Chapter 195

Grace’s tear-streaked face turned toward Evelyn, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen. "She called me worthless," Grace choked out. "In front of everyone."

Evelyn’s chest tightened. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Grace’s face. "She’s wrong. You’re the strongest person I know."

Grace shook her head, fresh tears spilling over. "I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove myself to them, and it’s never enough."

Nathan lingered in the doorway, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.

Evelyn barely had time to wonder where he was going before he returned, holding a steaming cup of tea. He handed it to Grace. "Drink this. It’ll help."

Grace blinked up at him, startled by the unexpected kindness.

Evelyn’s breath caught. For the first time, she saw something in Nathan’s eyes she couldn’t quite name—something softer than his usual cold detachment.

Grace took the cup with trembling hands. "Thank you," she murmured.

Nathan merely nodded before stepping back, his gaze flickering to Evelyn. "She needs rest. Let’s give her some space."

Evelyn hesitated, but Grace gave her a weak smile. "Go. I’ll be alright."

Reluctantly, Evelyn followed Nathan out of the room. The moment the door closed behind them, she turned to him. "Why did you do that?"

Nathan arched a brow. "Do what?"

"Act like you care."

A shadow crossed his face. "Maybe I do."

The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken meaning.

Evelyn’s pulse quickened. Was this another one of his games? Or was there something more beneath that icy exterior?

Before she could respond, Nathan’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. "I have to go."

And just like that, the moment shattered.

Evelyn watched him leave, her mind racing. What had just happened? And why did it feel like everything between them had shifted?

Downstairs, the front door clicked shut.

Grace’s quiet sobs echoed through the silent house.

And Evelyn was left standing in the hallway, more confused than ever.

Grace Monroe slowly turned her head at the sound of Evelyn Hartley's voice, revealing tear-stained cheeks glistening under the dim bedroom light.

Evelyn's heart twisted painfully at the sight. Her emerald eyes darkened with a dangerous mix of concern and simmering anger.

Grace sat curled on the edge of the bed, her usually vibrant blue eyes swollen and bloodshot from hours of crying. The tip of her nose was an angry red, her delicate fingers clutching a crumpled tissue.

"Evelyn... what are you doing here?" Grace rasped, her voice raw as she hastily wiped her face.

"I came to see you," Evelyn murmured, stepping closer. After a beat, she added softly, "And Nathan... he came with me."

Grace froze. Her breath hitched. "Mr. Black is here?"

Evelyn nodded, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Waiting right outside."

"Oh god—" Grace scrambled off the bed, frantically smoothing her wrinkled blouse and patting down her disheveled hair. "We can't make him wait. Not after everything..."

The moment they stepped into the living room, Grace's gaze landed on Nathan Black lounging on the leather sofa. Her pulse spiked. Despite being married to Evelyn for years, this marked his first visit to her modest apartment.

"Mr. Black," Grace greeted stiffly, fingers knotting together. Even Victor Sterling—who moved in far higher social circles than her—would never dare address the Black empire heir so casually. She certainly wouldn't presume.

Nathan glanced up, his piercing gray eyes briefly flickering with something unreadable before giving a curt nod. His gaze lingered on Grace's puffy eyes and trembling hands. A muscle ticked in his jaw. What the hell did that woman say to break her like this?

Evelyn guided Grace onto the sofa before fixing her with a steady look. "I know what Victoria did."

Grace's fragile composure shattered. She turned away, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. "She—she went too far, but... some of it was true."

Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "That hypocrite clawed her way up using every dirty trick in the book. She doesn't get to judge anyone." Leaning forward, she gripped Grace's shaking hands. "Listen to me. You owe Victoria nothing. Next time she opens her venomous mouth? You slap her. Curse her out. Make her regret ever looking at you sideways."

A wicked glint flashed in Evelyn's eyes as she tilted her head toward Nathan. "And if she tries retaliation? Well... my husband does enjoy crushing arrogant socialites." She batted her lashes at Nathan, tone dripping with playful challenge. "Don't you, darling?"

Nathan's fingers stilled around his whiskey glass. The air thickened.

Grace held her breath, watching the silent battle between them with wide, hopeful eyes.

Nathan exhaled sharply through his nose. That infuriating woman had boxed him into a corner—and she knew it. He should've scoffed. Should've walked out. Instead, after a loaded pause, he muttered, "Yeah."

The single syllable hung between them like a promise.