Chapter 43

What game is Evelyn playing now? Lila wondered, her nails digging into her palms.

And more importantly—where was she really working tomorrow?

The answer would come sooner than Lila expected. And it would shake her to her core.

"Why did you buy a new bed?" Leonard Grant demanded, his brows furrowing in disapproval as he glared at Nathan Black.

Nathan didn’t flinch. "What else would a bed be for, if not sleeping? Especially after you had every other bed in the house removed."

Leonard’s jaw tightened. "You and Evelyn are still married. Married couples share a bed, not sleep separately."

Nathan met his father’s gaze coolly. "This marriage might not last another month. What difference does it make now?"

Leonard faltered, momentarily speechless. Then, recovering quickly, he snapped, "Don’t divorce her. Where else will you find a wife like Evelyn? You’re taking your luck for granted. You’ll regret it once she’s gone."

Nathan scoffed, a derisive smirk twisting his lips. "Regret divorcing Evelyn? Trust me, that’s something I’ll never feel." His voice was sharp with conviction, leaving no room for doubt.

What he didn’t know was that soon, he would come face-to-face with the bitter taste of regret.

Leonard’s eyes darkened as he studied his son. "Is Serena the reason you’re divorcing Evelyn?"

Nathan remained silent.

Leonard’s expression hardened instantly. "Nathan, listen to me clearly. As long as I’m alive, I will never allow you to marry Serena."

Margaret Hayes, standing nearby, paled at the intensity of his words. She quickly stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Leonard’s arm. "Leonard, please, don’t get worked up like this. It’s not good for your health."

Nathan’s expression darkened, his gaze locked onto his father’s. "Why can’t I marry Serena? You’ve been against her for six years. Isn’t that enough time to prove her love?"

Leonard exhaled heavily, his voice softening with an almost pleading tone. "Nathan, as your father, would I ever steer you wrong? Serena isn’t the right woman for you. Trust me just this once—end things with her and make your marriage work with Evelyn. Please."

Nathan let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "You’ve been singing the same tune for six years—claiming you’re protecting me while manipulating my choices, threatening me to cut ties with Serena, and forcing me into a marriage with Evelyn. You always think you know what’s best for me."

He paused, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. "But, Dad, I’m not that naive boy anymore. Do you really think I’ll still bend to your threats?"

Nathan’s tone was razor-sharp by the end, his eyes unblinking, challenging Leonard with unwavering defiance.

Leonard’s face flushed with anger, his hands trembling.

"Leonard, please, calm down," Margaret urged, gripping his arm tighter before turning to Nathan with pleading eyes. "Nathan, this isn’t the time to upset your father. Just stop, please."