Chapter 236

Evelyn averted her gaze first, turning her head sharply as she strode toward the bedroom.

"Nathan," his voice cut through the silence, halting her steps. There was an unfamiliar hesitation in his tone.

She stopped but didn’t turn around.

The scrape of his chair against the floor told her he had risen. Then came the measured footsteps, closing the distance between them. When he stepped into her line of sight, she met his eyes—cool, composed, and utterly detached.

"Mr. Black," she said evenly, her voice as smooth as ice. "Was there something you needed?"

Nathan’s lips parted slightly. "About earlier—" he began, his voice rough, as if the words were clawing their way out.

Evelyn didn’t let him finish. "Don’t trouble yourself," she interrupted, her smile polite but distant. "I’ve already spoken to my grandmother. She won’t be extending any more dinner invitations. And as for the divorce, we’ll proceed as planned after your father’s birthday. You have nothing to worry about."

Her expression was serene, almost indifferent.

She even managed a faint, practiced smile.

Inside, she felt nothing—no anger, no sorrow, just a quiet, resolute acceptance.

Nathan, however, felt as though the ground had shifted beneath him. His chest tightened, his breath coming in shallow bursts.

This was what he had wanted, wasn’t it?

He had orchestrated every step to lead them here. So why did it feel like a blade twisting in his ribs?

Evelyn tilted her chin up, meeting his turbulent gaze without flinching. "I’m sure you’re busy," she murmured, her tone light. "I won’t keep you any longer."

With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the bathroom.

Nathan stood frozen, staring at the closed door long after she had vanished behind it. Then, with a sharp exhale, he strode out of the room.

They didn’t exchange another word that night.

The next evening, Evelyn invited Natalie and Alexander to the Velvet Lounge.

When they arrived, they found her seated at the bar, several empty glasses lined up in front of her.

Natalie and Alexander exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing in silent concern.