Chapter 116

Julian Montgomery’s polite smile deepened, warm and inviting. “The pleasure is all mine.” With that, the three of them walked away together.

Evelyn Hartley didn’t glance back at Nathan Black. She refused to give him the satisfaction.

Once Evelyn and her companions had disappeared from sight, Nathan’s brows furrowed, his expression darkening with something unreadable.

Inside the elevator, Evelyn exhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing thoughts. As the silence stretched, an idea suddenly struck her. She turned to Julian and Cassandra with a practiced smile. “Oh, I just remembered—I drove myself here. There’s no need for you to escort me home, Mr. Montgomery.”

Evelyn mentally cursed herself for her earlier agreement. What had she been thinking, accepting Julian’s offer right in front of Nathan? What had she hoped to prove?

Cassandra smoothly interjected, “It’s no trouble at all, Evelyn. Julian can still drive you. We’ll arrange for someone to bring your car back to the hospital later.”

Evelyn shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I prefer to drive myself.” She glanced at her watch. “I’m already running late, so I’ll head back to the hospital on my own.”

She flashed them a quick, polite smile. “Thank you for the kind offer, though. Goodbye.”

Before they could protest, she gave a small wave and strode away, her steps brisk and determined.

Cassandra watched Evelyn’s retreating figure with a slight frown before turning to Julian. “What do you think of her?”

Julian’s gaze remained thoughtful. “She’s guarded. Extremely so.”

Cassandra nodded, considering his words. “Understandable. We’re practically strangers to her. Give it time—she’ll lower her defenses after a few more meetings.”

She hesitated before asking, “Do you think our plan will work?”

Julian tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “Do you doubt me?”

Cassandra’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Not at all.”

“Good,” Julian replied, his voice laced with quiet confidence. “Leave it to me.”

Cassandra said nothing more.

Later that evening, Evelyn worked late, returning to the Black family estate well past eight. As she stepped into the bedroom, her eyes immediately landed on Nathan, seated at the desk, his presence cold and commanding.

Evelyn barely spared him a glance before turning away.

“Who was the man you had lunch with today?” Nathan’s voice sliced through the silence like a blade.

Evelyn’s tone was icy. “That’s none of your concern.”

Nathan’s expression darkened instantly. “None of my concern? Don’t forget, Evelyn—we’re still married. To the world, you’re my wife.”

Evelyn turned to face him, her gaze as sharp as frost. “And does being your wife mean I’m forbidden from dining with other men?”

“Of course,” Nathan snapped.

Evelyn let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Before you start dictating my actions, Mr. Black, perhaps you should examine your own. Were you thinking about your marital status when you were dining with Serena Cole?”

Nathan stiffened, momentarily speechless.