Chapter 194
The couple walked hand in hand through the crowded airport when Evelyn’s phone buzzed with an incoming call.
Nathaniel’s expression darkened as he answered. “Yes?”
“Nathaniel, I saw your flight landed safely. I’m outside waiting for you. Let’s have dinner together. I’ve already booked a table at La Belle Étoile,” Victoria chirped, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
His jaw tightened. How had she gotten his flight details? His schedule was supposed to be private.
“There’s a car waiting for us. We won’t be going through the usual exit,” he replied coolly.
“Then I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
“No. I have plans. Go home.”
With Evelyn standing right beside him, Nathaniel couldn’t risk running into Victoria.
“I’m already here, Nathaniel. Don’t be so cold. I’ll head to the parking lot now,” Victoria said, hanging up before he could protest.
It hadn’t been easy to track down their flight details. Victoria rarely had access to insider information about the couple. This was her golden opportunity to worm her way back into their good graces.
The fact that Nathaniel had agreed to attend her engagement party was monumental.
Once she became Mrs. Whitmore, with Nathaniel’s influence behind her, her status in Bern City would skyrocket.
No one would dare challenge her position then. She would command the respect she deserved.
Victoria spotted Evelyn nearby and sauntered over with a smug smile. “My brother and his wife are heading to the parking lot in a VIP shuttle. Is your brother here yet?” she asked, her tone dripping with condescension.
Evelyn arched a brow. “Victoria Sinclair, is there a limit to your daily theatrics?”
“I was just making conversation. No need to be so defensive,” Victoria replied, feigning innocence.
Penelope, standing beside her, smirked. “Let’s go. Evelyn’s just jealous of the privileges people like us enjoy.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Privilege? Please.”
Time was running out. If Nathaniel reached the parking lot before Victoria, he’d leave without her.
Sensing the urgency, Victoria hurried off.
Ten minutes later, Evelyn spotted Nathaniel and Olivia approaching. She waved excitedly. “Nathaniel! Olivia! Over here!”
Nathaniel strode over, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Sorry for the wait. Your legs must be tired.”
“I’m fine. It wasn’t that long.”
Olivia discreetly scanned the area, relieved when Victoria was nowhere in sight.
“Let’s go. I’m exhausted,” Olivia said, faking a yawn.
Nathaniel, understanding her unspoken concern, quickly guided Evelyn toward the exit to avoid any unwanted encounters.
The trio slipped into a waiting cab, but Nathaniel’s phone wouldn’t stop vibrating.
He glanced at the screen—Victoria, calling repeatedly.
He silenced it without hesitation.
Evelyn peeked over his shoulder. “Aren’t you going to answer? What if it’s important?”
“It’s nothing urgent. I’m on leave. The company won’t collapse without me,” he said smoothly, crafting a believable excuse.
Olivia shot him a knowing look.
They had underestimated Victoria’s cunning. How had she gotten their flight details?
Unaware of the tension, Evelyn pulled out her phone and typed in the group chat.
Heading home now. Feast tonight. Don’t be late, Julian.
Julian replied with a thumbs-up emoji.
He set his phone down, already contemplating skipping work for the gathering. But his peace was short-lived as his phone buzzed incessantly.
Victoria again.