Chapter 39

Evelyn spun around, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Worried about your precious reputation?" she scoffed, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I’ve already signed the divorce papers. As far as I’m concerned, we’re done. Let’s stay out of each other’s lives, alright?"

Nathan rose from the sofa, his icy gaze pinning her in place. "Until the divorce is finalized, the world still sees us as married. Your reckless behavior could drag the Black family’s name through the mud. Do you really want that?"

A dry laugh escaped Evelyn’s lips. She tilted her head, regarding him with open disdain. "Oh, Mr. Black, spare me the theatrics. Hardly anyone even knows I’m Mrs. Black. Your family’s reputation is the last thing on my mind."

Nathan faltered, realization striking him like a slap. In their three years of marriage, Evelyn had rarely accompanied him to public events. It wasn’t that he had hidden her—she simply refused to go. As a result, most only knew his wife as an unremarkable, overweight woman.

Evelyn’s expression hardened as she noted his silence. "While I was gone, Serena clung to you like a second shadow. You didn’t seem to care about propriety then. Why the sudden concern?" she challenged, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Nathan’s jaw tightened, but then a slow, knowing smirk spread across his face. He studied her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Interesting how well-informed you are about my life, even from abroad. Almost as if you’ve been keeping tabs on me."

For a split second, surprise flickered in Evelyn’s gaze. She hadn’t sought out the information—Natalie had filled her in. But she recovered quickly, flashing him a teasing grin. "Of course I did. Catching you cheating could’ve netted me a bigger settlement, don’t you think?"

Nathan arched a brow, unimpressed. "Is that so?"

Done with the conversation, Evelyn turned on her heel, snatching her loungewear from the closet before disappearing into the bathroom.

Silence settled between them like a thick fog.

That night, sleep evaded Nathan. He woke the next morning with an aching back and immediately ordered a new bed.

Meanwhile, Evelyn was brimming with energy. She had just returned to her room after breakfast when her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.

She swiped to answer. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Ms. Hartley. It’s Dylan Reeves. I hope you remember me," came the smooth, familiar voice.