Chapter 72

Evelyn hesitated outside the master bedroom door. The last thing she wanted was to see evidence of Nathaniel living with another woman.

She inhaled sharply and pushed the door open. There was no avoiding this confrontation.

To her astonishment, their wedding portrait still hung prominently above the bed.

"It's still here!"

"Mrs. Whitmore, of course it is. No one would dare remove it," Abigail replied.

Evelyn frowned. Was Victoria truly indifferent to the portrait? Or did Nathaniel have some peculiar preference?

She scanned the room before heading to the walk-in closet. Everything remained nearly identical to how she'd left it. Nothing seemed out of place, and there were no traces of feminine belongings.

It was as if Victoria had never set foot in this house.

Yet Evelyn remembered with painful clarity finding Victoria in this very bed the day she was cast out.

Emerging from the closet, Evelyn turned to Abigail with an awkward smile. "Has he been living alone? No overnight guests?" She quickly added, "Just curious, since there aren't any women's things here."

"None. Not even Ms. Sinclair stayed the night."

Evelyn's brows knitted in confusion.

"That can't be right."

"It's true, Mrs. Whitmore. After their argument, Ms. Sinclair left that same evening."

Evelyn was thoroughly perplexed. At the Whitmore estate, Nathaniel had claimed to be a virgin until their fateful encounter. He'd seemed completely inexperienced.

During their three-year marriage, intimacy had been rare. Between his work obsession and apparent lack of desire, she'd begun to wonder.

If not for that drunken mistake, she might have questioned his preferences entirely.

Evelyn clicked her tongue. "Abigail, tell me honestly—does Nathaniel prefer men?"

"Why don't you ask me directly?"

That deep, familiar voice sent a jolt through her. Nathaniel stood in the doorway, having caught every word.

Abigail fled instantly.

Evelyn feigned nonchalance. "I should check on the renovations downstairs—"

Nathaniel blocked her path.

"You had questions. Ask them now."

Evelyn bit her lip. Just her luck.

She lifted her chin defiantly. "If I said that was the first time I've ever spoken ill of you, would you believe me?"

Leaning against the doorframe, Nathaniel countered, "Do you believe it yourself?"

Evelyn coughed and changed tactics. "The renovations are nearly complete—just the bedroom remains. Any special requests, Mr. Whitmore?"

"Let me inspect first."

Downstairs, Nathaniel paused before the mattress displayed in the hall.

"When did I authorize replacing this?"

Hadn't Victoria suggested it?

Evelyn saw her opportunity. "Mr. Whitmore, this mattress is ideal for someone with your schedule. Your spine must ache from constant work." She warmed to her pitch. "It features motion isolation too—perfect for couples. No more disturbing your partner when you rise early."

As she finished, Nathaniel advanced.

She retreated—directly onto the mattress.

Nathaniel caged her beneath him, knees bracketing her hips.