Chapter 351

Victoria's face was unreadable, but her tone remained warm. "Let's go out today. You can't just bury yourself in work forever. As a Martin, you'll never lack for money even if you never lift a finger again. I know you love your career, darling, but even the most driven people need breaks."

Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle at that.

She linked arms with Victoria, murmuring, "Sometimes I think Nathaniel was adopted and I'm your real daughter."

"Aren't you?" Victoria countered with a smile.

The tension melted away as they stepped into the chic café. The hostess immediately recognized Victoria. "Mrs. Martin! Your usual booth?"

"Actually, could we take the one near the private room? We'd like some privacy." Victoria gestured discreetly. "Just some fruit, my usual coffee, and sparkling water for Evelyn."

As they settled into the plush velvet seats separated by ornate screens, Evelyn frowned. This seemed like an odd choice for a casual chat.

Then the voices reached them.

A woman's confident tone carried through the divider. "Four years, Nathaniel, and you're still as emotionally constipated as ever. Some things never change."

Nathaniel's measured response followed. "Professional distance serves us both well, Cassandra. You're running Montgomery Group now. Sentiment has no place in business."

"Spoken like a true Martin. Fine, have it your way. But outside these meetings... we were good friends once. Partners, even. Remember our startup days? No one's beaten our record yet."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her water glass as she pieced together their history. Cassandra Montgomery - Nathaniel's college business partner, now CEO of a rival firm. Their last collaboration was during his Salzburg trip. This Marseille meeting was clearly planned.

She turned to Victoria with dawning understanding. "You brought me here for this."

Victoria squeezed her hand. "I'm team Evelyn, always. The Montgomerys have worked with us for decades, but that woman knows you're his wife. She's testing boundaries." Her gaze turned steely. "And you should know when to guard what's yours."

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips despite the warmth flooding her chest. This woman who owed her no blood ties had chosen her over her own son.

"Thank you," Evelyn whispered. Then practicality kicked in. "But we shouldn't be eavesdropping. If this gets out—"

"Relax," Victoria cut in smoothly. "The screens are soundproofed from their side. This booth was designed for private conversations." She arched a brow. "Now listen closely."

The tension in Evelyn's shoulders didn't ease as Cassandra's laugh tinkled through the divider. "Remember that night after finals? When we—"

Nathaniel's chair scraped abruptly. "That was a lifetime ago. I have a wife now."

Evelyn's breath caught. Victoria's knowing smile said everything.