Chapter 75

Nathaniel entered his office with an unreadable expression. Evelyn couldn't decipher his current mood.

Victoria rushed forward with a bright smile.

"Nathaniel, I brought you some homemade chicken soup."

"Leave us alone first."

Victoria blinked in shock. She even glanced at Evelyn, wondering if Nathaniel had mistaken who he was dismissing. Surely he meant to send Evelyn away?

Nathaniel's sharp gaze landed on Victoria. His displeasure was evident.

Though seething inside, she forced a composed smile.

"Of course. I'll wait outside."

Evelyn listened as Victoria's stilettos clicked away down the hallway.

Now they were alone in the expansive office.

Evelyn straightened on the couch, meeting Nathaniel's gaze evenly.

The sharp clatter of his pen hitting the desk broke the silence.

His voice was ice. "Well?"

Evelyn hesitated. "Will you still honor our payment agreement?"

Nathaniel yanked at his tie in frustration.

His glare burned into her. "Is money all you care about, Evelyn?"

Brushing imaginary lint from her skirt, she stood. "If you're reneging, forget I asked."

She cursed her earlier loose tongue. That moment of temper had cost her eight hundred thousand dollars.

"Grandmother's health has declined. She may have heard rumors and plans to visit the marital home soon. You'll move back."

Evelyn froze.

"But she seemed fine last week. Isn't her surgery scheduled?"

"The date isn't confirmed yet. I expect you to maintain appearances until after her procedure."

Evelyn regained her composure. "I'll comply. But you should arrange her surgery promptly."

"Don't presume to instruct me."

Breaking eye contact, she turned toward the exit.

Victoria waited outside, barely containing her fury.

Seeing Evelyn emerge, she pounced. "Why are you still clinging to Nathaniel? The divorce is final!"

Evelyn's mood darkened further.

With a mocking smile, she countered, "Really? He just ordered me back to our marital home."

"Liar!"

Victoria refused to believe it.

"Suit yourself."

When Victoria grabbed her wrist, Evelyn met the cold warning with raised brows. "Fascinating how you can't eliminate me despite your resources. Best of luck, Ms. Sinclair."

She patted Victoria's shoulder condescendingly before striding toward the elevators.

Victoria stared after her, eyes blazing with murderous rage.

After composing herself, she reentered Nathaniel's office with renewed sweetness. "Nathaniel, about the soup—"

"Take it. Don't repeat this gesture."

He didn't look up from his documents.

Clutching the thermos, Victoria forced calm. "Oh, Julian mentioned he's visiting Nord City on business."

Nathaniel finally glanced up. "When?"

"In a few days. I'll arrange dinner for us three?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Acceptable."

Victory flashed in Victoria's eyes.

Casually, she probed, "Did you really ask Ms. Carter to return?"

She was certain Evelyn had lied.

"Yes. Grandmother's visiting soon. I won't have her distressed before surgery."

Victoria masked her fury with concern. "Of course. I'll ensure Julian prioritizes her case."

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. "Appreciated."

"My pleasure entirely."