Chapter 59

Nathan appeared momentarily stunned by Dylan’s interruption but swiftly composed himself. "Nathan..." Serena stepped closer, her voice dripping with tenderness as her eyes shimmered with concern. "Are you and Ms. Hartley—"

Nathan remained silent. A sharp pang of jealousy twisted in Dylan’s chest. Squaring his shoulders, Dylan spoke up, his voice firm. "Nathan, you promised Serena that once you divorced that woman, you’d marry her. So why are you here, dining alone with Ms. Hartley? What exactly is going on between you two?"

"Dylan."

A commanding voice cut through the tension. All eyes turned as Ethan Caldwell emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable but his presence undeniable. Flanking him were several high-society elites, their gazes sharp with curiosity.

"Ethan, Olivia," Evelyn acknowledged, surprise flickering in her tone.

Ethan gave Evelyn a brief nod before fixing Dylan with a piercing stare. "Since you’re well aware Nathan is still married, why encourage your cousin’s advances? What’s your game?"

Dylan’s jaw tightened under Ethan’s scrutiny. "Nathan and my cousin were meant for each other. Circumstances tore them apart, but their feelings remain. Besides—"

Ethan cut him off sharply. "That was then. Nathan is a married man now. If your cousin continues chasing after him, she’s nothing more than a homewrecker."

The words struck Serena like a slap. Her lips pressed into a thin line, anger and humiliation warring inside her. If only Evelyn weren’t in the picture, she wouldn’t be reduced to this. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Nathan, her voice trembling. "Nathan... do you really see me that way? As the other woman?"

Nathan frowned slightly but said nothing. Dylan bristled, glaring at Ethan. "That’s rich, coming from you, Mr. Caldwell. While you’re busy slandering my cousin, maybe you should take a closer look at your goddaughter’s behavior! She’s the one cozying up to a married man. Just the other day, Serena and I saw her leaving Nathan’s office. And now, here they are, dining together. If anyone’s the homewrecker, it’s Evelyn!"

He paused, then delivered the final blow. "And let’s not forget—you claimed Evelyn was joining the Cardiac Surgery Department at Grandview General. But my uncle, the chief physician there, confirmed there’s no Evelyn Hartley—or anyone with the last name Caldwell—on staff. So, what’s your excuse for that lie?"

Beatrice Waltham, watching the scene unfold with amusement, leaned toward Olivia with a smirk. "Mrs. Caldwell, your goddaughter isn’t making a very good impression."