Chapter 41

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn's office, casting golden patterns across her drafting table. She tapped her pencil absently against the blueprint, her mind elsewhere. The meeting with Sebastian Wilson loomed in an hour, and she couldn't shake the unease coiling in her stomach.

"Evelyn, you're spacing out again." Gabrielle placed a steaming cup of coffee beside her, snapping her back to reality.

"Thanks," Evelyn murmured, wrapping her fingers around the warm mug. "Just... thinking."

Gabrielle arched a brow. "About Nathaniel?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Among other things."

The truth was, ever since Isabella had resurfaced, Nathaniel had been distant. Not cold, just... preoccupied. And now, with Summit Realty's sudden interest in her firm's latest project, the timing couldn't be worse.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Gregory.

"Running late. Meet you at Summit in 20. Don't sign anything without me."

Evelyn frowned. Gregory was never late.

She grabbed her portfolio and headed out, the weight of the upcoming negotiation pressing on her shoulders. The elevator ride down felt interminable, each second stretching as her thoughts spiraled.

What if Summit Realty wasn't just interested in the project? What if they were after something—or someone—else entirely?

The lobby doors slid open, revealing the sleek, modern expanse of Summit's headquarters. A familiar figure leaned against the reception desk, his smirk sending a jolt through her.

Jonathan Blake.

"Evelyn Mitchell," he drawled, pushing off the desk. "Fancy seeing you here."

Her grip tightened on her portfolio. "Jonathan. I didn't realize you were handling this."

His grin widened. "Surprises keep life interesting, don't they?"

Before she could retort, the elevator dinged, and Gregory strode out, his usual calm demeanor replaced by visible tension.

"Sorry," he muttered, falling into step beside her. "Traffic was hell."

Evelyn shot him a sidelong glance. "You never take the car during meetings."

Gregory's jaw clenched. "Today's different."

Jonathan led them down a corridor lined with glass-walled offices, each step amplifying Evelyn's unease. When they reached the conference room, Sebastian Wilson stood by the window, his back to them, silhouetted against the skyline.

"Ah, Ms. Mitchell," he said without turning. "Right on time."

Evelyn forced her voice steady. "Mr. Wilson."

He finally faced them, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Let's talk business."

As the door clicked shut behind them, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was about far more than a project.

And she was right.

Sebastian slid a folder across the table. "Before we discuss the proposal, there's something you should see."

Evelyn opened it—and froze.

Inside were photos. Of her. Of Nathaniel.

And Isabella.

Her breath hitched. "What is this?"

Sebastian's smile turned razor-sharp. "Insurance."

Gregory stiffened beside her. "You son of a—"

"Ah-ah." Sebastian held up a hand. "Play nice, or these go public. And trust me, Nathaniel won't survive the scandal."

Evelyn's pulse roared in her ears. This wasn't a negotiation.

It was a trap.

And she'd just walked right into it.

"Because Charles wished to entrust her to me, hoping I could bring her back and that the Martin family would stand as her foundation and support. Charles was already gravely ill at the time. Despite the help he gave me years ago, he never once asked for repayment. This is the first—and last—time."

"Evelyn is a remarkable woman. Above all, I feel indebted to Charles and to her. If you insist on divorce, I won’t stand in your way. But Nathaniel, as a Martin, you bear the responsibility for the debts our family owes. Without Charles, we might not even be having this conversation now."

Years ago, Charles had extended a lifeline to Edward—one that had arrived just in time. Without it, Edward might not have survived.

Though the two families had never been particularly close, their relationship had always remained cordial.

Edward’s words left Nathaniel silent. Then Edward added, "I’m not imposing moral obligations on you. You know full well the Martins owe the Mitchells. I promised Charles I would secure Evelyn’s happiness for life. When you divorce, I will publicly declare her my god-granddaughter and arrange a marriage for her under the Martin name. Additionally, I will transfer a portion of the company’s shares to her in my name as a wedding gift. I want you to be prepared for that."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened as Edward spoke. Though he had previously been tasked with finding Evelyn a suitable partner before finalizing the divorce, Edward’s stance had clearly shifted.

Nathaniel remained silent for a long moment.

Edward pressed, "Now that I’ve explained everything, what are your thoughts?"

"Grandfather, we’re not divorced yet. Isn’t it unfair to me that you’ve already planned so much?"

Edward chuckled, his eyes narrowing with a cold smirk. "And what you’ve done—is that fair to Evelyn? You’re still married, yet you allow Isabella to live in Pineview Villa. Nathaniel, do you call that fair?"

Nathaniel’s gaze darkened, his displeasure barely restrained. "Grandfather, I have my own plans."

