Chapter 80

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the bedroom. Evelyn stirred, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work, his side of the bed cool to the touch. She sighed, stretching before sitting up.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory.

"Emergency meeting at the office. We need you here ASAP."

Evelyn frowned. She had planned to spend the morning reviewing the final blueprints for the Martin Group’s new project. Something must have gone wrong.

She dressed quickly, opting for a sleek black pantsuit—her armor for the day. As she fastened her watch, her gaze lingered on the framed photo on the dresser. It was from their wedding day, Nathaniel’s arms wrapped around her waist, his smile bright against the sunset.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called.

Alfred, their butler, stepped inside. "Madam, your car is ready."

"Thank you, Alfred." She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.

The drive to the office was tense. Evelyn tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, her mind racing through possible scenarios. Had the client backed out? Was there an issue with the permits?

When she arrived, the conference room was already packed. Gregory stood at the head of the table, his expression grim. Gabrielle, her assistant, handed her a folder the moment she walked in.

"What’s going on?" Evelyn asked, flipping it open.

Gregory exhaled sharply. "Summit Realty just pulled out of the deal. They’re taking their investment elsewhere."

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. Summit Realty was their biggest client. Without them, the entire project was at risk.

"Why?" she demanded.

Gabrielle hesitated. "Rumors are spreading. They think the Martins are unstable after… recent events."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. Recent events. The media had been relentless since Isabella’s sudden reappearance in Nathaniel’s life.

She closed the folder with a snap. "Call Sebastian Wilson. I want a meeting set up by the end of the day."

Gregory raised an eyebrow. "You think he’ll listen?"

"He will," Evelyn said, her voice steady. "Because I’m not letting this fall apart."

As she strode out of the room, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Nathaniel.

"We need to talk. Tonight."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the phone. Whatever was coming, she wasn’t ready. But she had no choice.

The game was far from over.

Nathaniel's expression was icy as he stated flatly, "You're drunk."

"I'm perfectly sober. Don't you love me anymore? How can you be so cruel, ignoring me like this?"

Isabella's voice cracked into sobs as she gazed up at Nathaniel's sharp jawline, rising onto her toes to kiss him.

"Isabella, get in the car. I'll take you home."

Just as she leaned in, Nathaniel deftly sidestepped her, turning to open the passenger door with an unreadable expression. His tone left no room for argument.

Isabella hesitated, acutely aware of Vincent and the others watching from behind. Reluctantly, she slid into the seat, her pride stinging.

Unseen by them, a black van idled by the curb. Inside, a camera lens focused, capturing the intimate moment between the two at the perfect angle.

Vanessa spotted Isabella entering the car and quickly excused herself from Vincent. "Mr. Rossi, Mr. Martin is here to pick up Isabella. We'll be leaving now."

Vincent's face paled as he glared at his assistant. "Didn't you tell me Nathaniel had cut ties with her? Why is he here now? Are you trying to turn him against me and ruin everything?"

He knew better than to challenge Nathaniel.

Vanessa didn’t ride with them. Instead, she followed in her own car.

The drive was silent. Isabella, who hadn’t actually drunk much, sobered up quickly under Nathaniel’s cold demeanor.

When they arrived at Cedar Heights, the car rolled to a smooth stop.

Only then did Isabella dare to speak. "Nathaniel... thank you for bringing me home."

"It’s nothing. Try not to drink so much next time. A lady shouldn’t involve herself in these damaging social games, understood?"

"I know. It won’t happen again."

Isabella nodded, lifting her gaze cautiously.

But Nathaniel’s eyes remained fixed ahead, his sharp cheekbones casting shadows that made him look even more distant. Gathering her courage, she whispered, "Nathaniel... are you ending things with me?"

His brow twitched slightly before he finally turned to look at her.

"It's late. Go inside and rest." His voice was cool, detached.

"Nathaniel, why won’t you answer me? When I woke up, you promised to marry me. Why haven’t you mentioned it since? Is it because of Evelyn? Are you pushing me away for her?"

Her voice trembled, her fists clenched tightly in her lap.

Their eyes locked. Nathaniel’s gaze remained unreadable, his tone steady. "Isabella, this has nothing to do with Evelyn. I’m just disappointed in what you did."

Relief flickered through her at his words. "Nathaniel, I swear I’ve learned my lesson. Please, just forgive me this once?"

Silence.

Isabella refused to back down.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, "Nathaniel, did you come for me tonight because of what happened a year ago? If you don’t want to marry me, just say it. I’ll leave Mayby. I won’t bother you anymore."

Nathaniel’s eyes darkened dangerously. "Is that a threat, Isabella?"

She froze.

"No! You misunderstand—I just—"

"Enough." His voice cut through her stammering. "I don’t respond to threats. What I promised you still stands. Just don’t test my patience again."

Isabella jerked her head in a quick nod. "I understand. I won’t disappoint you."

Nathaniel’s expression softened marginally. "Good. Get some rest. I’m leaving."

This time, she didn’t argue. His moods were too unpredictable, and she couldn’t risk pushing him further.

Back in her apartment, she dialed Vanessa. Before she could speak, the other woman asked, "Did Mr. Martin stay with you?"

"Release the footage we got tonight. Make sure it trends by morning."

Isabella’s voice was cold, calculated.

She would use this scandal to cement the illusion of her relationship with Nathaniel. Even if he denied it later, the damage would be done. And Evelyn? She’d make sure the woman knew exactly who held Nathaniel’s heart.

The next morning, the affair between Nathaniel and Isabella exploded across social media.

Nathaniel’s phone rang incessantly.

Samuel’s voice was tense on the other end. "Mr. Martin, the rumors are everywhere. Should we take them down?"

"Unless you’d like to explain why I pay you?" Nathaniel’s tone was frigid.

Evelyn noticed his irritation. After he hung up, she asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing."

She didn’t press further, finishing her breakfast before heading to the office, fully recovered from her cold.

But as she moved to leave, Nathaniel suddenly suggested, "Why not rest another day?"

"No. I’m bored at home, and the project can’t wait. I won’t let it fall behind."

As the lead architect, the entire construction depended on her.

Nathaniel fell silent, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he let it go.

At the office, Gregory’s expression was grim. When their eyes met, Evelyn frowned. "Gregory, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Let’s talk in your office."

She nodded, puzzled.

Once inside, Gregory shut the door and lowered his voice. "Evelyn, what is Nathaniel playing at? He’s stringing you along with this marriage while openly dating Isabella. Does he even respect you?"

Evelyn blinked. "What?"

"You didn’t know?" Gregory’s frown deepened as he pulled out his phone, showing her a screenshot. "This was taken last night outside a restaurant. It trended this morning before being taken down, but the buzz is still everywhere. I can’t believe Nathaniel didn’t tell you."

Evelyn barely heard him. Her entire focus was on the headline glaring from the screen:

"Martin Group’s Nathaniel Personally Escorts Isabella Home—Returning to Their Love Nest?"

The timestamp? Early this morning. When Nathaniel had supposedly been out with Thomas.

Her stomach twisted.

So last night, when he said he had plans with Thomas… he was really with Isabella?

And the call this morning—was it about this?

His suggestion that she stay home… was it to keep her from finding out?

A bitter laugh threatened to escape.

Nathaniel. Just how many lies have you told me?