Chapter 96

Evelyn refused to sleep in the master suite. The thought of Victoria possibly having shared that bed with Nathaniel made her skin crawl.

Morning light filtered through the curtains as Evelyn descended the staircase. Abigail had laid out an elaborate breakfast spread with all her favorite dishes.

Her eyes immediately darted to the empty space above the fireplace where their wedding portrait used to hang. A sharp pang shot through her chest, though she quickly rationalized its absence. What use was a marriage photo for a relationship that existed in name only?

The clink of fine china interrupted her thoughts. Nathaniel strode into the dining room impeccably dressed in a tailored navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. He took the seat directly opposite her without a word.

Evelyn's fork hovered mid-air. She hadn't anticipated his presence - shouldn't he be with Victoria? Her gaze inadvertently dropped to his lips, triggering memories of last night's unexpected kiss. Heat flooded her cheeks as she looked away.

The silence stretched between them, broken only by the sound of Evelyn devouring two bowls of oatmeal and three sandwiches.

"Since when did you develop such an appetite?" Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the quiet.

Evelyn dabbed her mouth with a linen napkin. "That's none of your concern."

His piercing gaze studied her face. "Your cheeks have filled out."

"Have they?" Her hand flew to her face in surprise. She hadn't noticed the subtle changes, though her clothes did feel slightly tighter lately.

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Careful. Men don't appreciate women who let themselves go."

"Is that so?" She arched an eyebrow. "Perhaps some prefer a woman with curves."

"Doubtful."

"One can dream," she countered, reaching for her phone to respond to Eleanor's message: "Finished every bite, Grandma! Make sure you eat well too."

She caught Nathaniel watching her with an inscrutable expression. "Problem?"

"You're quite skilled at charming my grandmother."

"I simply want to reassure her." Evelyn pushed back her chair. "She worries enough as it is."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Her condition worsens daily."

"I know." She met his gaze squarely. "The surgery can't wait much longer."

As she turned to leave, Nathaniel's voice stopped her. "Would you do anything to ensure she gets that operation?"

Evelyn froze, then slowly turned. "Name your terms."

A shadow crossed Nathaniel's face. He'd yet to discuss specifics with Victoria after last night's interrupted conversation. She'd mentioned Julian's condition - the surgery in exchange for their divorce.

"I'll inform you shortly," he said tersely.

Evelyn nodded and exited without another word, her mind whirling with possibilities. She needed space to think, deciding to take the afternoon off.

The apartment was quiet when she arrived. Julian lay sprawled across the sofa in his scrubs, clearly having just returned from the hospital. Evelyn quietly draped a blanket over him.

Julian stirred instantly. "Evie? You're home early." He rubbed his eyes. "These overnight shifts aren't good for you."

She didn't correct his assumption that she'd been working. Margaret must have told him she was pulling extra hours at the office. "I'll rest now," she murmured.

"Good." He stretched with a yawn. "We'll have a proper lunch later."

Evelyn nodded absently, her attention caught by Julian's vibrating phone. "You're getting a call."

"I've got it." Julian waited until Evelyn disappeared into her bedroom before answering. "Victoria? What is it?"

Her voice came through urgent and strained. "Julian, we need to talk. It's about the surgery."