Chapter 393

The courthouse clock struck 10:10 when Nathan Black arrived. Evelyn Hartley was already waiting in the marble lobby, her flawless complexion glowing under the fluorescent lights. The sight of her rested appearance sent a fresh wave of irritation through Nathan. Had she actually slept peacefully last night? While he'd spent the hours staring at his ceiling?

Evelyn stood immediately when he entered, her heels clicking decisively against the floor as she approached. Her expression was schooled into perfect neutrality, as if this were just another mundane errand rather than the dissolution of their marriage.

Nathan studied her carefully, the way her fingers didn't tremble on the paperwork, how her signature flowed effortlessly across the documents. Each precise movement felt like another twist of the knife in his chest. He found himself waiting - hoping - for any sign of hesitation.

Maybe she'd drop the pen. Perhaps her phone would ring with some emergency. Anything to delay this finality.

But Evelyn signed each page with steady hands, never once glancing his way. When it was his turn, Nathan gave a bitter chuckle before scrawling his name with more force than necessary.

The moment the divorce was finalized, Evelyn turned toward the exit with purposeful strides. Just as she reached the heavy oak doors, Nathan's control snapped.

"Evelyn!"

She froze mid-step but didn't turn. Nathan's voice was rough when he demanded, "Don't you have anything left to say to me?"

Slowly, Evelyn pivoted to face him. A practiced smile curved her lips as she delivered her parting words: "Congratulations, Mr. Black. You're finally free to marry the woman you've always loved."

The barb hid the shards of glass tearing through her chest with each breath. She could feel the blood draining from her face but held his gaze unflinchingly.

Before Nathan could respond, a deep voice cut through the tension. "Evelyn."

Alexander Prescott approached with Natalie Brooks at his side. Nathan's jaw clenched at the sight of them. Couldn't the bastard wait five minutes before swooping in?

"We should grab drinks soon, Nathan," Alexander said casually, already guiding Evelyn away with a protective hand at her elbow.

Nathan watched their retreating figures, his expression darkening by the second. The slam of the courthouse door echoed like a gunshot in the silent lobby.

Inside Alexander's car, the air was thick with unspoken sympathy. "Where to?" he asked gently.

"The Black estate. I need to collect my things." Evelyn kept her eyes fixed on her lap, fingers twisting the diamond band she'd forgotten to remove.

The drive passed in heavy silence. Neither Alexander nor Natalie offered empty platitudes - they simply let the quiet surround her like a cocoon.

When they arrived, Alexander turned off the engine. "We'll wait right here."

Evelyn frowned. "Don't you two have plans today?"

Natalie reached across the seat to squeeze her hand. "Our only plan is being here for you."