Chapter 91

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting golden patterns across the bedroom floor. Evelyn stretched lazily, her fingers brushing against the empty space beside her. Nathaniel had already left for work—again.

She sighed, rolling onto her back. The silence of the house was deafening.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Gregory: "Meeting in an hour. Don’t be late."

Evelyn groaned. She had completely forgotten about the client presentation. Throwing off the covers, she hurried to the shower, the warm water doing little to ease the tension in her shoulders.

By the time she arrived at the office, Gabrielle was already waiting with a stack of blueprints. "You look like you’ve been through a war," her assistant remarked, handing her a much-needed coffee.

"Feels like it," Evelyn muttered, flipping through the designs.

The meeting went smoothly—until it didn’t.

Halfway through her presentation, the conference room door swung open. Nathaniel stood there, his expression unreadable.

Everyone turned to stare.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. "Nathaniel? What are you doing here?"

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze swept over the room before landing back on her. "We need to talk."

Her stomach twisted. Something was wrong.

Gregory cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should take a short break?"

Nathaniel didn’t wait for a response. He turned on his heel and walked out.

Evelyn excused herself and followed, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She caught up to him in the hallway. "Nathaniel, what’s going on?"

He stopped abruptly, his jaw clenched. "Isabella’s back."

The name hit her like a punch to the gut. Isabella—his ex, his first love. The woman who had shattered his heart before Evelyn had even met him.

"And?" Evelyn forced her voice to remain steady.

Nathaniel finally met her eyes. "She wants to see me."

The air between them thickened with unspoken words. Evelyn swallowed hard. "When?"

"Tonight."

Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. "And you’re telling me this why?"

His expression softened, just slightly. "Because I wanted you to hear it from me first."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Fine. Go see her. But don’t expect me to be okay with it."

She turned to leave, but Nathaniel caught her wrist. "Evelyn—"

She yanked her arm free. "Not here. Not now."

Without another word, she walked away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Isabella was back.

And nothing would ever be the same again.

Nathaniel's lips curved into a faint smile as he gestured toward Evelyn. "This is Evelyn Mitchell, a dear friend of mine. She's currently working in Mayby. I'd appreciate it if you could look out for her, Mr. Martin."

"A dear friend?" Nathaniel repeated the words with deliberate emphasis, his voice dropping an octave.

Isabella visibly paled, her gaze darting toward Evelyn with barely concealed surprise.

Nathaniel simply nodded. "Indeed."

Evelyn maintained her polite facade, offering a practiced smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Martin."

"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Mitchell." His response was cool, his piercing gaze lingering on her just a moment too long before turning away. Yet Evelyn could feel the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.

The arrival of their meal provided temporary relief as the four began dining. Through Nathaniel and Isabella's conversation, Evelyn learned they'd known each other for years - their connection stemming from Isabella's college professor who happened to be Nathaniel's longtime friend.

As the men talked, Isabella seized the opportunity to demonstrate her familiarity with Nathaniel, serving him soup with practiced ease before addressing Isabella. "Mr. Whitman, what an honor to meet you. What a coincidence that we're both in the same industry."

Isabella offered a polite nod but remained silent.

Undeterred, Isabella pressed on. "Mr. Whitman, Nathaniel specifically invited you to Mayby hoping you'd compose for my new single. I understand you've retired, but just this once..."

She deliberately emphasized Nathaniel's involvement, implying their special relationship would sway Isabella's decision.

Isabella took a measured sip from his glass, his smile never wavering. After allowing her to finish, he turned to Nathaniel. "Is this truly your wish, Mr. Martin?"

"I'm merely making the introduction. If you find her suitable, by all means." Nathaniel leaned back, his expression unreadable.

Isabella interjected eagerly, "Mr. Whitman, I'd love the chance to collaborate. Please listen to my previous work - I promise you won't be disappointed."

"Ms. Davis, my apologies but I must decline. Retirement means exactly that - no exceptions." Isabella's tone was final.

"But your talent is being wasted! Your fans want you back. If you prefer anonymity, we needn't credit you-"

Isabella chuckled, interrupting her. "Ms. Davis, my style is unmistakable. Do you honestly believe my involvement could remain secret?"

Isabella had cultivated a distinctive musical signature over the years - impossible to disguise.

Frustration flashed across Isabella's face as she turned to Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, please..."

"Mr. Whitman, is there truly no reconsideration?"

"Mr. Martin, I came to Mayby as a personal favor. The only song I owe is to Evelyn here. Beyond that, I have no plans to compose for anyone else."

Isabella was notoriously uncompromising - a man who followed his own rules, answerable to no one. This very quality had cemented his legendary status in the industry.

Convinced of Evelyn's interference, Isabella blurted, "Mr. Whitman, has Evelyn said something about me? Whatever past misunderstandings we've had, you can't question my professionalism because of them!"

Isabella's expression darkened. "Are you questioning my integrity? Or my judgment? Evelyn is my friend. You will apologize to her immediately."

Isabella's eyes widened in disbelief. "It's obvious Evelyn's poisoned you against me! I'm not doubting you, just trying to salvage this opportunity-"

"Your arrogance is astounding," Isabella cut in coldly. "Do you imagine I came here today for you? Even the biggest stars wouldn't dare address me so disrespectfully."

The truth of his words silenced her. Lips pressed tight, she looked to Nathaniel for support but found none.

"Apologize to Evelyn," Isabella repeated. "Or this meeting is over."

"I...I didn't mean...I just wanted this collaboration so badly..."

"Your words were directed at the wrong person, Ms. Davis."

Cornered, Isabella turned to Evelyn. "My apologies for the misunderstanding."

Evelyn remained silent, deliberately ignoring the apology as she sipped her water before telling Isabella calmly, "I appreciate the thought, but my voice isn't suited for singing. Let's drop it."

"Stop making excuses," Isabella chided playfully. "Even Cole would drag himself here with his cane to scold you for that."

"Careful, or I'll tell on you."

"After all his harsh treatment, you still defend him?"

"Mr. Whitman, need I remind you he's your father?"

Their easy banter revealed years of familiarity, making Nathaniel's expression grow colder while Isabella stiffened beside him.

"Nathaniel," she whispered desperately, "I don't know what to do."

"Apologize properly. Unless this collaboration means nothing to you?"

Left with no choice, Isabella raised her glass. "Evelyn, let me toast you with water since we're not drinking. I sincerely apologize for my earlier words. Please don't hold it against me."

"Unnecessary, Ms. Davis," Evelyn replied coolly. "Our relationship doesn't warrant such formalities. Whether I care or not is hardly your concern - you're responsible for your own words."

The blunt dismissal left Isabella seething but powerless, secretly vowing revenge that would remove Evelyn from Nathaniel's orbit permanently.

The meal continued awkwardly until, for Nathaniel's sake, Isabella offered Isabella a conciliatory remark: "You're talented. With time, perhaps we'll collaborate."

Isabella's smile didn't reach her eyes.

Later, as Evelyn walked Isabella to his car, he asked quietly, "What's between you and Isabella?"