Chapter 55

Evelyn's phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Leonard?"

"Evelyn, I'm afraid something urgent has come up. I won't be able to join you and Nathan for lunch today. You two will have to go ahead without me," Leonard said, his voice laced with regret.

A flicker of resignation passed through Evelyn. "Alright," she murmured softly.

Hanging up, she stepped back into the private dining room. Nathan was already seated, his sharp gaze lifting to meet hers as she approached. "Leonard can't make it," she informed him. "He wants us to eat without him."

Nathan didn’t seem surprised. A slow, knowing smirk curved his lips as he leaned back in his chair. "How convenient. He’s certainly persistent in forcing us together."

Evelyn said nothing, her expression unreadable.

Nathan chuckled darkly. "No response, Evelyn?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line before she turned to face him fully. Her voice was steady, unwavering. "There’s no need for your little tests. I had no idea about any of this. And Mr. Black, regardless of your father’s intentions—whether he’s trying to push us together or something else—it doesn’t change the outcome. We will get divorced."

Nathan studied her, his piercing gaze narrowing slightly. "Good. As long as we’re on the same page." His tone was smooth, but his eyes lingered, as if searching for any crack in her composure.

Silence settled between them as they ate, the clink of silverware the only sound in the room.

Eventually, Evelyn excused herself to the restroom.

On her way back, she nearly collided with Dylan Reeves and Serena Cole. Both froze, clearly not expecting to see her here.

Dylan’s eyes raked over Evelyn’s striking features, a familiar hunger flashing in his gaze. She was as breathtaking as ever. But the memory of how she had humiliated him last time flared his temper.

Evelyn barely spared them a glance, her expression cool and detached as she moved to walk past them.

Dylan’s irritation spiked at her indifference. "Ms. Hartley," he called out sharply, halting her steps.

She turned, her face impassive. "Yes, Mr. Reeves? Did you need something?"

His tone was mocking. "I heard you’re joining the Cardiac Surgery Department at Grandview General Hospital. Interesting choice."

Evelyn remained silent, her gaze steady.

Dylan smirked, crossing his arms. "Funny thing—my uncle happens to be the chief physician there. I asked him about you, and he said there’s no one named Hartley on staff. No Evelyn. No new hires matching your description." He tilted his head, satisfaction dripping from his words. "Care to explain that, Ms. Hartley?"