Chapter 6

Evelyn stood in the bustling airport terminal, her fingers tightening around the phone that had just gone dark.

The weight that had been crushing her chest for months at Sterling Manor finally lifted.

Raindrops streaked across the floor-to-ceiling windows as travelers rushed past her. Would she miss Pamore?

Perhaps. But relief drowned out any lingering nostalgia.

The truth had crystallized in her mind - Nathan didn't love her. Never had. His heart belonged to another.

What purpose did clinging to false hope serve?

She approached the first-class counter, boarding pass for Darai in hand.

Years ago, she'd abandoned her family and identity to stay in this city.

Had it not been for her grandfather's intervention, the medical expo deal with Sterling Enterprises would never have materialized.

Yet Nathan sent her alone to negotiate, proving exactly where she stood in his priorities.

"Miss Carter?" The airline agent's voice snapped her back to reality. "Your ticket appears to be on hold. I can't issue your boarding pass."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "That's impossible. Please check again."

"Was this booked through a corporate account? There seems to have been a recent refund processed. May I see your ID for verification?"

The realization hit like icy water.

Every account, every access - all controlled by Sterling Enterprises.

Even her identification card remained with HR after last week's registration update.

In her haste to escape, she'd overlooked these shackles.

"One moment please." She stepped aside, dialing HR with trembling fingers.

The call never connected.

Of course. Her phone service was another corporate leash.

"Sterling Enterprises," she muttered through clenched teeth.

Hailing a cab through the downpour, Evelyn watched Sterling Tower's imposing silhouette emerge from the storm.

She tossed a hundred-dollar bill at the driver and dragged her luggage through the revolving doors.

The facial recognition system rejected her three times before finally granting elevator access.

On the twelfth floor, Derek Monroe's smarmy grin greeted her dripping form.

"My, my, Ms. Carter. You look positively... fugitive." The HR director's nasal voice dripped with mock concern.

"Where's my ID?" Evelyn ignored his jab.

"Simon collected it minutes ago." Derek's smirk widened. "Pity you missed him."

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. She should have anticipated Nathan's retaliation.

The man never tolerated defiance.

As she turned toward the executive elevators, Derek called after her, "Do mind your manners up there. Mr. Sterling's fiancée is visiting for their important meeting."

The word fiancée struck like a blade between her ribs.