Chapter 5

The morning sun cast golden rays through Evelyn Sinclair's penthouse windows as she sipped her espresso, scrolling through her phone. A message from Preston Whitmore, her director, popped up:

"Evelyn, we need to discuss the script changes. Meet me at Café Noir at noon."

She sighed, running a hand through her tousled auburn hair. Another last-minute revision.

Meanwhile, across town, Nathan Blackwood adjusted his cufflinks in the mirror, his sharp blue eyes assessing his reflection. His assistant, Lillian Graves, handed him a file.

"Mr. Blackwood, the merger documents are ready for your review. Also, your sister, Sophia, called—she wants you at her charity gala tonight."

Nathan barely glanced at the papers. "Reschedule the meeting with Donovan Sharpe. And tell Sophia I'll consider it."

Lillian hesitated. "But sir, the Sharpe deal is—"

"Reschedule it." His tone left no room for argument.

At Café Noir, Evelyn arrived early, choosing a secluded corner booth. She pulled out her script, scribbling notes in the margins. The café buzzed with chatter, the aroma of freshly ground coffee thick in the air.

Then the door swung open.

Nathan strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention. He scanned the room—and froze when his gaze landed on Evelyn.

Their eyes locked.

A beat of silence.

Evelyn’s pen slipped from her fingers. Him. The man from the charity event last month—the one who’d left without a word after their heated exchange.

Nathan recovered first, his lips quirking into a smirk. "Fancy seeing you here, Miss Sinclair."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Shouldn’t you be off intimidating boardrooms, Mr. Blackwood?"

Before he could retort, Preston rushed in, flustered. "Evelyn! Sorry I’m late—oh." He blinked at Nathan. "You two know each other?"

Nathan’s smirk deepened. "You could say that."

Evelyn ignored the flutter in her stomach. "Preston, let’s focus on the script."

But fate had other plans.

As Preston launched into his revisions, Nathan’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Sophia again. With a muttered curse, he excused himself.

Evelyn exhaled, forcing her attention back to Preston. Yet her traitorous mind replayed Nathan’s piercing stare.

Outside, Nathan answered his sister’s call. "What is it, Sophia?"

"Julian’s back," she said without preamble. "And he’s bringing her to the gala."

Nathan’s grip tightened on his phone. Julian and his reckless choices. "I’ll be there."

As he ended the call, his gaze drifted back to the café window—where Evelyn was laughing at something Preston said.

Something primal stirred in his chest.

He hadn’t forgotten their last encounter. And something told him this wouldn’t be their last.

The investigation had been relentless. She was treated as the prime suspect, with every resource dedicated to proving her guilt.

Evelyn had always assumed that even if her unauthorized entry into the office was discovered, Nathan’s routine security check wouldn’t be this thorough. She hadn’t bothered altering the surveillance footage, dismissing it as an unnecessary precaution.

She never expected Nathan to be so ruthless when it came to matters involving her.

Defeated, Evelyn slumped to the ground, her legs giving way beneath her.

Marcus was even more devastated than she was.

"You actually did this? You... Why?" Marcus’s eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed Evelyn’s wrist, his voice trembling with disbelief.

Embarrassed by his son’s outburst, Edward quickly pulled Marcus aside. "Isn’t it obvious? She’s jealous and wants to take Mrs. Blackwood’s place."

Marcus recoiled as if struck. "You’re in love with Nathan? No, that can’t be!"

Edward suppressed a groan. How can my son be this blind? Everyone else can see the truth.

Serena shared the sentiment.

Yeah, he’s completely oblivious. He’s head over heels for Ms. Hayes, yet he has no clue she’s in love with Nathan.

After that silent remark, Serena glanced up—only to catch a flicker of surprise crossing Nathan’s otherwise composed expression.

Wait… Don’t tell me Nathan never realized Ms. Hayes had feelings for him. How dense can a man be?

Nathan, already unsettled by Serena’s inner monologue, felt his ears burn as his carefully maintained mask slipped.

What the hell? I thought this was just a case of corporate espionage—an enemy bribing Ms. Hayes to steal secrets and framing Evelyn in the process. But Ms. Hayes is in love with me? Since when?

"No! That’s not it at all!" Victoria cried out in panic, her desperate gaze locked on Nathan. "Yes, I did what you’re accusing me of, but not for the reasons you think! I did it for Cassandra!"

The room fell deathly silent.

Cassandra—Nathan’s first love.

Nathan’s expression darkened. "Explain."

Victoria rushed to clarify, "Cassandra is coming back."

Nathan’s eyes widened. He instinctively glanced at Evelyn, who looked equally stunned.

Ah, Cassandra. I know her. The woman who broke Nathan’s heart years ago. High society’s golden couple, until she walked away without a second glance.

Nathan was startled that Evelyn knew that much.

Evelyn, meanwhile, was still processing—what did Cassandra have to do with Victoria’s actions?

Nathan turned back to Victoria, his voice icy. "That doesn’t explain what you did."

Victoria, sensing a sliver of hope, blurted out, "Cassandra and I are best friends. She never wanted to leave you—she was forced to. I couldn’t stand the thought of you two losing your chance at happiness because of a misunderstanding. I knew you wouldn’t divorce without cause, so I… I played the villain to create an opportunity for you and Cassandra."

She lowered her head, feigning remorse.

It was true—Victoria and Cassandra had been inseparable. Their friendship had even brought Victoria closer to Nathan, which was why he had trusted her enough to make her his secretary.

But now, Nathan felt nothing but disgust.

He had once blamed Evelyn for being difficult. Now, guilt twisted in his chest, and his anger toward Victoria burned hotter.

Uninterested in her excuses, he said coldly, "Call the police."

Victoria’s head snapped up, her face draining of color. "Nathan, I did this for—"

"Save it for the authorities," Nathan cut her off.

His mercilessness sent a chill through the room. Even now, he chose the harshest punishment.

"Nathan Blackwood!" Victoria shrieked, lunging for him, but he sidestepped her easily. She whirled toward Evelyn, her voice venomous. "You always get a second chance—why am I the exception? I’ve worked for you for ten years! Doesn’t that count for anything?"

Nathan finally looked at her. "Because you’re not my wife."

That single sentence struck like a blade, piercing straight through Victoria’s heart.

She stood frozen, speechless.

Soon, the police arrived, escorting the culprits away. Evelyn, too, was taken in for questioning.

Marcus, ever the fool, tried to take the blame for Victoria, still blindly devoted to her. Edward nearly fainted from rage.

But the evidence was undeniable. No amount of loyalty could change the facts.

As she was dragged off, Victoria screamed at Evelyn, "Once Cassandra returns, Nathan will divorce you! Don’t celebrate too soon!"

A classic villain’s parting shot—yet Evelyn couldn’t help but feel a spark of anticipation.

Really? In that case, I hope she hurries up.