Chapter 43

Evelyn froze momentarily before shaking her head vehemently. "That's absurd. Nathaniel wants nothing to do with me. He's desperate to marry Isabella—why would he stall our divorce?"

The very suggestion was laughable.

She wasn't naive enough to believe such nonsense.

Gregory hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Perhaps I misread the situation. But if you're certain about divorcing, delaying serves no purpose. The sooner it's done, the cleaner the break."

"You're right."

Sensing her darkening mood, Gregory softened his tone. "Evelyn, I'm not interfering. I just don't want to see you hurt."

"I know," she replied. "Didn't we agree we're friends? Friends trust each other. I'd never doubt your intentions."

"My apologies for overstepping."

"Consider it forgotten."

Their shared laughter dissolved the tension. Shifting topics, Evelyn discussed work. "Once contracts are signed, we'll commence with Summit Realty. As the Martin Group's design partner, expect brutal revisions. Our current blueprints might get scrapped entirely."

"Understood. I've prepped the team. Will you lead this solo or involve other designers?"

"I'll handle it. You coordinate with other partners. We'll finalize details after the site visit."

"Got it," Gregory murmured.

Evelyn exhaled quietly before fabricating an excuse to hang up.

She'd pursued architecture to bridge the chasm between her and Nathaniel. The Martin Group's sprawling empire included premier architectural ventures—what better way to remain relevant in his world?

She'd clawed her way to the top, believing only excellence could make him notice. Yet now, as their marriage crumbled, he remained oblivious to her professional identity.

The irony tasted bitter.

She'd never volunteer the information now.

News of Edward Martin approving the divorce reached the Mitchell household by midmorning. Victoria Martin's call to Margaret was cordial yet firm. "Though Evelyn and Nathaniel part ways, our families' friendship remains. We must keep in touch."

Margaret's grip tightened on the receiver. "Naturally," she replied icily.

"Wonderful! We should arrange a mahjong night soon—it's been ages."

"Yes, let's."

Margaret claimed urgent matters and hung up.

The phone slammed onto marble. "That insolent girl! Does she think abandoning her family absolves her from basic decency?"

William paused his departure, scowling. "Had you paid attention to your daughter, you'd have known about this impending divorce. This negligence reflects poorly on you as a mother." His glare intensified. "Fix this. That divorce cannot happen."

As he stormed out, Margaret seethed. Her precarious position in William's affections—jeopardized by infertility—couldn't withstand Evelyn's recklessness. Years of carefully maintained appearances couldn't be undone now.

Sophia offered a consoling teacup. "Mother, if their marriage is unsustainable, perhaps divorce is merciful. Prolonging the inevitable helps no one."

"Never!" Margaret's eyes gleamed with calculation. "I won't allow it."

Watching her mother's scheming expression, Sophia felt unease coil in her stomach.

Nathaniel returned to Pineview Villa at dusk.

Hearing his car, Evelyn intercepted him at the entrance. "What happened today?"

"Morning board meeting. Afternoon obligations." His tone was clipped.

"Too busy for thirty minutes?"

His jaw tightened. "Are you implying I avoided this deliberately?"

"I asked a simple question," Evelyn countered quietly. His defensiveness puzzled her.

"Let's go first thing tomorrow. Surely your corporate empire can spare half an hour?"

His expression darkened. "Fine. Tomorrow."

He brushed past her without another glance.

Dinner passed in stifling silence. Even Isabella—usually chirpy—pushed food listlessly around her plate. Evelyn noted her swollen eyes discreetly.

Crying because the divorce didn't happen today?

The thought extinguished Evelyn's curiosity. She retreated to her room post-dinner.

Seizing the moment, Isabella whispered, "Nathaniel... are you having second thoughts? Today you—"

"Isabella." His voice carried warning. "The Martin Group's stability takes precedence over everything. Would you have me jeopardize it?"

She bit her lip. All day, she'd awaited his reassurance after storming out earlier. His continued indifference unnerved her.

"I just need to know—will you really divorce her?"

Nathaniel's gaze turned inscrutable. "Yes."

Relief flooded her features. "I'd give up everything for you, darling. We'll be so happy—"

His terse nod silenced her.

Her radiant smile suddenly grated on him.

This is what you wanted. Why hesitate now?

The contradiction gnawed at him. Watching Isabella's jubilant expression, an unfamiliar resentment surfaced.

Again, he waited until Evelyn slept before entering their bedroom. This inexplicable compulsion troubled him deeply.

Dawn found Evelyn dressed and ready, documents in hand.

Nathaniel descended to find her waiting, posture impeccable, lips painted a distracting crimson.

His mood soured instantly. "Eager to sever ties, Evelyn?"

The accusation hung between them as sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the chasm neither could bridge.