Chapter 458

Nathaniel's fingers clenched around his silk tie, his frustration palpable. The prenuptial agreement sprawled across his desk felt like a cruel joke, a stark reminder of the chasm between him and Evelyn.

What infuriated him most was how effortlessly she let him label her as greedy. She never fought back, never defended herself.

Closing his eyes, Nathaniel was assaulted by memories—Evelyn's quiet explanations, her wounded gaze. He had dismissed every word.

He prided himself on reading people, yet Evelyn remained an enigma. The realization gnawed at him, guilt settling like a stone in his chest.

"Nat, what's wrong? I spoke to Evelyn at the university hall yesterday. She won't dare bring up the property settlement again."

Nathaniel's grip tightened. His voice was dangerously low. "What did you say to her?"

Beatrice smirked. "I gave her the divorce papers to review. Well, a copy, really. Didn’t want her destroying the original in a fit of emotion."

"Maybe this will wake her up from her delusions."

Nathaniel remembered yesterday—Evelyn laughing with Christopher, her smile bright. But when their eyes met, hers had turned cold. Distant.

He assumed she had moved on.

Only later did he realize Beatrice's interference. Yet Evelyn said nothing.

With a sharp motion, Nathaniel crumpled the divorce agreement in his fist. Beatrice flinched. "Nat! What are you doing?"

His voice was steel. "Mother, go home. I have work to do."

"Let me keep the document for you—"

He jerked it out of reach, his glare silencing her. "This is my matter. I’ll handle it."

Beatrice huffed. "Fine. Just don’t lose it. And don’t forget—your grandmother’s recovering well. You should finalize the divorce soon."

Alone, Nathaniel stared at the crumpled paper, his thoughts a storm.

Evelyn strode into the hospital, her steps light but her heart heavy. The past days had been consumed by her university hall design, leaving no time to visit Eleanor.

Now, with her project complete and credits secured, she could focus on her escape from Bern City.

The bodyguard at the private ward didn’t stop her.

Knocking softly, she entered with a fruit basket. "Grandma, I’m here."

Eleanor’s face lit up. "Evelyn, you shouldn’t have brought anything. Just seeing you is gift enough." Adjusting her glasses, she patted the bed. "Come, help me decide. I’ve been agonizing for days."

"Decide what?"

Sitting beside her, Evelyn watched as Eleanor scrolled through baby cribs and strollers on her tablet.

Her chest tightened.

Eleanor dreamed of her great-grandchildren.

Evelyn dreamed of vanishing.

Taking a shaky breath, she whispered, "Grandma... there’s something I need to tell you."