Chapter 342

His face was like ice, eyes burning with barely contained fury. Yet his words were measured, as if fighting to keep his temper in check.

"This is your mess, not mine. All I know is you picked Isabella," Evelyn said coolly.

"Evelyn, are you seriously using a child as leverage against me?"

She didn’t answer. Silence was confirmation enough.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply, then abruptly stood and strode to his desk. His voice was frigid. "That child is inside you. I can’t force you to do anything. But Evelyn—your grandmother is under my care now. Think carefully before you act. Or you’ll regret it."

Evelyn stiffened, but her expression didn’t waver. A mocking smile curled her lips. "Go ahead, Nathaniel. Do your worst."

They parted in bitter silence.

The moment Evelyn left, Nathaniel swept everything off his desk in one violent motion. His tie was yanked loose, frustration boiling over.

Outside, Samuel flinched at the crash. The secretaries exchanged nervous glances. "Mr. Yates… should we check on him?"

Samuel hesitated, then knocked and entered.

The office was a disaster. He barely dared to breathe, instantly regretting his decision.

Cautiously, he began gathering scattered papers. "Mr. Martin… what happened with Mrs. Martin?"

Nathaniel’s glare could freeze fire. "Find out. Now. Who she met. Where she went today."

Samuel nodded and rushed to investigate.

The report came swiftly. "Mrs. Martin visited Mrs. Beatrice at the hospital at noon. As for other encounters… we’re still verifying."

"Check if Isabella was there."

"Right away."

Samuel contacted Isabella’s mother. The answer came too quickly.

When he relayed the truth, Nathaniel’s expression darkened like a winter storm.

A cruel smirk twisted his lips. "Isabella’s been too quiet since signing with Martin Group. Let’s give the media something to talk about—her connection to Donovan Sinclair. Otherwise, what’s the point of keeping her?"

Samuel understood instantly. The order was executed before sunset.

News of Isabella’s ties to Donovan exploded across headlines. The scandal was irresistible—Donovan, the infamous playboy, entangled with the "pure-hearted" Isabella, especially after her history with Nathaniel.

The public devoured the narrative: Had she traded love for luxury?

Fans bombarded her social media, demanding denials.

But Isabella stayed silent. Crossing Donovan wasn’t an option.

The story trended for days.

Meanwhile, Evelyn moved into Beatrice’s apartment, the rift between her and Nathaniel widening.

They ignored each other. Evelyn buried herself in work or hospital visits.

Then, fate intervened. Beatrice’s condition suddenly improved.