Chapter 53
A misunderstanding?
Oh, this was far beyond a simple misunderstanding.
Evelyn's eyes narrowed dangerously as vivid memories of Adrian humiliating her flashed through her mind. This wasn't some petty mix-up—this was personal.
"Funny coincidence. That's just who I am."
She excelled in every way—except for one tiny flaw. She adored holding grudges.
Remembering Dominic's advice, Evelyn smirked. Keeping her true identity hidden while watching Adrian scramble around was far more satisfying than she'd anticipated.
"You should stay far away from me. Understood?"
Adrian wasn't listening. His focus was entirely on the velvet box in his hands.
Inside rested an emerald bracelet, its glow soft yet unmistakably luxurious. One glance confirmed its worth—hundreds of times more valuable than the one Isabella had stormed off with.
"I promised you a token of my appreciation. Do you like it?"
Adrian had spent weeks selecting this piece, consulting countless experts before making the purchase. His sincerity was undeniable.
"Take it back. I don't want it."
"Evelyn, I like you," he confessed again.
His confidence was dazzling, his charm undeniable. Any other woman might have melted under that gaze.
But Evelyn wasn't just any woman.
"I don't like you."
"Why not?"
"You're not my type."
Adrian looked genuinely wounded. Even his dream woman had standards? After a brief struggle, he steeled himself.
"Then tell me what your type is."
Evelyn glanced at her watch, ready to dismiss him.
"Don't use your work tone with me. It's after hours." His voice held a hint of wariness—clearly, her previous scolding still lingered.
She checked the time. 6:03 PM.
"You think cornering your boss after work makes it acceptable?"
Adrian swallowed hard. "I know you're not cruel. Is there... something I did to upset you?"
Evelyn's expression turned icy. "You're an idiot. I won't risk that affecting my future child's IQ."
Adrian nearly laughed. With an IQ of 167, this had to be a joke. "That's hard to believe."
"Is it?" She arched a brow. "I heard your department still hasn't secured that project with Morgan Bank. Isn't incompetence the reason?"
Recognition flashed in his eyes. The Morgan Bank deal had been a challenge—every strategy he'd tried had failed.
Now, her words lit a fire in him.
"Evelyn, I'll secure that project and prove my worth."
His voice brimmed with determination. "When I do, will you have dinner with me?"
Seeing her plan work, Evelyn shrugged. "Prove yourself first."
Adrian grinned. "Consider it done."
Her chauffeur arrived in a sleek Porsche, and she left without another word.
That night, Evelyn called Dominic, pride coloring her voice.
Dominic chuckled. "I've already arranged everything. Maxwell will deliver the gifts and assist you with the Sterling Enterprises project tomorrow."
"You're sending Maxwell?" Her breath caught.
Maxwell Donovan had been Dominic's right-hand man for a decade. His involvement signaled unwavering support.
"I know you can handle it," Dominic said softly. "But this will make me feel better."
"You're amazing." Warmth spread through her chest.
Since returning to Kingsley Industries, countless eyes had waited for her to fail. But Dominic's faith was her anchor.
"Get some rest," he murmured before hanging up.
She slept soundly.
The next morning, Evelyn yawned as she entered the living room.
Maxwell stood waiting, impeccably dressed. "Ms. Carter, I'll be assisting you today."
His tone was crisp, professional—exactly the kind of efficiency she admired.
"Good."
Her gaze drifted to the gift boxes on the table—Dominic's presents. She leaned against the sofa and opened the smallest one.
Inside lay a Chopard watch, its 201 carats of diamonds glittering. Conservative estimate? Three hundred million.
She slipped it on, admiring how it caught the light. Dominic's taste remained flawless.
Later, at the office, Maxwell delivered his morning report with precision. Evelyn reviewed each detail, ensuring nothing was amiss.
Then the door burst open—Trevor Maddox shoved past the secretary, his face stormy.