"Fine. You’re grown now—I can’t control you anymore. So don’t speak to me about fairness. In two days, you can proceed with the divorce."

With that, Edward dismissed Nathaniel with a wave of his hand.

Leaning back in his chair, Edward closed his eyes, exhaustion weighing on him. Just then, Winston entered, approaching quietly before murmuring, "Why not tell Nathaniel the truth directly? It might stop him from going through with the divorce."

"Evelyn refuses to use the child to keep him. If he wants to leave her, let him. He’ll regret it one day."

Edward gave a derisive snort and fell silent. Some things could only be resolved with time. The final outcome wouldn’t be clear until the very end.

The tension between Evelyn and Nathaniel had eased during their two days at Martin Manor.

They were nearly inseparable, their interactions reminiscent of the days before the divorce loomed over them.

They did everything together—like any ordinary couple.

But Evelyn knew better. All of this was orchestrated by Edward.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, bringing them to the brink of divorce.

That morning, Evelyn and Nathaniel had breakfast with Edward, Richard, and Victoria. No one mentioned the divorce—an unspoken agreement.

After the meal, Edward took the initiative. "You’ve stayed with me for two days. I won’t go back on my word. Set a time to finalize the paperwork."

Evelyn nodded. So did Nathaniel.

Richard and Victoria said nothing. Edward had made his decision.

Evelyn and Nathaniel didn’t linger. After a brief pause, they left Martin Manor together.

In the car, Nathaniel drove while Evelyn sat in the passenger seat.

She broke the silence. "When do you want to go through with it? How about now?"

Frowning, Nathaniel replied coolly, "Are you in a hurry?"

"What?"

"If not, can we postpone until tomorrow? I’ve been away from the office for two days. After I drop you off, I need to handle some urgent matters. Is that acceptable?" His tone was deceptively gentle.

Evelyn understood. Business wasn’t trivial, so she nodded. "Fine. Tomorrow morning, then."

"Agreed," Nathaniel said flatly. It was a perfunctory reply.

But Evelyn didn’t notice. Her mind was elsewhere. Once it’s done tomorrow, I’ll have to move out. I should start looking for a place. Nathaniel promised to leave Pineview Villa to me, but living alone in such a massive house… I don’t want that.

After dropping her off, Nathaniel headed straight to the office.

When Evelyn stepped inside Pineview Villa, Isabella approached with a faint smile—until she saw who it was. Her expression soured. "You? Where’s Nathaniel?"

She peered behind Evelyn, but no one else was there.

Ignoring her, Evelyn moved to walk past.

Isabella quickly blocked her path. "Evelyn, I’m talking to you. Where is Nathaniel?"

"Isabella, who are you to me? Why should I answer you?" Evelyn’s voice was icy.

Isabella stiffened, shooting Evelyn a glare that went ignored. Instead, Evelyn cast her a dismissive glance and continued upstairs.

Furious, Isabella stomped her foot, her hatred deepening. She shouted after Evelyn, "Don’t think spending two days at Martin Manor changes anything! Nathaniel told me he only went because his grandfather insisted. Now that you’ve satisfied Edward, hurry up and divorce him. Stop wasting his time!"

Evelyn paused, her eyes widening briefly in shock.

But she didn’t respond. She didn’t even turn around. She simply walked straight to the bedroom.

A bitter ache settled in her chest. She knew exactly how well Nathaniel treated Isabella—but she hadn’t expected him to share even this with her. He had assured Evelyn their divorce was a private matter, yet he’d confessed everything to Isabella.

Nathaniel, you really do have double standards.

With the divorce scheduled for the next morning, Evelyn postponed her work. Gregory didn’t press further, only saying, "Let me know if you need anything. Evelyn, we’re friends. Don’t treat me like a stranger, alright?"

His tone was almost pleading, making refusal impossible.

Evelyn agreed. "I’m finalizing the divorce with him tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? It’s decided?"

"Yes. Edward has given his consent."

"And you? Can you let him go?" Gregory asked softly. He knew better than anyone how deeply Evelyn loved Nathaniel. After all these years, it was ending—but was she truly ready?

Evelyn smiled faintly. "I’ve never had a say in our relationship. I don’t want to torment myself anymore."

It was an answer to Gregory—and a reminder to herself. Her resolve was absolute.

The day slipped away, unbearably swift.

Evening arrived. Nathaniel returned from work.

Dinner at Martin Manor had been warm these past two days. Now, with three at the table, the atmosphere was stifling. One of them was always an outsider.

Evelyn stayed silent throughout.

Isabella, however, spoke up calmly. "Nathaniel, Evelyn mentioned you’re finalizing the divorce tomorrow. Should we move out?"