Chapter 339

Evelyn stared at her phone screen in disbelief.

Christopher had blocked her number.

The realization hit her like a physical blow. Her own cousin's girlfriend had cut off all communication.

She clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath her skin.

Nathaniel must have been preoccupied. That was the only explanation for why he hadn’t noticed her messages—or the misunderstanding that had spiraled from them.

After a tense moment, Evelyn exhaled sharply. There was no point dwelling on it now. She’d deal with it when Nathaniel was free.

Even if she tried to explain herself to that woman, it wouldn’t matter. The damage was already done.

With a resigned sigh, Evelyn tucked her phone away.

Since she’d already taken leave from the studio and Nathaniel was swamped, what now?

Her thoughts drifted to Eleanor.

"Grandma," she murmured.

Decision made, she flagged down a taxi and directed it toward the hospital.

Eleanor remained in the ICU, still too fragile for visitors. Evelyn could only hover outside, anxiously questioning the nurses for updates.

One nurse offered a reassuring smile. "Her blood pressure spiked early this morning, but we stabilized her. She’s resting comfortably now."

Evelyn’s pulse stuttered at the mention of the crisis. Relief flooded her when she heard Eleanor was stable.

Unable to see her grandmother, Evelyn closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer.

As she turned to leave, the elevator doors slid open. Nathaniel stood there, deep in conversation with a group of doctors.

His head snapped up when he noticed her.

"Keep me updated," he told the doctors briskly before dismissing them.

One physician nodded. "Of course, Mr. Whitmore. Mrs. Whitmore Senior is under constant supervision. We won’t leave anything to chance."

Nathaniel acknowledged this with a curt nod, and the medical team dispersed.

Evelyn had overheard enough. With round-the-clock care, Eleanor was in good hands.

Nathaniel’s lips pressed into a thin line. "She’s stable. Don’t worry." His tone was stiff, almost guarded.

Evelyn nodded. "That’s good to hear."

A beat of silence stretched between them.

Nathaniel’s gaze flickered over her. "You’re not working today? I thought you had weekend shifts."

Someone of Evelyn’s skill shouldn’t have needed to waste her time at that small studio. The thought of its owner made Nathaniel’s jaw tighten.

Evelyn hesitated. "I’ve decided to prioritize my studies. I can freelance for extra income."

His brows drew together. "You need money?"

"Everyone does," she said flatly. "Bills don’t pay themselves."

Nathaniel studied her for a long moment before reaching for his wallet. He extracted a sleek black card and held it out.

"Take it."

Evelyn eyed the card but made no move to accept it. "No, thanks."

"You refused the assets before, but now you’re struggling. If word gets out, it reflects poorly on me."

She frowned. "How does my financial situation affect your reputation?"

Was this some kind of power play?

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "You’re still my wife."

"For now."

"Even after the divorce, people will talk if I let my ex-wife struggle." His voice hardened. "Just take it."

Evelyn took a deliberate step back. "Not happening."

Accepting his money would only muddy the waters between them. She refused to be labeled a gold-digger.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Christopher’s name flashed across the screen.

Evelyn answered immediately. "Finally."

The voice on the other end wasn’t Christopher’s.

"Are you Christopher Montgomery’s family?"

Evelyn’s breath caught. "Yes. I am."