Chapter 123

The tension in Evelyn Hartley's jaw was palpable as she struggled to contain her rising anger. "I'm delighted you like it," she managed through gritted teeth.

Nathan Black, observing Serena Cole's composed demeanor, couldn't help but smirk at the unfolding spectacle.

After a few deliberate bites, Serena looked up at Evelyn, her tone deceptively light. "Miss Cole, next time you decide to bring my husband lunch, perhaps you could extend the courtesy to Grand Oaks General Hospital. For me."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard. Serena batted her lashes, feigning innocence. "Just a friendly suggestion. After all, wouldn’t it be unfortunate if rumors started circulating about you bringing meals to my husband? You wouldn’t want to be misunderstood, would you? Including one for me would only enhance your reputation—generous, considerate, rather than… Well, you know what I mean."

Her words dripped with honeyed venom.

Evelyn’s expression darkened, her fingers tightening around her clutch. She glanced at Nathan for support, but he merely gave Serena a fleeting glance before turning away, deliberately distancing himself from the confrontation.

Suppressing her frustration, Evelyn forced a brittle smile. "I should be going. Enjoy your meal."

She turned sharply, eager to escape the suffocating tension.

"Oh, let me walk you out, Miss Cole," Serena said, rising gracefully, her tone light yet unyielding.

Evelyn stiffened. "That won’t be necessary."

Serena closed the distance between them in three effortless strides. "Nonsense. You’re our guest, after all," she purred, her politeness edged with steel.

The elevator ride down was thick with silence, the air between them charged with unspoken hostility.

Once they reached the parking lot, Serena finally spoke, her voice casual but laced with warning. "Miss Cole, your recent behavior has been… concerning."

Evelyn’s composure faltered. She met Serena’s gaze, unease flickering in her eyes.

Serena tilted her head, feigning innocence. "How many times must I remind you to stay away from my husband? And yet here you are, delivering lunch to his office. Are you deliberately provoking me?"

Her tone remained cool, betraying none of the fire beneath.

Evelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line, her neck flushing. "Mrs. Black, I apologize if I overstepped. I was merely concerned Nathan might be skipping meals."

"His eating habits are none of your concern," Serena cut in sharply, her voice glacial.

Evelyn stiffened, her retort dying on her lips.

Serena’s gaze hardened. "If this continues, Miss Cole, I’ll have no choice but to bring this matter to the attention of the Reeves family."

A dangerous glint flashed in Evelyn’s eyes before she laughed, low and mocking. "Is that really necessary, Mrs. Black? In twenty days, you and Nathan will be divorced."