Chapter 209

"It's fine, as long as you make it before 5:00 p.m. We can still finalize the divorce today." Evelyn's voice was icy as she turned toward the exit.

Nathan stood frozen, his throat tight with emotion.

The memory of three years ago flashed before his eyes—the day they were supposed to get their marriage license. But an urgent meeting with a project manager from Valmont had forced him to stay at the office.

By the time the meeting ended, important clients had arrived unexpectedly, demanding his attention.

Only later did he realize—he had forgotten to tell Evelyn to reschedule.

The recollection was sharp, a painful reminder of his negligence.

When he finally rushed to City Hall, the place was empty. Evelyn stood there alone, head bowed, looking heartbreakingly small.

Nathan hadn't expected her to wait all day.

He hadn't expected anyone to be that stubborn.

Back then, he had wanted to apologize. But resentment toward his grandfather for forcing this marriage, combined with Victoria Sterling's abrupt departure, had left him emotionally wrecked.

"Nathan, you're finally here!"

Even now, he could still see Evelyn's radiant smile when he closed his eyes.

At the time, he hadn't known what it would take for her to give up on him.

Now he knew—his relentless indifference had shattered her heart beyond repair.

Shame twisted inside him as he followed Evelyn into the building, his expression rigid.

"Are they here to get married? They look perfect together!"

"But neither of them seems happy."

"She’s probably mad because he’s late. And she has every right to be—this is an important day!"

"Honestly, he doesn’t even look like he can afford her. No car? These days, men are the real gold diggers."

Gold digger?!

Nathan's jaw clenched. He shot a lethal glare at the gossiping young man, who immediately paled and fell silent under the weight of his chilling aura.

At the divorce counter, Evelyn and Nathan sat side by side, handing over their marriage license and IDs.

The clerk glanced between them and cleared his throat. "Are you both certain? Three years of marriage isn’t easy to walk away from."

"Money isn’t an issue for either of us. He has staff to cook, clean, and manage his life. There’s nothing complicated about this separation."

Evelyn’s tone was frigid.

Nathan and the clerk both stiffened.

She checked her watch impatiently. "Please hurry. I have other engagements."

The clerk hesitated. "No children to consider? Any property division?"

"None."

Nathan stayed silent. He wanted to offer her something—anything—but she wouldn’t take it.

Now that he knew she was Harrison Kingsley’s daughter, anything he gave would seem like an insult.

"Then just sign here."

The clerk slid two forms forward. Evelyn signed swiftly, then glanced at Nathan—only to find his hand trembling uncontrollably.

Her brow furrowed.

Why the hell is he shaking? Is this some last-minute act to pretend he still cares?

"Mr. Blackwood, sign it already. Or have you forgotten how to write your name?"