Chapter 57

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across our bedroom. I stretched lazily, my fingers brushing against Nathaniel's side of the bed—already empty and cool to the touch. A faint trace of his cologne lingered in the air, that intoxicating blend of sandalwood and spice that always made my pulse quicken.

Downstairs, the mansion buzzed with quiet activity. Alfred moved soundlessly through the halls, directing the staff with practiced efficiency. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and Rosalind's famous blueberry scones wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martin," Alfred greeted me with a slight bow as I entered the dining room. "Mr. Martin left early for the office. He asked me to inform you that he'll be home by seven for your anniversary dinner."

I smiled, tracing the rim of my coffee cup. Seven years. Seven years since Nathaniel had swept into my life like a storm, upending my carefully constructed world with his stubborn charm and relentless pursuit. Who would have thought the arrogant heir to Martin Group would become my greatest love?

My phone buzzed with an incoming call from Gregory. "Evelyn, we've got a situation," his voice crackled with urgency. "Summit Realty just pulled out of the waterfront project. Sebastian Wilson claims our designs don't meet their 'vision.'"

I nearly choked on my coffee. "What? We've been working on this for months! They approved every phase!"

"I know," Gregory sighed. "But apparently Jonathan Blake convinced them to go with another firm last night. Rumor has it Isabella Davis introduced them at some charity gala."

My fingers tightened around the phone. Isabella. Nathaniel's ex still couldn't resist stirring trouble, even after all these years. The waterfront project was crucial—not just for our firm's reputation, but for the community center we'd promised to build in the historic district.

"I'll handle it," I said firmly, already mentally rearranging my schedule. "Set up a meeting with Edward Martin. If anyone can reason with Sebastian, it's Nathaniel's grandfather."

As I ended the call, another notification popped up—a news alert featuring Isabella's flawless face beside a headline about Martin Group's rumored financial troubles. My blood ran cold. This wasn't just professional sabotage; it was personal.

The grandfather clock in the foyer chimed nine times. Somewhere in the city, Nathaniel was likely already in a boardroom, fighting his own battles. And here I was, ready to wage war for us both. Because that's what marriage meant—standing together even when the world tried to tear you apart.

I grabbed my portfolio and headed for the door, pausing only to adjust the emerald necklace Nathaniel had given me last Christmas. Today required armor, and nothing made me feel more invincible than wearing his love against my skin.

The game was afoot. And Isabella Davis was about to learn why they called me the Dragon Lady of architecture.

Edward Martin studied Evelyn with gentle concern. "Evelyn, he hasn't treated you well, has he? I can see it plainly. If he had, you wouldn’t be seeking a divorce—let alone keeping your pregnancy a secret. It’s clear he’s failed as a husband."

He sighed heavily, his expression weighted with disappointment. "Our family values loyalty. His grandmother, his parents, even I—we’ve never had such troubles. Sometimes I wonder if he’s been led astray by the wrong influences."

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. "Please don’t say that. It’s not entirely his fault. We’re just... not right for each other."

"You don’t need to defend him. I’ve known Nathaniel since he was a boy." Edward’s voice softened. "Evelyn, if he had been the husband you deserved, you wouldn’t hesitate to give him another chance. Whether you tell him about the baby or not is your choice. Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you."

Evelyn fell silent, torn.

Telling Nathaniel meant binding him to her life even after the divorce.

Keeping it secret felt selfish.

She was trapped in indecision.

Finally, she whispered, "I understand, Grandpa."

"Good girl. He should have cherished you better," Edward murmured.

Evelyn gave a faint, humorless smile.

Since Edward needed to rest, Evelyn excused herself.

As she closed the door, a tall figure blocked her path.

Their eyes met—she looked away first.

Nathaniel studied her, his gaze searching. "What did you and Grandpa talk about?"

"Nothing important."

"Really?" Skepticism laced his tone.

Memories of Edward’s questions about the accident surged forward. She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze coldly. "Believe what you want. No matter what I say, you’ll assume I’m scheming behind your back. You got hurt because of Isabella, yet you blamed me for turning your family against her."

Her words struck like a whip.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "I haven’t accused you of anything, yet you’re already attacking me. When did you become so sharp?"

"Does it matter? Your eyes say everything."

"You think you know what I’m thinking?"

"I don’t," she said icily.

He stepped closer, his breath warm against her ear. "I shouldn’t doubt you. I just worry too much. Don’t be angry with me. Please?"

The tenderness in his voice caught her off guard.

This was the problem—he could be so gentle it felt like love.

If Evelyn hadn’t known his heart belonged to Isabella, she might have believed it every time.

She lowered her head, silent.

Nathaniel hesitated. "Are you upset with me?"

"No," she said flatly.

Whether he believed her or not, he didn’t press further.

Edward never mentioned Isabella again, making Nathaniel suspect Evelyn had intervened.

After dinner, they returned home.

Once they left, Richard turned to his father. "Should we step in regarding Nathaniel and Isabella?"

"I will never accept a woman like her into this family. She wasn’t welcome before, and she won’t be now." Edward’s eyes hardened with resolve.

Richard nodded. "True, but we can’t let her linger around him. She’ll only hurt Evelyn further."

"I’ve been patient long enough. Even if they divorce, Evelyn remains family. Nathaniel needs to face the consequences of his choices."

Victoria and Richard exchanged glances but stayed silent.

Victoria spoke up. "We all adore Evelyn. If Nathaniel lets her go, he’ll regret it forever."

Edward’s thoughts drifted to Evelyn’s pregnancy. He wanted to shake Nathaniel until he understood the pain he’d caused.

Richard noticed his father’s tension. "Did Evelyn say something to you?"

Edward merely shook his head.

If Evelyn didn’t want Nathaniel to know, he’d respect that. A wife hiding her pregnancy from her husband? Nathaniel had disgraced the Martin name.

He didn’t deserve the truth.

Edward almost looked forward to the day Nathaniel found out.

During Nathaniel’s hospitalization, Martin Group had faced whispers of instability.

So the day after his discharge, he returned to work.

Before leaving, Evelyn reminded him, "Your injury hasn’t fully healed. Avoid straining yourself."

He listened quietly.

Isabella hovered nearby, watching his soft expression toward Evelyn with thinly veiled irritation. "Nathaniel, maybe I should skip work and accompany you? I can take care of you."

"No need. I’ll be fine."

His gaze lingered on Evelyn, already slipping on her shoes to leave.

Isabella’s interruption cut the moment short.

Three cars departed Pineview Villa—Samuel drove Nathaniel, Isabella rode with them, while Evelyn took her own car.

Watching Nathaniel’s car shrink in her rearview mirror, Evelyn’s chest ached.

She pressed her lips together and drove on.

By nine, Evelyn arrived at Martin Group with Jonathan Blake from Summit Realty to submit architectural plans. Approval meant signing contracts and breaking ground.

She hadn’t planned to alert Nathaniel, but Samuel spotted her.

He immediately informed Nathaniel, "Sir, Mrs. Martin is here with Summit Realty. They’re in the conference room reviewing the blueprints."

"She’s here?"

"Yes, just arrived."

Nathaniel stood. "Let’s take a look. It’s a good chance to catch any issues early."

Samuel blinked at his cluttered desk, baffled by Nathaniel’s sudden free time.