Chapter 40

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. Her fingers flew over the blueprints, making precise adjustments with her mechanical pencil. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from Gabrielle's desk mingled with the faint aroma of ink and paper.

A sharp knock interrupted her concentration. "Come in," she called without looking up.

The door swung open to reveal Nathaniel, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. His usually composed expression held an uncharacteristic tension. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low.

Evelyn's pencil stilled. She recognized that tone—the one he used when discussing matters of the heart. "About what?" She kept her voice steady, though her pulse quickened.

Nathaniel stepped closer, his polished shoes silent on the hardwood. "Isabella called me last night."

The pencil slipped from Evelyn's fingers, rolling across the blueprint. She watched it fall to the floor with a soft clatter before meeting his gaze. "And?"

"She's coming back to the city." His jaw tightened. "Permanently."

Evelyn's breath hitched. Isabella Davis—Nathaniel's first love, the woman who'd left him five years ago without explanation. The ghost that still lingered between them during quiet moments. She forced a neutral expression. "When?"

"Next week." Nathaniel ran a hand through his dark hair, a rare sign of agitation. "She wants to meet."

The air between them grew heavy. Evelyn turned back to her blueprints, pretending to study lines that suddenly blurred before her eyes. "You should go," she said carefully. "Closure might be good for you both."

Nathaniel's hand covered hers, warm and firm. "I want you to come with me."

Her head snapped up. "What?"

His thumb traced circles on her knuckles. "I have nothing to hide from you, Evelyn. Not anymore."

The sincerity in his gray eyes made her chest ache. She wanted to believe him—desperately. But the memory of their early days, when Isabella's name would make him distant for hours, crept into her mind like fog.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed violently. Gregory's name flashed on the screen with three urgent exclamation points. She reached for it with her free hand. "I have to take this."

Nathaniel nodded, releasing her. "Dinner at eight? I'll make reservations."

She managed a small smile. "I'll be there."

As he left, Evelyn exhaled sharply and answered the call. "Gregory, what's—"

"Turn on Channel 7 right now!" Gregory's voice crackled with excitement. "You're not going to believe this!"

Frowning, Evelyn grabbed the remote from her drawer and clicked on the wall-mounted TV. The screen showed a press conference at City Hall. The mayor stood beside a beaming Isabella, who wore a chic cream pantsuit that accentuated her model-like figure.

"—thrilled to announce Ms. Davis as the new director of our Urban Renewal Project," the mayor was saying. "Her international experience will be invaluable as we—"

Evelyn's grip on the phone tightened. The Urban Renewal Project—the same project Martin Group had been negotiating to lead for months. The project Nathaniel had personally promised would be hers to design.

Gregory's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Did you know about this?"

"No," Evelyn whispered. The blueprint beneath her hands—her proposed design for the project's centerpiece—suddenly felt meaningless. "No, I didn't."

As Isabella smiled for the cameras, Evelyn's phone buzzed again. An unknown number. She answered mechanically.

"Evelyn Mitchell?" A smooth female voice purred. "This is Vanessa, Isabella Davis's manager. We'd love to discuss collaborating with you on the mayor's new initiative. Are you free for coffee tomorrow?"

The coincidence was too perfect. Evelyn's fingers turned icy. "How did you get this number?"

A light laugh. "Oh, darling, everyone in this city talks. Ten a.m. at The Ruby? Isabella's treat."

The line went dead before Evelyn could respond. Outside her window, the sunny morning had darkened with rolling clouds. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled.

As the family moved toward the grand foyer, Edward called out, "Evelyn, dear, could you assist me?"

"Of course, Grandfather." Evelyn hurried to his side.

Edward deliberately slowed his pace, waiting until the others had entered before whispering, "Don't fret, child."

"Grandfather, I still don't want Nathaniel to know about... my condition."

"Your secret is safe with me."

Edward gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Evelyn exhaled in relief.

Dr. Harrison, the family physician who'd served the Martins for decades, arrived for the routine check-up. After everyone settled in the parlor, Nathaniel spoke first. "Doctor, Evelyn's been having stomach issues lately - frequent nausea. We're concerned."

The doctor opened his mouth to respond when Edward interrupted. "Check my heart first, Harrison. My pulse feels irregular today."

Richard immediately tensed. "Father? Are you unwell?"

"Just precautionary," Edward waved him off. "Come examine me in my chambers." He winked subtly at Evelyn as Dr. Harrison followed with his medical bag.

Victoria frowned. "How odd. Father's never been secretive about his health."

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on Evelyn, who quickly explained, "Grandfather's been overexerting himself. The examination is wise."

"Quite right," Victoria agreed, summoning a maid. "Bring Miss Evelyn some fresh fruit. You've barely eaten, dear."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, avoiding Nathaniel's probing stare.

When Dr. Harrison returned ten minutes later, Richard pounced. "Well?"

"Perfect health," the doctor assured before turning to Evelyn. "Now, let's examine you."

After a thorough check-up, he concluded, "Simple gastric irritation. Avoid rich foods, maintain regular hours, and minimize stress." His instructions sounded suspiciously like...

Victoria chuckled. "Honestly, Harrison, if you hadn't specified stomach issues, I'd think Evelyn was pregnant!"

The room froze. Evelyn's fingers clenched the sofa fabric. She chanced a glance at Nathaniel - his piercing gaze locked onto her with unsettling intensity.

Dr. Harrison remained composed. "When the time comes for children, she'll need to be in optimal health. For now, focus on recovery." His meaningful look told Evelyn he'd kept her secret.

As the doctor departed, Victoria tactfully excused herself, leaving the couple alone.

Nathaniel closed the distance, sitting so close their knees almost touched. "Why couldn't you look at me earlier?" His voice was deceptively soft.

Evelyn kept her tone light. "Just preoccupied with health concerns. The diagnosis relieved me."

"Really?" His skepticism hung thick between them.

She forced a laugh. "What else could it be? You think I'm hiding a pregnancy?" The words tasted like ash.

Nathaniel studied her for a long moment before standing. "If you're unwell, inform me immediately. No secrets." The command held an unspoken threat.

Before Evelyn could respond, Winston appeared. "Master Nathaniel, your grandfather requests you - privately."

Nathaniel paused at the doorway, throwing over his shoulder, "Don't move. We're not finished."

In Edward's opulent bedroom, Nathaniel found his grandfather sitting regally by the fireplace. "You wanted to see me?"

Edward steepled his fingers. "I need absolute honesty. Do you truly wish to divorce Evelyn?"

Nathaniel stiffened. "I thought you'd accepted our decision."

"Answer the question." Edward's voice turned steely. "You were meant to marry Sophia initially. Do you know why Charles begged me to let you wed Evelyn instead?"