Chapter 64

With a reluctant sigh, Nathan gave in, knowing he had no other options. The once peaceful family dinner had turned tense, the air thick with unspoken words. Gregory Thornton barely touched his meal before pushing his plate away and storming upstairs without another word.

Dylan Reeves clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath his skin. He felt wronged, angry—but most of all, trapped.

Meanwhile, at the Black family estate, Evelyn Hartley had already eaten before arriving home. She spent a few minutes chatting with Leonard Grant in the living room before retreating to her room.

Stepping into the dimly lit space, she flicked on the lights, gathered fresh clothes, and headed to the bathroom. When she emerged later, skin still damp from her shower, she froze at the sight of Nathan lounging on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the television.

Evelyn’s expression tightened, but she said nothing, moving instead to her vanity. As she settled into the chair, Nathan’s deep, mocking voice cut through the silence.

"Evelyn, you’re quite the hypocrite, aren’t you?"

Her fingers stilled around the bottle of serum. Slowly, she turned toward him, irritation sharpening her gaze. "Nathan, are you seriously starting this now?"

He rose from the sofa, a smirk playing on his lips as he closed the distance between them. "You were so righteous before—claiming that since the divorce papers were signed, we were officially over. That whatever happened between Serena and me was none of your business." His eyes gleamed with amusement. "And yet, today, you warned her to stay away from me because I’m still technically married. Doesn’t that make you a liar?"

Evelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line. She had felt that way—once. But things had changed. Why should she make things easier for Serena when the woman was clearly trying to sabotage her?

Fueled by defiance, Evelyn stood, meeting Nathan’s gaze head-on. "Yes, I said that. But I’ve reconsidered." Her voice was cool, deliberate. "Once the divorce is finalized, you and Serena can do whatever you want. But until then?" She tilted her chin up. "You don’t get to parade her around like some trophy. And for the record, I said it to your face today—no secrets, no games. I’d say that’s pretty damn direct."

Nathan let out a low, humorless laugh. He hadn’t expected that response. She was sharper than he gave her credit for. And despite his outward irritation, something inside him flickered with satisfaction. He’d always suspected her indifference was an act.

Raising a brow, he challenged her. "And what if I ignore your little warning?"

Evelyn scoffed, turning back to her vanity. "Then go ahead. Try me."

Nathan watched her for a moment longer, an unreadable smile tugging at his lips before he disappeared into the walk-in closet. Silence settled between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.

Evelyn went to bed early that night, and Nathan followed after finishing some work. The quiet was shattered hours later when a shrill ringtone pierced the darkness. Nathan frowned, reaching for his phone on the bedside table. The caller ID made his jaw tighten.

He answered. "Hello?"