Chapter 196

Though his voice was barely above a whisper, it carried clearly through the room, reaching both women.

Grace Monroe's face lit up with relief, her tear-filled eyes shimmering like morning dew. "Alright, I understand now," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.

Evelyn Hartley stole a lingering glance at Nathan Black, her heart skipping an unexpected beat at the gratitude shining in her eyes. Something unfamiliar stirred within her, but she quickly turned her attention back to Grace.

Picking up a tissue, Evelyn leaned in and gently dabbed at Grace's tear-streaked cheeks. "Mom, you don’t have to cry anymore," she said softly, her voice laced with tenderness.

Grace sniffled, her lips quivering as she managed a fragile smile. "These are happy tears, darling," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Evelyn exhaled quietly, a flicker of resignation crossing her features. Seeing Grace like this twisted something inside her—protective instincts warring with a deep, unspoken sorrow.

Once Grace's tears were wiped away, she straightened slightly, regaining her composure. "Mr. Black, Evelyn," she began hesitantly, "have you two eaten? I could make something for you."

"I'll handle it," Evelyn interjected, already rising to her feet. Without waiting for a response, she strode toward the kitchen, leaving Grace and Nathan alone in the spacious living room.

Grace sat stiffly for a moment, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. Despite being in her own home, Nathan’s commanding presence made her feel oddly out of place, as if she were the guest here.

The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable, until Grace finally broke it. "Mr. Black," she ventured carefully, "how... how are things between you and Evelyn now?"

The question hung heavily in the air. Nathan’s expression shifted imperceptibly, his lips pressing into a firm line before he answered in a low, rough voice, "It's fine."

Grace nodded, her expression softening. "As Evelyn’s mother, all I want is for her to be happy. She’s suffered so much because of my mistakes—endured ridicule, hardship... I failed her." Her voice wavered, fresh tears welling in her eyes. "Now, as long as she finds happiness, that’s all I care about."

Nathan remained silent, offering no reassurance. He knew what Grace wanted—a promise that he would protect Evelyn, that he would ensure her happiness. But that was a vow he couldn’t—wouldn’t—make. So he let the quiet stretch between them, unbroken.

Grace frowned slightly at his lack of response, unease flickering across her face. Gathering her courage, she pressed on. "Mr. Black, you should know... Evelyn has only ever liked two people in her life. You—"

Nathan’s gaze sharpened, his brows drawing together. "Two?" he interrupted, his voice edged with something dark.

Grace blinked, startled by his sudden intensity. "Yes," she confirmed cautiously. "When Evelyn was fifteen, she came home one day and told me she had a crush on a boy. She said he was extraordinary—so much so that she wanted to become someone worthy of him."

Nathan’s eyes darkened, an unreadable shadow passing over his expression. The look he gave Grace was heavy with something unspoken—something almost dangerous.