Chapter 70

Evelyn had barely stepped through her front door when her phone buzzed with Nathaniel's call.

His voice came through cold and detached. "Did you forget about your responsibilities after receiving the payment? When exactly do you plan to start the interior design work?"

Evelyn nearly dropped her phone in shock.

"I assumed you'd hire another designer," she responded cautiously.

After her explosive confrontation with Victoria yesterday, she'd been certain the vindictive woman would run straight to Nathaniel. Truthfully, Evelyn hadn't even considered this project might still proceed.

Yet here was Nathaniel himself, demanding she continue the work.

Was this some elaborate scheme to humiliate her?

"Why would I do that?" Nathaniel's tone remained impassive.

Evelyn's eyes flicked to the signed contract on her coffee table, and her professional demeanor snapped into place.

"Mr. Whitmore, do you have any specific design preferences? If not, I'll begin furniture selection tomorrow. The renovation will proceed swiftly. There are seasonal promotions happening now - we could secure substantial discounts with early orders!"

Nathaniel's voice turned dry. "Would I dare criticize your designs?"

She'd deliberately submitted that outrageous initial design to provoke him.

"Our studio exists to fulfill every client's vision. Please don't hesitate to share any concerns!"

"Evelyn, what's gotten into you? Can't you just act normally?"

Clearing her throat, Evelyn shifted gears. "Understood. Any other instructions?"

This was purely business now. With mortgage payments looming, she'd cater to any client demand - even if it meant designing her ex-husband's marital home.

She could handle decorating a hundred of Nathaniel's love nests if necessary.

"Complete the furnishings within three days."

The line went dead before she could respond.

As Evelyn studied the contract, her fingers absently traced her still-flat abdomen.

"We're getting our own place soon, little one," she murmured.

Cassandra chose that moment to appear, peering over her shoulder. "Property documents? You're actually buying? Moving fast, aren't we? Which neighborhood?"

Evelyn swiftly tucked away the papers. "Shouldn't you focus on securing your own clients instead of gossiping?"

"Don't get smug. You just got lucky."

"Luck happens to be one of my many talents," Evelyn shot back before retreating to her office.

She needed to finalize furnishings immediately. This million-dollar commission dwarfed her usual projects - she'd ensure Nathaniel got his money's worth, even if it killed her.

The next morning found Evelyn navigating a high-end furniture showroom. Selecting pieces for Nathaniel's home came effortlessly; she still remembered his preferences better than her own.

After photographing several options, she forwarded them to Nathaniel.

"Mr. Whitmore, these represent the latest designer collections. Do any meet your approval?"

Turning to the sales associate, Evelyn added sotto voce, "I'll take the most expensive pieces in each category. And don't forget my commission."

The associate practically glowed. "Absolutely! One moment please."

Evelyn collapsed onto a display sofa, exhausted from hours of browsing, while awaiting Nathaniel's response.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel scrolled through the images in his corporate office. Despite himself, he approved of her selections.

Winning that design competition hadn't been a fluke - Evelyn's talent was undeniable.

Robert's discreet knock interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Whitmore, your mother has arrived."

Nathaniel set down his phone as Beatrice swept in.

"Darling, have you finalized the divorce with Evelyn yet?"

Nathaniel stiffened. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I've heard she's purchasing a marital home with another man. The scandal would be unacceptable. Settle this quickly before complications arise."

Nathaniel's eyes turned glacial. "Who exactly is she buying property with?"