Chapter 96

Evelyn froze, immediately bowing her head. Her delicate features were partially obscured by her raven-black tresses.

Despite her frantic attempts to compose herself, a telltale flush crept across her cheeks.

Nathan's pulse quickened, his breath growing noticeably warmer against his skin.

At that precise moment, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket.

Stepping into the hallway, Nathan pressed his back against the cool wall as Victoria's name flashed on the screen. He exhaled sharply before answering.

"Are you still angry with me?" Victoria's tearful voice came through before he could speak.

"No." His reply was flat, devoid of inflection.

Yet Victoria sensed the lingering tension between them. "Then come see me tonight? I've missed you terribly, Nathan. I can't sleep thinking about you..." Her voice dripped with honeyed sweetness.

"Not tonight. I'm with Grandfather."

"At Cliffside Manor? Perfect! I'll join you there." Her tone brightened instantly. "Remember how you always said I should visit him more? I've baked your favorite walnut cake - just like when we'd sneak treats in the alley as children. I'll bring some for Grandfather too, let him taste my baking skills." She sounded every inch the devoted partner.

"Victoria, tonight really isn't good."

Nathan's resolve wavered at the childhood memory. "Evelyn's here with Grandfather. You running into her would be... complicated. You know how fond he is of her."

"You're with Evelyn now?" Her voice cracked.

"Yes. Grandfather's been asking for her. I simply brought her to see him."

"Is that truly all it is? Or do you want to see her too?" The familiar edge of jealousy sharpened her words.

"Don't be ridiculous." Nathan's throat constricted.

"That shameless woman!" Victoria exploded. "Why does she keep inserting herself between us after the divorce? She's clearly manipulating Grandfather against me! How dare she use him as a weapon!"

Nathan massaged his temples, exhaling wearily.

Back in the study, Evelyn's thoughts swirled chaotically, her skin still tingling from Nathan's intense gaze.

Damn these traitorous reactions! His bedroom eyes mean nothing - he probably looks at his coffee maker the same way!

"Evelyn?" Reginald's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Yes, Grandfather?" She forced a bright smile.

"You truly cherish that bracelet I gave you, don't you? Never seen you without it."

Evelyn's stomach plummeted. Her throat tightened as if filled with wet concrete.

"Grandfather..."

"Wear it always. The jade has healing properties." His kind eyes crinkled. "I had Marcus organize Deborah's jewelry yesterday. Found several exceptional jade pieces for you to take home." His expression softened. "This old man won't be around forever. Once I thought Nathan would care for you... but that fool's blinded by that scheming girl, just like his idiot father." He patted her hand. "These pieces will ensure your security. Promise me you'll be happy, Evelyn? Evelyn? What's wrong?"

The formidable patriarch froze, utterly unprepared for the scene before him.

Evelyn stood rigid, shoulders trembling violently. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks, splashing onto the priceless rug.

"Grandfather... I'm so sorry..."

The dam burst. Years of guilt over deceiving this kind man, failing to protect his treasured gift - it all came crashing down in wrenching sobs.

"My dear girl, what's this?" Reginald fumbled for his monogrammed handkerchief. "There now, don't cry."

Nathan, still in the hallway, heard the commotion. Peering through the doorway, his heart seized at the sight of his ex-wife's breakdown. The phone nearly slipped from his suddenly numb fingers.