Chapter 383

Nathaniel's gaze locked onto Evelyn with grave intensity. His stormy eyes conveyed what words couldn't - he had no choice but to leave.

Evelyn's lips curved into a tight, practiced smile. "Go then," she murmured.

A soft hum of acknowledgment escaped Nathaniel before he stood abruptly. His movements were precise as he retrieved his coat and strode toward the exit without hesitation. The door clicked shut with finality, the sound reverberating through Evelyn's chest like a physical blow.

He claimed not to love Isabella. Yet one call from her and he came running. That wasn't obligation. That was love.

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. She remained motionless in the empty office for what felt like hours before finally gathering herself to leave.

Samuel spotted her immediately. "Mrs. Martin, shall I arrange your car?" His tone was carefully neutral, following Nathaniel's explicit instructions.

Evelyn shook her head. "My driver's waiting." Her voice held none of its usual warmth.

Samuel escorted her to the elevator in silence, only returning to his desk after the doors slid shut.

Cassandra approached moments later, blueprints in hand. "Are they still in conference?"

"Both left separately," Samuel replied, accepting the documents.

Cassandra's brow furrowed. "Did Nathaniel say where he was going?"

"No idea." Samuel's clipped response ended the conversation.

Isabella had been immersed in concert preparations for weeks. Today's commercial shoot at the elite Meadowbrook Equestrian Club was just another commitment in her packed schedule.

Since signing with Martin Entertainment, her career had skyrocketed under Vanessa's expert management. The only shadow? Nathaniel's conspicuous absence. Even at corporate meetings, their paths never crossed - as if orchestrated.

When Nathaniel's car pulled up, Isabella was mid-shoot. Vanessa intercepted him immediately. "Mr. Martin! What a surprise. Should I interrupt-"

"Don't." Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on Isabella in the distance. "Has her schedule been demanding?"

"Light actually. This was booked last week. Nothing until post-concert rehearsals."

Nathaniel merely nodded, his expression unreadable.

The shoot wrapped ten minutes later. Isabella spotted Nathaniel immediately, her face lighting up as she urged her horse forward. "Nathaniel!" Her exuberant call turned heads, though decorum kept onlookers from commenting.

In her excitement, Isabella accidentally spurred the horse. It reared violently, throwing her to the ground. The trainer barely restrained the panicked animal before its hooves could strike.

Gasps rippled through the crew. Isabella clutched her ankle, tears welling as she struggled to stand even with Vanessa's support. Each attempt sent fresh waves of pain across her features.

Her watery eyes found Nathaniel's. "Please," she whispered, extending trembling hands. "Help me up?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. His expression revealed nothing.