Chapter 465

Evelyn's breath hitched as Nathaniel tore the prenuptial agreement to shreds before her very eyes.

"What in the world—?"

She couldn’t believe it. The contract—the one that had dictated the terms of their marriage—was now nothing but scattered pieces in his hands.

Nathaniel clenched the torn papers tightly, his voice unwavering. "We don’t need this anymore."

That tone. It sent a shiver down Evelyn’s spine, reminding her of their conversation at the hospital weeks ago.

She lowered her gaze, her fingers curling into her palms. "Even without this document, I never wanted anything from you. Let’s just finalize the divorce this week."

As she turned to leave, Nathaniel’s hand closed around her wrist. His touch was warm—too warm.

Her pulse jumped. "What are you doing?"

His voice was low, rough with something she couldn’t place. "Evelyn, I was wrong about you. I didn’t know about this agreement. There’s no reason for us to end things now."

She froze, stunned into silence.

When she finally looked up, her smile was bittersweet. "If you’d said that six months ago—even three—I would have been ecstatic. But now…"

"Now what?" Nathaniel demanded. The unease in his chest grew as he studied her expression.

Her eyes held his, steady and resolute. "Now, I know divorce is the right choice."

"If it’s about the twins, don’t worry. I meant what I said—I’ll treat them as my own."

Evelyn shook her head. "It’s not just about them. Nathaniel, I married you because I loved you back then."

She took a breath. "Now, I want a marriage built on love, not just convenience."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. "I can’t promise to love you. But as Mrs. Whitmore, you’ll have everything—status, wealth, influence."

To him, mutual benefit was the foundation of any lasting relationship.

Evelyn’s voice softened. "That’s not what I want. I want love."

She knew Nathaniel wasn’t pushing for divorce because of Eleanor, but she refused to settle.

Silence stretched between them.

Evelyn pulled her hand free. "Mr. Whitmore, let’s end this amicably."

Nathaniel tugged at his tie, frustration simmering beneath his skin.

He wanted to stop her—to say something, anything—but the words wouldn’t come. Emotions had never been his strength.

Finally, he asked, "Is that why you’re rushing to finish your credits? So you can take the twins and Julian back to Nord City?"

Evelyn’s breath caught. How did he know?

Nathaniel saw the flicker of panic in her eyes and knew he’d hit the mark. Yet the victory felt hollow.

"Evelyn, the Montgomery family’s situation is complicated. Nord City isn’t safe for you. Stay here."

At least within the Whitmore family, she had Eleanor—and him—to shield her.

"That’s my decision," she said firmly.

Nathaniel’s knowledge of her brothers’ affairs unsettled her. Had he been investigating them?

Yet, it seemed he still didn’t know about her connection to Julian.

A stroke of luck—or a missed opportunity?

She met his gaze one last time. "I should go."

"Wait." Nathaniel reached for a small box on the table. "Take these with you."