Chapter 470

Nathaniel stared at the crimson rose resting on the passenger seat, wondering what madness had possessed him to make such a romantic gesture.

Across town, Evelyn quickly flagged down a taxi and left the university campus. As the car pulled away, she glanced back through the rear window, her phone vibrating relentlessly in her hand.

She watched the screen light up repeatedly but refused to answer. Evelyn couldn't comprehend Nathaniel's sudden change in behavior.

Memories surfaced of their last conversation while shopping for nursery items. Was this his attempt at salvaging their marriage? The realization hit her - he was only doing this because of Eleanor.

Her phone chimed with a WhatsApp notification. "Why did you run?" Nathaniel's message read.

Evelyn's fingers hovered over the keyboard before she decided against responding.

Another message followed moments later. "Remember, this is Bern City. You can't hide from me."

Anger flared as she immediately called back. "What do you want, Nathaniel?"

His smooth voice answered, "Finally. Why did you leave like that?"

"You appeared out of nowhere causing a scene! How could I focus on my exams with you disrupting everything? What's your real motive here?"

Evelyn's unease grew. Why was she being questioned like this?

"I merely wanted to make amends," Nathaniel replied calmly.

Make amends?

The statement caught her off guard. "I won't be manipulated. And why would you even try?"

Suddenly, understanding dawned on Evelyn.

"You can't possibly think a single rose would make me forget everything and cancel our divorce?" she scoffed.

There was a thoughtful pause before Nathaniel responded, "I don't do this for just anyone."

Evelyn laughed bitterly. "Well Mr. Whitmore, I don't accept gestures from just anyone either."

"Would you like to find out?" His voice dropped an octave.

"Find out what?" she asked cautiously.

"What it's like to be properly courted by me," Nathaniel's deep voice purred through the phone.

Evelyn felt her chest constrict with familiar pain. For three years she'd bent to his will, and now that she'd finally found the strength to leave, he dared to tempt her back.

"No thank you," she said firmly. "I've already had that experience. Never again."

Ending the call, she gazed out at the passing city lights, lost in thought.

Arriving home, Evelyn found Julian and Andrew lounging in the living room. She'd assumed Andrew would have returned to Nord City by now.

As Margaret disappeared into the kitchen, Andrew leaned closer. "Evelyn, there's an issue with your immigration paperwork in Bern City."

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Since your divorce isn't finalized, Nathaniel's signature is required," Andrew explained.

Evelyn shook her head immediately. "No, he'd never agree. I can't risk telling him."

Given Nathaniel's behavior today, he might not only refuse but actively interfere.

"Evelyn, you should expedite the divorce. If you need help—" Andrew began.

"I'll handle it myself," Evelyn interrupted. "Everything will be settled by week's end."

Andrew smiled. "Good. Alexander arrives in a few days - perfect timing to take you home."

Soon, Alexander and their brothers would expose Victoria's deception and reveal Evelyn as the true Montgomery heiress.