Chapter 186

The sleek black car pulled up to the grand Black family estate, its tires crunching over the pristine gravel driveway. Evelyn stepped out, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress, while Nathan followed with his usual detached demeanor.

Inside, Leonard Grant was sprawled across the plush sofa, engrossed in a late-night talk show. The moment he heard the front door open, his face lit up.

"You're back!" Leonard called out, his voice warm with affection.

Evelyn offered him a polite smile. "Good evening, Leonard."

Nathan barely spared his father a glance. "I have work to finish in the study."

Leonard frowned. "Still buried in paperwork? You just got home!"

Nathan turned, his expression icy. "If you hadn’t insisted I fetch her, I would’ve been done by now."

Leonard’s eyes narrowed. "You ungrateful brat! Since when is picking up your own wife such a burden?"

Without another word, Nathan strode up the staircase, his polished shoes clicking against the marble steps.

Evelyn’s chest tightened. So, it had been Leonard’s idea—not Nathan’s.

She had let herself hope, just for a second.

But reality was quick to remind her—Nathan Black didn’t care.

The realization stung more than she wanted to admit.

What she didn’t know, however, was that while Leonard had been the one to order Nathan to retrieve her, it hadn’t been his idea.

A maid—Beatrice Whitmore—had casually mentioned Evelyn’s late shift to Leonard over tea, planting the seed that led to his command.

And Beatrice?

She had her own motives.

"Leonard, I think I’ll retire for the night," Evelyn said softly.

Leonard nodded. "Rest well, dear."

Upstairs, Evelyn showered, the hot water doing little to ease the weight in her chest. When she stepped out, the bedroom was empty.

Then, her phone buzzed.

Alexander Prescott’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered.

"Well?" His voice was eager. "Did you ask Leonard?"

Evelyn exhaled. "Yes. It was his idea."

"Really?" Alexander sounded surprised. Then, after a pause, he added, "Don’t give up. We’ll figure out Nathan’s true feelings eventually."

Evelyn stayed silent. Suddenly, the whole thing felt exhausting.

What was the point of chasing affection that clearly didn’t exist?

After a few more hollow reassurances, she ended the call.