Chapter 388

The project required a partnership where the Mitchell Group's client had secured a newly constructed villa complex. The Mitchell Group would handle the interior design and landscaping, transforming bare structures into luxurious furnished villas that could sell for twice the price. Evelyn's firm, though primarily an architectural design company, had an exceptional reputation for high-end interior work.

It was the Mitchell Group's best option right now.

Gregory wasted no time contacting Sophia and negotiating a deal where the Mitchell Group would receive a three percent commission from the resale profits.

Once the agreement was finalized, Gregory turned to Evelyn. "I'll oversee this project. You don’t need to get involved unless absolutely necessary. But I’ll need your final approval on the designs—otherwise, I won’t feel confident." Evelyn gave a small smile. "Of course."

"Consider it my tuition fee."

"That might cost you quite a bit."

Gregory’s gaze intensified as he studied her. "I don’t care how much it costs, as long as you’re willing to teach me." Evelyn blinked, caught off guard, then looked away without responding.

Their eyes locked—Evelyn’s lips pressed together, her brows slightly furrowed. She and Gregory had been carefully maintaining distance, but lately, that only seemed to make things more complicated.

Especially when he looked at her like that—too direct, too knowing. It unsettled her.

A moment later, he spoke softly. "Evelyn, did you two have a fight?"

"No," she said, avoiding his eyes. "Why would you think that?"

His voice dropped lower, his stare unwavering. "If it wasn’t a fight, then why is he being so publicly affectionate with another woman? He’s married to you. Even if he doesn’t love you, he should at least keep up appearances. And now, with you carrying his child—isn’t he crossing the line?"

Crossing the line?

Evelyn let out a bitter laugh.

She didn’t know if it was excessive or not, but she did know one thing—if Isabella needed him, Nathaniel would drop everything for her. His mind would be so consumed by her that he wouldn’t even answer his phone.

The thought made her chest tighten.

She lowered her head, missing the calculating glint in Gregory’s eyes as she replied calmly, "Gregory, I appreciate you speaking up for me, but let’s not discuss this further. It could lead to misunderstandings."

"Misunderstandings?" His voice sharpened. "Evelyn, I don’t care if people misunderstand me. I just can’t stand seeing you treated this way."

She offered a faint smile. "I’m not upset. Really."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I just prefer not to talk about my personal life. Besides, the media tends to exaggerate things."

Even as she said it, no one knew what she truly felt.

Just as the tension between them thickened, a deep, icy voice cut through the air.

"Evelyn."

Both turned to see Nathaniel standing at the office door. He made no move to enter, just watched her with an unreadable expression. "Are you done? I came to pick you up. We’re visiting your grandmother today."

"Not yet. You can go ahead. I already saw her."

Her tone was distant, almost dismissive.

His expression darkened instantly, irritation flashing in his eyes.

Nathaniel’s voice turned dangerously quiet. "Is this how you want to talk to me—from across the room?"