Chapter 315

Nathan stood abruptly and exited without another word.

Leonard watched his son's retreating figure, a seed of concern planting itself in his mind. He could only hope Nathan wouldn't come to regret this choice later.

When Nathan returned to the master suite with Evelyn, his gaze instinctively swept the room. It was empty except for the pale moonlight filtering through the balcony doors. He crossed the space, drawn to the open balcony.

Outside, the night breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine. Evelyn sat curled on the swing chair, her silhouette outlined against the city lights as she stared into the distance.

Nathan stepped onto the balcony, his voice cutting through the quiet. "How close are you with Isabelle?"

Evelyn turned, her brow furrowing at the unexpected question. "Why do you ask?"

Nathan ignored her. "Are you two friends?"

"Of course," Evelyn said after a beat. "We've always been close."

"Be careful around her." His tone carried an edge that made Evelyn stiffen.

Her frown deepened. "What's that supposed to mean? Did something happen?"

Nathan leaned against the railing. "Isabelle came to see me earlier. Said you're madly in love with me and this divorce is just some elaborate scheme to get my attention."

A dry chuckle escaped him.

Evelyn's face darkened instantly. Isabelle had gone behind her back? And said what—that she was playing hard to get?

Before she could respond, Nathan added, "Oh, and she mentioned I'm only the second man you've ever liked."

Evelyn's breath caught. Her nails dug into her palms. What game was Isabelle playing?

Nathan continued, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Then she conveniently 'twisted her ankle' and tried to fall into my arms. Tell me, Evelyn—do you think the tiles in this house are defective, or was it just bad acting?"

Evelyn stared at him, momentarily speechless. Then realization crashed over her like ice water.

Isabelle had been trying to seduce Nathan.

Suddenly, everything made sense—the odd questions, the sudden interest in her marriage, Isabelle eavesdropping on her conversation with Eleanor. She'd been gathering intel.

A sharp pang of betrayal lanced through Evelyn's chest. She'd treated Isabelle like family. Like a sister.

She trusted Nathan wouldn't lie about this. He had no reason to.

Taking a steadying breath, Evelyn bit her lip. "I see."

Nathan said nothing more. He turned and walked back inside, leaving Evelyn alone with the wreckage of her trust.