Chapter 268

Nathan walked away without looking back, his jacket slung over one shoulder.

Chloe's fingers trembled.

His eyes held no love—only disdain. She was just a plaything, disposable trash.

She'd dropped out of school for him. Gotten pregnant before marriage. Groveled before Margaret. And in return? Disgust and rejection.

Tears welled up, but she wiped them away fiercely. Her palm pressed against the slight swell of her abdomen.

As long as this child remained, she still had a card to play.

......

Nathan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.

The hospital staff would care for Margaret.

That nuisance Chloe was at the villa.

Work? He'd already pulled two straight days without sleep.

"Dylan, let's grab drinks."

"Nathan, that's the third time this week." Amusement colored the voice on the line. "When you were with Evelyn, I wouldn't see you for months."

Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Coming or not?"

"Can't tonight. Family dinner at the estate."

"Give my regards."

He hung up and dialed Julian. The call rang endlessly.

At this hour, he was probably drowning in some woman's embrace.

Nathan scrolled through his contacts, pausing at one name—

Ethan Winston.

"How surprising. Nathan Evans calling me?" The greeting dripped sarcasm.

Ethan always knew how to provoke him.

Nathan rolled down the window, flicking cigarette ash. "Didn't expect you to still have my number."

"Childish." Ethan scoffed. "Send the address."

"Not afraid I'll start a fight?"

"Good chance to stretch my legs."

......

The dim lights of Nightfall Bar pulsed overhead.

Nathan sat alone in the booth, three bottles of tequila on the table.

The bartender had just uncorked one when Ethan arrived.

"Starting with hard liquor?" Ethan arched a brow. "Planning to drink yourself under the table?"

Nathan smirked. "Scared?"