Chapter 25

The moment Evelyn ended the call with Sebastian, Theodore rushed in, his expression tight with irritation.

"Ms. Carter, Nathan Blackwood is here again!" His voice dripped with disdain. "The man has no shame. He should’ve gone into sales—he’d be a millionaire by now with this persistence."

Evelyn didn’t even glance up from the documents she was signing.

"His devotion to his precious fiancée is almost touching," she remarked dryly.

Theodore hesitated. Was that bitterness he detected in her tone? Or was he imagining it?

"Shall I have security escort him out?" he offered.

"No." She capped her pen with a decisive click and arched a brow. "Bring him up."

Theodore blinked. "Excuse me?"

"If he’s gone through the trouble of coming three times, the least I can do is grant him an audience."

Evelyn stretched out her legs, wiggling her toes.

Theodore dropped to one knee, sliding her designer heels onto her feet with practiced ease.

"Also," she added, "find me a waitress from the restaurant downstairs—someone with a pretty face and a sweet voice. I have a task for her."

Ten minutes later, Theodore returned with a nervous young woman who fit the description perfectly.

"Ms. Carter!" The waitress bowed deeply, her voice trembling.

"Relax." Evelyn’s lips curved into a faint smile. "I have a small favor to ask. Do well, and you’ll be rewarded."

"I don’t need a reward! Just being here is an honor!" The girl’s cheeks flushed pink. "You’re my idol!"

Evelyn chuckled. She had a fan.

"She has a similar build to me," Evelyn mused. "Theodore, fetch her one of my outfits."

Theodore frowned but obeyed without question.

"Ms. Carter, what would you like me to do?" the waitress asked eagerly.

Evelyn’s smile turned sly. "Nathan Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Industries, is coming to see me. But I’m not in the mood to deal with him. So, you’ll be meeting him in my place."

The girl paled. "M-Me?"

"Don’t worry." Evelyn tapped her earpiece. "I’ll be listening. Just repeat what I say and act natural."

After three attempts, Nathan finally secured his meeting with Evelyn Carter.

His expression remained stoic, but his pulse betrayed him.

The administrative assistant led him and Oliver toward the elevator. Along the way, Nathan’s striking features drew admiring glances from female staff.

When they reached the elevators, Oliver moved to press the button—only to be stopped.

"This elevator is reserved for Ms. Carter. You’ll need to take the general ones."

Oliver scoffed. "Seriously?"

Nathan didn’t react. He had his own private elevator at Blackwood Industries—this was nothing new.

The elevator ascended smoothly—until it halted at the 30th floor.

"Please exit here," the assistant instructed.

Oliver frowned. "Ms. Carter’s office is on the 40th floor."

"Correct. But this elevator doesn’t go higher."

Nathan’s jaw tightened. "Explain."

"Only Ms. Carter’s private elevator reaches the top floor. Without her permission, guests must take the stairs."

Oliver’s temper flared. "This is ridiculous!"

The assistant remained impassive. "Your choice."

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Fine. We’ll walk."

Did Evelyn think petty obstacles would deter him?

She had no idea how far he was willing to go.