Chapter 434

The termination letter visibly shook the elderly woman, but she quickly composed herself. "Son, don't be such a coward."

"You're a top graduate with skills. You'll land a senior position at another company easily."

Nathaniel let out a derisive scoff. "Don't insult actual executives by comparing them to his mediocrity."

He strode away, with Evelyn trailing behind. She glanced back at the quarreling mother and son, feeling oddly satisfied.

The woman's entitled tone suggested she was accustomed to bullying others.

Had her son ever reined in her behavior? Probably not—which told Evelyn everything she needed to know.

The man was likely just as toxic in the workplace, stealing credit and harassing juniors.

Now that he'd been fired, Evelyn felt zero sympathy.

She turned forward only to find Nathaniel waiting, his gaze piercing. "Do you think I went too far?"

Evelyn hesitated briefly.

He continued, voice clipped. "That man was incompetent and lazy. For two years straight, his performance ranked dead last."

"Any other manager would've fired him ages ago."

Her suspicions confirmed, Evelyn nodded. A mother like that could never raise a decent son.

"You were justified," she said.

Nathaniel led her outside, where a sleek black car idled by the curb. He opened the door. "Get in."

The memory of him shielding her in the elevator replayed in her mind, sending her pulse skittering.

She bit her lip. How could she politely refuse?

Then he arched a brow. "Am I that terrifying?"

Evelyn met his eyes. Truthfully? No.

When she finally moved toward the car, the tension in his jaw eased slightly.

Suddenly, tires screeched nearby.

Andrew leaped out, his face etched with worry. "Evelyn!"

She spun around, startled by his abrupt appearance.

Freezing mid-step, she frowned. "What are you doing here?"

He rushed over, scanning her for injuries. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"

She shook her head. "Just low blood sugar. Mr. Whitmore brought me to the hospital."

Andrew's head snapped up, his expression hardening when he spotted Nathaniel.

He couldn't believe it. Nathaniel Whitmore—helping her?

Meanwhile, Nathaniel's posture turned rigid at Andrew's arrival. The Montgomerys were like weeds—impossible to escape.

The air crackled with hostility as the two men locked eyes.

Andrew stepped between them, his voice icy. "Thanks for getting her here, Whitmore. I owe you dinner."

Nathaniel's smile was razor-thin. "Unnecessary. Taking care of my wife is my responsibility."

Andrew's hands clenched. "That paperwork says otherwise. You're divorced."