Chapter 202

Nathan Evans stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, cigarette ash crumbling from his fingertips.

The night outside was dark, but his gaze was darker.

Chloe Valentine had dared to go behind his back to see Margaret Evans. What a brilliant move.

She was supposed to take the money and leave. Yet here she was, shamelessly living in the Evans family villa.

He stubbed out his cigarette, lips twisting into a cold smirk.

This woman was far more cunning than he'd thought.

He used to believe she was naive and harmless. Now he saw it was all an act.

Because of her, he'd lost Evelyn Langley.

The thought sent another wave of ice through his veins.

He hadn't been home in three days, choosing to sleep at the office instead.

His phone buzzed—another call from Margaret.

"You're coming home tonight." Her tone brooked no argument.

Nathan closed his eyes briefly before grabbing his suit jacket.

The villa blazed with light.

Chloe stood in the foyer, a gentle smile on her face. "Nathan, you're back."

She reached for his jacket.

He sidestepped her, striding straight to the living room.

Her hand hung in midair, eyes reddening.

She'd changed into a pale blue maternity dress that accentuated her fair skin.

Nathan didn't spare her a glance.

"Mother, I'm home." His voice was flat. "If there's nothing else, I'll go upstairs."

Margaret set down her teacup. "Come to the study."

The moment the study door closed, the air turned glacial.

"How long will you keep this up?" Margaret frowned.

Nathan poured himself a whiskey, swirling the glass lazily. "Keep what up?"

"That's your child!"

"I never acknowledged it." His laugh was icy. "You're the one who insisted on keeping this problem."

Margaret slammed her palm on the desk. "Evans blood doesn't belong on the streets!"

Nathan downed the whiskey in one gulp, Adam's apple bobbing. "Fine."

"What?"

"The child stays. Chloe disappears the moment it's born." His gaze sharpened. "And you stay out of my relationship with Evelyn."

After a weighted pause, Margaret nodded.

She'd never liked Chloe—only tolerated her for the baby's sake.

Nathan left the study, steps lighter.

In the living room, Chloe called timidly after him, "Nathan..."

He walked out without looking back.

The night air hit his face. Nathan inhaled deeply.

Now, at last, he could go to Evelyn without restraint.