Chapter 350

Evelyn tapped her fingers against her phone screen thoughtfully. "Maybe something unexpected and meaningful."

She typed another message. "I want it to be unique. Any suggestions?"

After sending several texts, Evelyn noticed the time - 2:17 AM. The glowing screen illuminated her disappointed face when no replies came.

With a sigh, she turned off her phone.

The morning sunlight woke Evelyn to her phone buzzing nonstop.

Natalie: "Who could possibly make our Ms. Carter ask for gift advice?"

Natalie: "Don't tell me it's that Sterling guy again?"

Sophia, who rarely responded in group chats, immediately sent three shocked face emojis. "Evelyn! Did you reconcile with Nathan?"

Olivia: "No way! His birthday isn't until next month. It must be for Harrison."

Sophia: "Oooh, is there something new between you two?"

Evelyn quickly interrupted their speculation. "Focus, ladies. I need actual ideas."

Olivia responded first. "Honestly, Harrison would love anything from you. But a handmade gift would be extra special."

Natalie agreed. "Perfect idea. But Evelyn, what can you make? A cake perhaps?"

Evelyn's eyes lit up. Baking a cake? That could work.

Within hours, her kitchen transformed into a bakery. Flour dusted the countertops, eggs waited in neat rows, and vanilla extract perfumed the air.

She propped her phone against a mixing bowl, following a tutorial with intense concentration. After a full day of trial and error, Evelyn finally perfected her creation.

The finished cake stood proudly on her counter - moist chocolate layers with smooth buttercream frosting. "Success," she whispered, carefully boxing her masterpiece.

At Horizon Technologies, Monday mornings meant chaos. The receptionist recognized Evelyn immediately. "Good morning, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn smiled and headed straight for the executive elevator.

Something felt off when the doors opened to the top floor.

The normally bustling secretary area stood empty. Evelyn's steps slowed as suspicion prickled her neck.

She knocked on the CEO's office door. Silence.

"Harrison?" She pushed the door open.

Only an empty chair greeted her. Setting the cake box on the desk, she noticed the adjacent lounge door slightly ajar.

Her fingers trembled as she approached.

The sight that greeted her made her blood run cold.

Diana lay sprawled across the lounge's sofa, her skirt riding up to reveal too much thigh.

At Evelyn's gasp, Diana scrambled to sit up, smoothing her wrinkled blouse. "M-Ms. Carter! What are you doing here?"

Evelyn's voice turned icy. "I could ask you the same."

Diana bit her lip, avoiding eye contact.

Under Evelyn's piercing stare, Diana finally stammered, "If you're looking for Mr. Whitmore...he's in a meeting."