Chapter 76

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting golden patterns across the bedroom floor. Evelyn stirred, blinking against the light, her body still heavy with sleep. Beside her, Nathaniel lay motionless, his breathing steady and deep.

She studied his face—the sharp line of his jaw, the faint shadow of stubble, the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks. Even in sleep, he exuded an air of quiet authority.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Mrs. Martin?" Alfred's voice was muffled through the wood. "Mr. Edward has requested your presence in the study."

Evelyn frowned. Edward rarely summoned her directly. Something must be wrong.

She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Nathaniel, and dressed quickly in a simple blouse and slacks. The house was eerily silent as she made her way to the study, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.

Edward sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression unreadable. Winston stood beside him, his usual composed demeanor replaced by something tense.

"Evelyn," Edward greeted, his voice gravelly. "Sit down."

Her pulse quickened. "What's going on?"

Edward exchanged a glance with Winston before sliding a folder across the desk. "This arrived early this morning."

Evelyn opened it, her breath catching as she scanned the contents. Legal documents. A lawsuit filed against Martin Group—by Summit Realty.

Her stomach twisted. Sebastian Wilson was making his move.

"This is retaliation," she said, her fingers tightening on the papers. "Because we refused his offer."

Edward nodded grimly. "He's claiming breach of contract and intellectual property theft. He’s targeting Nathaniel personally."

Evelyn's mind raced. Nathaniel had been working tirelessly to restructure the company after his father's mismanagement. A scandal like this could undo everything.

"We need to act fast," she said, forcing her voice steady. "I’ll contact Gregory. He has connections in corporate law."

Edward leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "There’s more. Wilson isn’t working alone."

A chill ran down her spine. "Who else is involved?"

Before Edward could answer, the door burst open. Nathaniel stood in the doorway, his expression dark.

"I just got off the phone with Samuel," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "Isabella is back in the city."

Evelyn's blood ran cold.

And just like that, the game had changed.

Nathaniel's brows furrowed deeper. "Evelyn, why must you always escalate things? Can't you just let it go?"

"Escalate?" Evelyn's voice was soft but firm. "Nathaniel, where was this concern when Isabella was lying and making my life miserable?"

Even though she knew Nathaniel would always side with Isabella, the sting of his betrayal still cut deep. She pressed her lips together, reminding herself not to hope for what would never be hers.

The guests murmured among themselves, speculating that Nathaniel protected Isabella because of their shared past.

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Edward rose with the support of his cane, his gaze icy. "Nathaniel, keep defending her, and you'll regret it one day," he warned.

With that, he took Evelyn's arm and led her away to their private quarters.

Once inside, Edward spoke gently, trying to soothe her. "Evelyn, that boy is the one who wronged you. Your grandfather knows you've been treated unfairly."

"Grandfather, I'm fine. I shouldn't have ruined your celebration."

"Nonsense! Today has been the happiest I've been in years, all because of you," Edward chuckled, pulling an ornate jewelry box from a drawer. "Here, take this."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "What is it?"

"Don't ask questions. Just take it."

Edward insisted, and Evelyn couldn't refuse. The box was locked, and he didn't give her the key, but she accepted it without hesitation.

After chatting for a while, Edward finally said, "Don't stay cooped up with me. Go enjoy yourself with your friends."

Evelyn nodded. She wasn’t in the mood for festivities, but she didn’t want Edward to worry.

Stepping outside, she avoided the banquet hall and instead placed the box in her car before wandering toward the garden by the pool. The night air was crisp, the stars shimmering above.

Images from earlier flashed through her mind—Nathaniel defending Isabella so fiercely, without hesitation, in front of everyone.

He was probably with her now.

And Evelyn? She was likely already forgotten.

She let out a bitter laugh and decided to tell Richard and Victoria she was leaving for Pineview Villa.

But as she stood, Isabella stormed toward her, eyes blazing.

That woman never knew when to quit.

Isabella stopped inches from her, voice dripping with venom. "Evelyn, what’s your game? Do you enjoy humiliating me? Thinking you’ve won? Dream on! Nathaniel’s heart belongs to me. You’re nothing. So what if the Martins like you? He’ll never love you. Divorce him now, or I’ll make sure you regret it."

Evelyn’s gaze turned glacial. "Isabella, are you seriously blaming me for your own mess? What gives you the right to demand I divorce Nathaniel? It’s our marriage, not yours."

Isabella could play the victim for Nathaniel, but Evelyn saw right through her.

Isabella’s lips curled into a sneer. "So, you want to play hardball? Fine. I have ways to make you obey."

Evelyn scoffed. "Who do you think you are? I don’t answer to you."

With that, she turned to leave—but a sudden shove sent her tumbling into the freezing pool.

Late autumn water pierced her skin like knives. She gasped, but water flooded her lungs instead of air.

She flailed, but the depth swallowed her. Darkness crept at the edges of her vision—until a shadowed figure dove in after her.

Half an hour later, Evelyn’s eyes fluttered open to a white ceiling.

"Evelyn, sweetheart, are you in pain?" Victoria’s gentle voice reached her.

She shook her head slightly, then jolted upright. "What happened?"

Victoria eased her back down. "You fell into the pool. Nathaniel pulled you out just in time. Dr. Harrison checked you—you’re fine."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. If Victoria didn’t mention anything worse, she was safe.

Glancing at the clock—past nine—she murmured, "You should go back to the guests. I’ll be alright."

"I’m not leaving you alone."

Evelyn managed a faint smile. "Did you say… Nathaniel saved me?"

"Yes. He was frantic. Only after Dr. Harrison assured him you were fine did he return to the party with Richard."

Evelyn knew Victoria might be exaggerating Nathaniel’s concern, but she didn’t argue.

Just then, the door swung open.

Nathaniel strode in, his expression unreadable. "How are you feeling?"

"I’m fine."

"Good." His voice softened. "But next time, don’t be so reckless. Isabella was only trying to help when you slipped. Was your pride worth nearly drowning?"

His words weren’t angry—just disappointed, as if scolding a child.

Evelyn’s face paled. Tears welled, but she swallowed them back.

Victoria interjected, "Nathaniel, stop. It was an accident."

Evelyn finally met his gaze, voice trembling. "Is that what she told you? That I fell?"

Nathaniel frowned. "You argued, lost your balance, and when she tried to help, you pushed her away."

Evelyn’s heart shattered. "You actually believe her?"

Silence.

Her nails dug into her palms. Answer me, Nathaniel.