Chapter 74

Robert Chambers examined the photograph frame carefully.

"Wouldn't this location be too conspicuous?" he asked hesitantly.

Nathaniel Whitmore didn't even glance up from his documents. "It's only meant for Grandmother Eleanor's eyes."

Robert felt completely lost, unable to comprehend Nathaniel's unpredictable thought processes.

Evelyn Carter had been struggling to concentrate at work all week. The outstanding payment still hadn't arrived in her account.

Yet every time she remembered their heated encounter in the hallway, her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Cassandra Blake sauntered over with a steaming cup of coffee. "It's been days since your little project with Mr. Whitmore," she sneered. "Where's that fat paycheck you were bragging about? Did you manage to offend him too?"

Without responding, Evelyn grabbed her phone and stepped outside.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Robert's number. "Um... I was just wondering about the payment timeline?" she asked, trying to sound professional.

"Mrs. Whitmore, please hold. I'll check with Mr. Whitmore immediately."

When Robert relayed the message, Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Why is she contacting you about this?" he demanded, his voice like ice. "Are you suddenly responsible for her compensation?"

Robert swallowed hard. "Perhaps she couldn't reach you directly, sir?"

Nathaniel's lips curled in a humorless smile as he pulled out his fully functional phone. Not a single missed call from Evelyn.

The message was clear - she was deliberately avoiding him. Did she actually think he'd renege on their agreement?

"Tell her to come collect her payment in person," he ordered coldly.

Robert sighed internally. Once again, he found himself caught in the crossfire of their complicated relationship.

When Evelyn received the summons, anger flared through her. But with Cassandra breathing down her neck and bills piling up, she had no choice.

Why should she be afraid of Nathaniel anyway? If he wanted to play games, she'd meet him head-on.

Grabbing her purse, she hailed a cab to Whitmore Tower.

As the imposing skyscraper came into view, Evelyn realized with a pang that in three years of marriage, she'd never once visited her husband's workplace.

Shaking off the bitter thought, she announced herself at reception and took the elevator up.

Evelyn pushed open the office door with more confidence than she felt - only to freeze at the unexpected sight.

Victoria Sinclair lounged elegantly on the leather couch, her perfect smile faltering the moment she spotted Evelyn.

"What are you doing here?" Victoria demanded sharply. "Security!"

Evelyn's gaze flickered to the insulated food container on the coffee table. Of course - Victoria had brought Nathaniel his lunch.

The realization stung more than she cared to admit.

Victoria looked ready to explode. "Get out! You don't belong here."

Evelyn squared her shoulders and stepped inside. "I was invited, same as you. Why should I leave?"

She deliberately took the seat opposite Victoria, refusing to be intimidated. She was here on business, nothing more.

Victoria's fingers clenched around her designer handbag. The bruises from their last encounter still ached. This crazy bitch would pay eventually.

If only Nathaniel weren't about to walk in, she'd have called her brother to deal with Evelyn properly.

Evelyn sniffed the air delicately. "Chicken soup?" she asked innocently.

Victoria preened immediately. "An exclusive medicinal recipe from my brother's hospital. Far superior to whatever peasant dishes you can cook."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "How unfortunate that Nathaniel prefers my rib stew. Strange how he enjoys my cooking so much, don't you think?"

At that moment, Victoria's eyes flickered over Evelyn's shoulder. "Nathaniel," she purred.

Evelyn's blood ran cold. She didn't need to turn around to know she'd just walked straight into trouble. This year really wasn't her year.