference would it make? I can’t control your feelings. If I said no, would you actually listen?"

Nathaniel scoffed, his grip tightening. "I underestimated you, Evelyn. Not only are you heartless, but ungrateful too. Do you really not see why I’ve done everything I have lately?"

His eyes narrowed, his face a mask of displeasure.

Evelyn froze.

She stared at him, stunned, her lips parting slightly but no words coming out.

What was he implying? Was there something he wasn’t saying?

But after so many disappointments, after so many answers she didn’t want to hear, she couldn’t bring herself to ask.

She pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

The air between them grew heavy.

Then—his phone rang.

He released her only then, pulling out his phone with a sharp, irritated motion.

"Speak," he snapped into the phone.

There was a brief pause before Samuel’s voice came through. "Mr. Martin, we’ve just received footage related to the Mitchell Group. After Victor Mills was arrested, Mrs. Martin instructed us to monitor his associates. His wife has shown no unusual behavior—until now. A man just picked her up in a car."

"Who?" Nathaniel demanded, his voice cold.