Chapter 493

"Yes," Leonard replied, exchanging a glance with Nathan. "I've already discussed this with Reginald. We'll arrange for Sebastian and Evelyn to meet soon. I—"

Nathan interrupted sharply, his voice leaving no room for debate. "There will be no meeting!"

Margaret turned to face her stepson, her lips curling in disbelief. "Do you honestly think you can dictate Evelyn's life now? The divorce papers are signed. She's no longer your concern."

Nathan's jaw tightened, his piercing gaze unwavering. "I've come to realize I'm in love with Evelyn. I won't stand by while she dates another man."

The declaration stunned Leonard and Margaret into silence, their shock evident.

"Nathan," Margaret finally managed, her voice trembling slightly, "what did you just say?"

With deliberate calmness, Nathan repeated, "I love Evelyn Hartley, and I intend to win her back." This time, there was no mistaking his words. The older couple exchanged uneasy looks.

Leonard let out a derisive chuckle. "You're realizing this now? It's too late! The divorce is finalized!"

"A divorce doesn't erase feelings. People reconcile all the time—and we will." Nathan's confidence was absolute, his conviction unshakable.

"You really believe Evelyn would take you back after everything?" Leonard challenged.

"Without question. I know she still loves me. She'll come back to me because that love never died." Nathan's certainty rang through the room.

Leonard's laughter turned cold. "She loved you during your marriage too, yet she still left you."

Nathan's intense gaze never wavered. "I didn't understand my own heart then. Now that I do, I'll make this right."

Crossing his arms, Leonard asked skeptically, "Have you even told Evelyn how you feel?"

"I have," Nathan confirmed.

The admission surprised Leonard, who'd assumed Nathan's pride would prevent such vulnerability.

After a beat, Leonard pressed, "And how did she respond?"

Nathan's momentary hesitation spoke volumes. Seeing this, Leonard smirked in triumph.

"Don't think confessing changes anything. Do you know why Evelyn was so determined to divorce you? She's moved on—from you and from whatever you thought you had together!"

Nathan absorbed the verbal blow silently, knowing the truth in Leonard's words.

After a weighted pause, he met Leonard's gaze squarely. "Which is exactly why I need your help."