Chapter 184

Victoria wore a victorious smirk, though an undercurrent of unease twisted in her gut as she glanced at Evelyn.

Turning to Penelope, Victoria suggested, "Why don't we let her leave? When we meet Nathaniel later, I'll handle the credit card issue myself."

For reasons she couldn't explain, Victoria didn’t want Evelyn anywhere near Nathaniel—especially not now.

Penelope rolled her eyes and nodded. "Fine, Evelyn, you can go. We don’t need you here anymore."

Evelyn had no desire to stay. After all, Penelope had dragged her here against her will.

This outcome suited Evelyn perfectly. In fact, it might have just made things easier for her.

As Evelyn stepped out of the guest room, she nearly collided with a group exiting the adjacent conference hall.

At the forefront stood Nathaniel, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, his usual aura of icy detachment radiating around him. He was deep in conversation with Robert, his head slightly bowed.

Robert’s expression darkened the moment he spotted Evelyn. "Sir, Ms. Carter is here," he murmured.

Nathaniel’s gaze snapped toward Evelyn, his brows knitting together.

Why was Evelyn here?

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes before he schooled his features. "Tell her to wait in my office," he ordered quietly.

He was certain she had a reason for coming.

Robert approached Evelyn. "Ms. Carter, Mr. Whitmore requests that you wait for him in his office."

Wait for Nathaniel?

Confusion flickered in Evelyn’s eyes. "Actually, I was just leaving. The person looking for Nathaniel is in the guest room."

Knowing Victoria was inside, Evelyn had no intention of lingering and risking humiliation.

Without another word, she turned toward the elevators.

Nathaniel’s lips pressed into a thin line as he watched her walk away. Was she playing games again?

Why come only to leave so abruptly?

Just then, the guest room door swung open.

Victoria stepped out, her expression sweet and cheerful as she approached Nathaniel. "Nate, are you finished with your meeting?"

Nathaniel ignored her, his gaze still fixed on Evelyn by the elevator.

Evelyn resisted the urge to look back as the doors slid shut.

At that moment, she was nothing more than a detached ex-wife.

As the elevator disappeared, Nathaniel’s expression tightened. He turned to Victoria and Penelope, his voice cool. "What are you two doing here?"

Victoria’s smile faltered. Before she could respond, Penelope blurted out, "Nathaniel, could you please reinstate my credit card?"

"The Cassandra incident had nothing to do with me. If you don’t believe me, ask Evelyn. She was just here—"

Penelope trailed off, realizing Evelyn had already left. She shot Victoria a pleading look.

Victoria cleared her throat awkwardly. "Nate, Evelyn just confirmed that Penelope wasn’t involved. She didn’t accuse her of anything."

Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened. "Did you bring Evelyn here?"

He still couldn’t fathom why she’d shown up unannounced.

Penelope nodded quickly. "On the way, I explained everything to her, and we reached an understanding. That’s why she agreed to come as a witness."

Nathaniel’s voice turned icy. "Did you apologize?"

Penelope hesitated, guilt flashing across her face. "Yes, of course. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come with me."

"You’re lying."

Nathaniel saw through her instantly. "You’ll apologize to Evelyn properly. Only then will I consider reinstating your credit limit."

Penelope paled, turning desperately to Victoria.

Apologizing to Evelyn? That was far worse than admitting her own mistakes.