Chapter 157

"Don't forget our conversation today. If you keep pushing your luck, you'll have no one to blame but yourself." Nathan's voice was ice cold.

Vanessa left the office only after giving multiple reassurances.

The moment the door closed, Nathan turned to stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows. His expression darkened as he became lost in thought.

So lost that he didn't even notice Simon entering the room.

Nathan finally turned when he heard the clearing of a throat. "What is it?"

"There's been unusual activity with our company shares. Someone's been aggressively buying them up through shell companies." Simon adjusted his glasses. "The pattern suggests this isn't random."

Nathan's jaw tightened. "What do we know?"

"Whoever's behind this is covering their tracks well. But our team is monitoring every transaction. The next move they make should give us something concrete."

"Good. Don't tip them off." Nathan's fingers drummed against the mahogany desk.

"Understood, Mr. Sterling."

Nathan abruptly changed subjects. "When Evelyn worked here, did she have any close colleagues?"

Simon hesitated. "Ms. Carter was professional with everyone. But if you're asking about personal connections... no, not that I recall."

The disappointment flashed across Nathan's face before he schooled his features. "That's all. You may go."

Simon left with a puzzled frown. Lately, Nathan's interest in his former secretary seemed... unusual.

Meanwhile, at Kingsley Industries...

Evelyn had just finished a grueling video conference with international partners when the knock came.

"Enter."

Adrian strolled in, his usual playful grin in place. "Ms. Carter, these need your signature." He placed two folders on her desk.

Evelyn sighed. Despite repeatedly asking him to use her professional title, Adrian insisted on this ridiculous nickname.

"Must you call me that in the office?" She rubbed her temples.

Adrian's grin widened. "Not unless you agree to dinner this weekend."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and opened the documents. After verifying the contents, she signed with quick strokes.

"If not dinner, then maybe—"

"Do you not have enough work?" Evelyn cut him off sharply. "Perhaps I should assign you more."

For the past week since returning from his business trip, Adrian had been relentless—asking her out daily despite her refusals.

"Ms. Carter, have some faith in me." Adrian leaned against her desk. "I've already increased our Q3 projections by 18%. Surely that deserves a date?"

Evelyn's patience snapped. "I just got divorced."

"I know."

"I'm not looking for another relationship."

Adrian merely shrugged. "I can wait."

Evelyn resorted to bluntness. "You're not my type."

To her shock, Adrian moved closer, his smile turning predatory. "Then tell me what your type is, and I'll become it."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Why me, Adrian? Seriously."

Adrian laughed, but there was something raw in it. "There is no 'why.' I just—"

The office phone rang, cutting him off. Evelyn grabbed it like a lifeline. "Evelyn Carter speaking."

As she listened to the caller, Adrian mouthed 'this isn't over' before sauntering out, leaving Evelyn more unsettled than she cared to admit.