Chapter 159

Evelyn's composed demeanor stirred something in Reginald.

Without hesitation, Anthony snatched Evelyn's phone and demanded, "Unlock it."

Evelyn complied instantly, swiping her screen open.

Reginald then provided Nathaniel's number, which Anthony dialed directly from Evelyn's phone. Moments later, the screen lit up with a contact name: "Worthless Jerk."

Noticing the label, Evelyn cleared her throat softly. "It's just an inside joke between us," she explained.

Anthony immediately ended the call, and Reginald's expression darkened. "Give her the phone back," he ordered.

Once her phone was returned, Evelyn exhaled in quiet relief. Had she actually passed the test?

The entire ordeal had shaken her more than she cared to admit.

But could she really consider herself safe now?

In that desperate moment, she had no choice but to bluff her way through.

Then, her phone buzzed again—Nathaniel's name flashing on the screen.

Evelyn's eye twitched in irritation. Why was he calling back? Didn’t he have a company to run?

Reginald glanced over, his tone deceptively calm. "Aren’t you going to answer?"

Reluctantly, she picked up, clearing her throat before speaking. "Hello, darling. Sorry about earlier. I must’ve dialed the wrong number by mistake."

Nathaniel’s frown deepened on the other end. "Evelyn, can’t you just talk like a normal person?"

"What’s that? You’re asking where I am? I’m at work. A client needed me to present some design drafts. I’m at Oakwood Villa. I’ll head over once I’m done," she rushed out.

Nathaniel’s instincts flared. "Evelyn, what’s really going on?"

"Sweetheart, I have to go now. Sending you kisses."

Without waiting for a response, she hung up and turned back to Reginald with forced calm. "I should probably leave now."

"Wait," Reginald interjected.

Evelyn tensed but kept her expression neutral. "Is there something else?"

Reginald picked up the design drafts she had prepared, his tone shifting to something almost pleasant. "Ms. Carter, your work is exceptional. Let’s proceed with this draft."

He continued smoothly, "What happened earlier was just a misunderstanding. Given Mr. Whitmore’s busy schedule, further complications wouldn’t benefit you."

"Let’s just pretend this never happened."

"Fine. The fewer complications, the better," Evelyn agreed easily.

Clutching her designs, she hurried out of the villa.

The moment she stepped outside, the sunlight enveloped her, its warmth soothing her frayed nerves.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, she couldn’t help but marvel at how close she had come to disaster.

Reginald had caught her completely off guard.

Still unsettled, she found a bench nearby and sat down, needing a moment to collect herself.

Her hand drifted to her stomach. Had the baby sensed her fear?

"Well, at least your useless father still came in handy," she muttered dryly.

Just as she was regaining her composure, a sleek black luxury car pulled up in front of her. The license plate looked familiar.

The door opened, and Nathaniel stepped out, his voice laced with disbelief. "Evelyn!"

Startled, she looked up. "What are you doing here?"

He strode toward her, giving her a once-over. "Weren’t you the one who called for help, claiming to be at Oakwood Villa?"

For a moment, Evelyn was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to pick up on her coded message.

Even more surprising—he had actually come looking for her.

In truth, she had only made that call as a precaution.

Yet, Reginald had hesitated because of Nathaniel, ultimately letting her go.

Now that the danger had passed, she shrugged. "Honestly, I didn’t need your help. I lost a bet with a friend and had to make a random call."