Chapter 14: Chapter 14

581 words

<html><head></head><body>Nathaniel's jaw tightened as he snapped, "You're overstepping your boundaries as an assistant." Robert fell silent, though confusion still clouded his thoughts. He remembered the divorce papers Nathaniel had instructed him to draft. The agreement explicitly stated that Nathaniel would continue covering Benjamin's medical expenses. So why the sudden change of heart? Men were impossible to decipher. "Just follow my orders," Nathaniel commanded, his voice icy. He must have been too lenient with Evelyn all this time. That was the only explanation for her audacity to betray him. Evelyn, who had just stepped back into the hotel, sneezed sharply. She rubbed her nose, wondering if someone was bad-mouthing her. When she returned to the room with a simple breakfast in hand, she found Alexander already there—along with an extravagant spread of gourmet dishes covering the entire table. Evelyn glanced between the modest bagels she’d bought and the lavish feast before her. Heat crept up her neck as she cleared her throat. "I couldn’t sleep, so I went out early. Thought I’d grab something for you too since hotel food is ridiculously overpriced."  "Don’t worry, this is complimentary. I know the manager," Alexander lied smoothly. He’d been so focused on ordering the finest breakfast that he nearly forgot the humble persona he was supposed to maintain in front of her. Evelyn didn’t question it. Setting down the bagels, she turned to fetch Margaret. The moment she left, Alexander snatched up the bagels and snapped a quick photo, sending it to the family group chat titled "Montgomery Madhouse." Alexander: Evelyn bought me breakfast. Today is officially perfect. Sebastian: Disgusting. How dare you let her spend money on you?  Julian: Agreed. You’re shameless… Unless she brings me something too. Olivia, Alexander’s wife, chimed in. "Our flight lands in an hour. Your three cousins are on the same plane. Don’t let them steal Evelyn’s attention." Alexander hesitated, then typed out a warning. If Christopher, Andrew, and Daniel accidentally revealed the truth, everything would unravel. After Evelyn went missing years ago, the cousins had drifted apart. Now that she was back, Alexander hoped they could mend things. Soon, Evelyn returned with Margaret in tow. Margaret’s eyes widened at the lavish spread. "This must’ve cost a fortune!"  Evelyn waved a hand. "It’s all free. Fancy hotels do this to make up for their insane prices." Margaret accepted the explanation without question. Then Alexander’s phone buzzed—Victoria Sinclair flashed across the screen. His stomach dropped. He quickly declined the call. After losing Evelyn, the family had scoured the country for her. The last lead pointed to an orphanage, where they found only one unclaimed girl—Victoria. To comfort their grieving grandmother, they brought her home, pretending she was Evelyn’s replacement.  The lie had driven a wedge between Alexander and his cousins. Now that Evelyn was back, guilt gnawed at him. He hadn’t told Victoria yet—she already kept him at arm’s length. If she found out, she’d never forgive him. His phone rang again. Evelyn frowned. "Someone’s persistent." "Wrong number," Alexander muttered, resisting the urge to toss his phone off the balcony. "But they keep calling," Evelyn pointed out. "Must be important." Trapped, Alexander stepped outside. Once he was sure Evelyn couldn’t hear, he answered stiffly. "What?" "Alexander! You’re in Bern City and didn’t tell me?" Victoria’s voice was bright with excitement. "Just business," he deflected. "Perfect! I need a favor. My friend’s grandmother needs surgery. Julian’s the only surgeon with a 100% success rate, but he refuses to do it."  </body></html>