Chapter 136

"Why would I ever want more children with a man like him? Absolutely not!"

Evelyn muttered under her breath as she folded her clothes, determined to sleep in Daisy's room tonight.

She didn't notice Nathan leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her with narrowed eyes.

He wasn’t offended by her grumbling—after all, she wasn’t wrong. He did want her in his bed.

When Evelyn turned around, arms full of clothes, she froze mid-step.

Damn it. She’d been careless.

"Finished insulting me?" Nathan’s gaze locked onto hers. She was always so fiery when she was annoyed—adorably so.

Evelyn said nothing, simply walking past him with her chin raised. "I’m sleeping with Daisy tonight."

Nathan didn’t stop her, only shaking his head with a faint smile as she disappeared down the hall.

Evelyn had expected him to follow, to argue—but he didn’t.

She thought she’d finally get a peaceful night’s sleep.

She was wrong.

By midnight, she was wide awake, Daisy’s tiny limbs sprawled across her face.

Evelyn sat up, hair a mess, staring at the little girl’s foot resting on her ribs.

How does someone so small take up the entire bed?

She adjusted Daisy back into a normal position and lay down again—only for the child to kick her in the stomach moments later.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, rubbing her forehead before giving up and slipping out of the room.

She tiptoed back to Nathan’s bedroom, sliding onto the very edge of the mattress.

At least he didn’t move.

The next morning, Evelyn descended the stairs, dressed and ready for the day.

Nathan and the kids were already at the breakfast table.

She avoided eye contact. She hadn’t expected him to be up this early.

"Mommy, did you sneak back to Daddy’s room last night?" Daisy pouted. "You promised to sleep with me!"

Evelyn stayed silent.

Nathan smirked. "Your mother must prefer familiar beds."

Caleb nodded sagely. "Oh, so she only likes your bed, Daddy. Got it."

Evelyn wished the floor would swallow her whole.

Meanwhile, Laura had discreetly looked into Isabella’s past but found nothing useful.

Richard had been sleeping in his study for three nights now, and Laura didn’t care—as long as she got pregnant before he changed his mind.

When he walked past her without a word that morning, she didn’t bother asking where he was going.

Vivian came downstairs, scowling. "What’s Dad’s problem? Why is he ignoring us?"

"Who knows?" Laura frowned. Ever since Isabella’s name came up, Richard had been different. He’d never reacted this strongly before.

"Mom, I saw Dad cleaning out the study this morning. He spent hours going through old stuff."

Laura’s instincts flared. "Cleaning?"

Was that old fool hiding something from her?

"Yeah. Looked like really old things. I didn’t recognize any of it." Vivian wouldn’t dare ask—not after the way he’d hit Laura and questioned Evelyn.