Chapter 180

At the Donovan estate, Evelyn Hartley stirred awake to find the evening light fading through her window. A glance at the clock told her it was well past seven. Feeling significantly refreshed after her nap, she made her way downstairs, where she found Marcus Donovan, Olivia Sinclair, and Ethan Caldwell already gathered in the dining room.

"Good evening, Marcus, Olivia, Ethan," Evelyn greeted them, stifling a small yawn behind her hand.

"Long night?" Olivia inquired, her curiosity evident as she studied Evelyn's tired but composed expression.

Evelyn nodded. "My mother had a high fever last night. I stayed up to take care of her."

"I see," Olivia murmured, offering no further comment.

As dinner progressed, Marcus suddenly turned to Evelyn, his tone measured. "Evelyn, is Gregory Sinclair your aunt’s husband?"

The question caught her off guard. She hesitated for a brief moment before answering, "Yes, he is. Why do you ask?"

Marcus leaned back slightly in his chair. "He visited my company today, introduced himself as your aunt’s husband, and expressed interest in a potential collaboration."

Evelyn’s lips thinned in irritation. She couldn’t believe Gregory had the audacity to use her name to approach Marcus. The nerve of that man!

Before she could respond, Marcus continued, his gaze steady. "Evelyn, does your aunt’s family treat you well?"

A dry laugh escaped her. "Why? If they treated me wonderfully, would you agree to work with them?"

"Of course," Marcus replied without hesitation, his sincerity catching her by surprise.

For a moment, Evelyn was taken aback. Then, a small, touched smile curved her lips. She tilted her head. "And does Gregory’s company meet your usual standards for partnerships?"

Marcus exhaled, his expression unreadable. "To be honest, his company falls short. But if his family is good to you, I’d consider giving him a chance."

Evelyn shook her head, her voice firm. "Then don’t bother, Marcus. Just reject him outright."

Marcus raised a brow. "Hmm?"

Ethan, who had been quietly observing, interjected with a knowing smile. "What Evelyn means is that her relationship with the Sinclair family is… strained. There’s no need for you to entertain Gregory’s proposal on her behalf."

Marcus turned back to Evelyn. "Is that true?"

"Yes," she confirmed, her expression resolute.

In truth, "strained" was an understatement. The Sinclair family had always treated her with disdain, speaking to her in harsh tones and making their contempt for her painfully clear.

Ethan’s lips quirked slightly. "It’s rather obvious. If Evelyn had a good relationship with them, Gregory wouldn’t have needed to approach you himself—she would have introduced him to you."

Evelyn’s earlier eye roll at the mention of Gregory’s name hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Marcus considered this for a moment before nodding. "Then I’ll have my assistant formally decline his proposal tomorrow."

Evelyn exhaled in quiet relief. At least one headache had been avoided.