Chapter 8

Evelyn hesitated. Her resignation letter was already submitted. She had no obligation to handle such trivial matters anymore.

Besides, while Isabella's words sounded like a request, her tone carried an unmistakable command.

It rubbed Evelyn the wrong way.

Yet Nathan still had her ID card. This would be the last time she'd run such petty errands anyway.

She could use this opportunity to ask for her identification back when delivering the coffee later.

Taking a deep breath, she finally agreed. "Alright."

"Thanks." Isabella walked away without another glance.

Since becoming pregnant, Isabella carried herself with maternal grace. Yet her natural confidence as the privileged heiress still contrasted sharply with Evelyn's current state.

Years ago, Evelyn's prestigious family background had made Isabella pale in comparison. But time had changed everything.

Now Evelyn seemed to have lost all her former poise and elegance.

She stood frozen for a long moment before shaking herself out of it. Heading to the pantry, she prepared the Americano with three-quarter sugar and one-quarter milk - exactly how Nathan preferred it.

Returning with the coffee, she noticed the meeting had ended. Employees streamed out of the conference room.

Not seeing Nathan among them, she assumed he'd gone to his office.

Coffee in hand, she knocked on his door.

"Come in." Isabella's flirtatious voice answered.

Evelyn nearly dropped the cup. It took all her willpower to finally turn the knob.

The sight that greeted her made her blood run cold. Isabella had her arms wrapped around Nathan's neck while perched on his lap.

Despite mental preparation, the scene still stabbed through Evelyn's heart like shards of glass.

Isabella appeared slightly embarrassed at being caught. "Just leave the coffee and go," she instructed.

Snapping back to reality, Evelyn slowly raised her head. Her eyes met Nathan's.

His icy glare could have frozen hell over. The sheer contempt in his gaze made her feel like prey cornered by a predator.

Evelyn realized this was deliberate. He knew she'd come, yet chose to let her witness this intimate moment - all to humiliate her.

"Ms. Carter?" Isabella prompted when Evelyn didn't move.

Evelyn forced a nod. Setting down the coffee, she turned to leave.

After two steps, she froze.

The murmurs behind her painted vivid images of Nathan and Isabella's intimacy. Her legs turned to jelly, requiring every ounce of strength not to collapse.

"Is there something else, Ms. Carter?" Isabella's voice dripped with annoyance at her lingering.

"I..." Evelyn finally found her voice. "Mr. Sterling has something of mine. I'd like it back."

The atmosphere in the spacious office instantly thickened.

Despite the stacks of documents covering the desk, nothing could hide what the couple was doing on the leather chair.

Nathan's white shirt hung open, revealing a fresh love bite on his neck.

"Oh?" Isabella's curiosity piqued. She tightened her grip on Nathan's arm. "Nathan, what do you have of hers?"

"Nothing important." Nathan pulled Isabella closer.

Watching their bodies press together, Evelyn pressed her lips into a thin line.

After a tense silence, Nathan finally spoke, his voice frosty. "You may leave now."

He looked at her like she was a stranger.

Clearly, he wouldn't return her ID easily.

"It's my identification card," Evelyn stated bluntly, deciding to speak frankly since Isabella was present. Right now, she just wanted her ID back so she could leave Sterling Enterprises forever.

"Actually, I've resigned, but Mr. Sterling has confiscated my ID. I can't help but wonder if he has ulterior motives."

"Sterling Enterprises employs countless capable people. There's no need for him to resort to such petty tactics against a mere secretary like me."