Chapter 73
A flush of discomfort crept up Evelyn's neck as she perched on the edge of the mattress.
Every slight shift made her knees bump against Nathaniel's, making it seem like she was deliberately seeking contact.
Clenching her jaw, she muttered, "Mr. Whitmore, if you'll excuse me."
Nathaniel remained unmoving.
He glanced down with hooded eyes. "You chose this mattress. Shouldn't you test it properly to prove your claims?"
"I've tested it enough. You'll discover its quality tonight yourself."
"Already tested it?" His voice turned dangerously soft. "With whom?"
Evelyn's frown deepened. Cassandra must have blabbed to Penelope about her new property.
Maintaining composure, she countered, "Yes, I bought a place. Is that illegal now?"
"Need I remind you we're still legally married? There will be consequences if I discover you're seeing someone."
Seeing someone? Exactly the kind of poison Penelope would spread.
With deliberate slowness, Evelyn tugged his silk tie. "We signed divorce papers. Legally, I'm free to see whoever I choose."
"Evelyn Carter, do I need to repeat myself?"
She snapped back, "What's the matter? You had your affair. Isn't it only fair I get mine?"
"Nathaniel's voice turned thunderous. "Evelyn!"
Suddenly yanking his tie, she shouted, "I'm not deaf!"
The abrupt motion caught Nathaniel off-guard. He lost balance, crashing onto her as their lips collided.
Evelyn froze, eyes wide as saucers.
Nathaniel broke away first, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he strode to his second-floor study.
Evelyn slowly sat up, cheeks burning.
Wiping her mouth, she told Abigail, "Just replace the mattress. Leave everything else."
She couldn't meet the maid's eyes before fleeing the mansion.
In the taxi, her pulse still raced. Rolling down the window, she scrubbed her lips with antiseptic wipes.
Mortifying.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel took several minutes to compose himself in his study before descending.
The renovation chaos had settled.
The transformed foyer looked impeccable - except for one addition.
"What's this?" He pointed to the ornate wall frame.
Abigail answered promptly. "Mrs. Whitmore said it's for your wedding portrait. She thought it would... pop."
His gaze shifted to the white crib nearby. "And this?"
"Mrs. Whitmore mentioned it was complimentary. Said it might prove useful someday."
"Quite the planner, isn't she?"
Nathaniel's fingers absently brushed his lips, recalling their unexpected softness.
Robert entered, presenting a tablet. "Sir, Mrs. Whitmore did purchase property - solely in her name."
Nathaniel scanned the documents, recognizing Evelyn's game.
She'd deliberately leaked news of buying a "marital home," secretly gifted a crib, and suggested displaying their wedding photo.
After a pause, he ordered, "Move our wedding portrait to my bedroom. Place the crib in the second-floor guest room."