Chapter 192
Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Mother, I have an important meeting soon. You should return home first."
"Of course. Just remember not to push yourself too hard at work." Beatrice simply advised, knowing better than to interfere with his professional matters.
No matter how many unspoken words burned in her throat, she forced them down.
After she departed, he descended to the living room.
Robert promptly updated him, "Mr. Whitmore, the chauffeur has safely delivered Mrs. Whitmore home."
Nathaniel acknowledged with a hum, sinking into the couch. A faint crease of worry appeared between his brows.
He dismissed Robert with a wave. "You're free to leave for the evening."
Finally released from duty, Robert exited the residence.
Nathaniel's gaze lingered on Evelyn's message and the returned transaction. His lips pressed into a thin line.
With quick fingers, he typed, 'I'll transfer the amount back to you.'
The moment he hit send, he noticed Evelyn's profile picture had disappeared from his contacts - a clear sign she'd blocked him.
The air around him turned icy. For hours, he stared at his darkened phone screen before finally dialing her number.
Had Evelyn truly cut him off? The thought was inconceivable.
Meanwhile, Evelyn sat in the backseat of the car when his call came through.
She hadn't planned to answer, but courtesy demanded it since she was using his family's driver.
The moment the call connected, Nathaniel's voice came through gritted teeth. "Evelyn Carter, how dare you block my number!"
Her jaw tightened. "I was simply following your mother's instructions."
"Since when do you take orders from her?" His voice vibrated with barely contained fury.
His sharp retort left her momentarily speechless, creating an uncomfortable silence.
Evelyn's eyes dropped to her lap. "Truthfully, there's no reason for us to maintain contact now that our marriage is ending. A clean break would be best," she stated firmly.
"Who says it has to be your way? What am I supposed to tell Grandmother?" Nathaniel countered.
"She won't be checking your phone for deleted contacts. Besides, exes typically become strangers after divorce, don't they?" Evelyn pointed out.
The driver, overhearing the heated exchange, gripped the wheel tighter, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"Fine." A sharp exhale preceded the abrupt end of the call.
Evelyn turned her gaze to the passing scenery, one hand absently stroking her barely noticeable baby bump.
"You're right. We'll be nothing to each other after this."
She contemplated her social media accounts, wondering if she should create new ones.
Future baby photos would certainly complicate matters otherwise.
Upon arriving home, Evelyn found Margaret waiting anxiously.
"Evelyn, your adoptive family discovered the demolition notice. They showed up at the old neighborhood this afternoon. What should we do?"
"Don't worry, Aunt Margaret. My brothers told me they're coming back. We'll handle them together. Remember, you legally own that house. Without your signature, they can't proceed with anything."
Margaret nodded, visibly relieved. "That's good. Once you secure another property, you'll have better marriage prospects. Two homes make you quite the catch."
"I'm not looking for another relationship right now," Evelyn replied.
"But you must! You need someone to protect you," Margaret insisted, her voice laced with maternal concern.
Evelyn understood Margaret's traditional worries, but times had changed.
If she could support herself, marriage wasn't a necessity.
After reassuring Margaret, Evelyn received a call from Alexander. "Evelyn, we're flying back to Nord City tomorrow."
The news of her brothers' return lifted her spirits. "Wonderful! What's your arrival time? I'll meet you at the airport."
The following day, Evelyn arrived early at the terminal to welcome Alexander and Olivia.
As she stepped from the taxi, a flash of familiar crimson caught her eye - a Maserati parked nearby. It wasn't until Penelope and Victoria emerged that recognition dawned.