Chapter 229

What game is Dylan really playing? And why does Evelyn’s indifference unsettle him more than her anger?

Meanwhile, Nathan’s absence speaks louder than words—but whose side is he truly on?

The battle lines are drawn, but the war is far from over...

Here's the rewritten version with all the requested changes while maintaining the original story structure and character dynamics:

Evelyn arched an eyebrow with deliberate nonchalance. "Could it be because Nathan has been paying me unusual attention lately, making Serena feel threatened? That's the real reason you're here, isn't it, Dylan? If Serena were truly confident in her relationship with Nathan, why would she need to constantly parade their love before me?" She crossed her arms, her voice turning icy. "After Leonard's birthday celebration, Nathan and I will dissolve our marriage. He'll marry her then. That's always been the plan, correct?"

Dylan recoiled as if struck, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. After an awkward beat, he recovered with a sneer. "She's merely ensuring you don't misinterpret Nathan's recent... kindness. What if when the time comes, you suddenly change your mind? Use Leonard as leverage to trap him?"

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "That's between Nathan and myself, Mr. Reeves. Not your concern." Her emerald eyes flashed with warning. "Unless there's something else? No? Then I believe we're done here." Without granting him a chance to respond, she brushed past him, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Watching her retreating figure, Dylan clenched his fists, irritation bubbling beneath his polished exterior. The message had been delivered - there was nothing more to say.

Though Evelyn maintained perfect composure, Dylan's words had struck deeper than she'd ever admit. At lunch, sleep eluded her despite exhaustion weighing heavy on her limbs. When her alarm finally chimed, relief washed over her - the afternoon's relentless workload would provide welcome distraction.

By day's end, Evelyn collapsed into her office chair, muscles protesting. Returning to the Black estate, she noted Nathan's continued absence. It wasn't until the grandfather clock struck ten that she heard the front door groan open.

Rising from the sofa, Evelyn approached cautiously. "Nathan, are you free tomorrow?"

He barely glanced her way, removing his cufflinks with practiced indifference. Earlier, Eleanor had finally confirmed her visit to Owathe after repeated delays. The call had sparked rare excitement in Evelyn's chest.

"My grandmother's coming to town," she continued, forcing lightness into her tone. "I thought perhaps we could-"

"I don't have time for family gatherings." Nathan's interruption came like a guillotine's drop. His glacial gaze pinned her in place. "Nor will I attend any future ones." A cruel smirk twisted his lips as he added, "My presence at the last was purely to appease my father."

Evelyn's breath hitched, the unfinished sentence dying on her lips. His rejection landed like a physical blow, each word a fresh laceration. She'd assured Eleanor he'd come - had actually believed it herself. What a fool she'd been.

Humiliation burned through her veins, but she schooled her features into careful neutrality. After a measured pause, she inclined her head. "Understood, Mr. Black. It won't happen again."