Chapter 7

Her secret marriage to Nathan Sterling had never been made public. To everyone at Sterling Enterprises, she was merely his executive assistant.

The "fiancée" Derek had mentioned could only be Isabella Delaney.

Evelyn Carter had just finalized her divorce from Nathan, and already Isabella was making appearances at Sterling Enterprises.

Not only that, but Isabella would soon be moving into Sterling Manor - sleeping in Evelyn's bed, enjoying everything that should have been hers.

The thought made Evelyn's chest tighten painfully.

Still, she thanked Derek for the information before leaving HR.

Derek watched her retreating figure with narrowed eyes.

Even an idiot could see Evelyn still carried a torch for Mr. Sterling. No wonder she'd been let go.

As he turned back to his computer, he muttered under his breath, "This is going to be quite the spectacle."

When the elevator doors opened on the executive floor, Evelyn nearly collided with Simon.

"Ms. Carter, you're here." Simon's gaze flickered to the suitcase in her hand, immediately understanding she'd come for her ID.

He gestured toward the conference room. "I've given your identification card to Mr. Sterling."

"He's in his third meeting today. Is it urgent? Should I interrupt?"

"That won't be necessary. I'll wait." Her tone was ice.

"Would you like some coffee then?" Simon offered, knowing full well Nathan had no intention of accepting her resignation.

Evelyn had too many critical projects underway. Replacing her would be nearly impossible.

"It's Tuesday's special hand-drip blend. I just learned the technique." His manner was noticeably warmer than usual.

"No thank you." If she was cutting ties with Nathan, she saw no reason to be cordial to his associates.

Simon nodded and disappeared into the conference room with his documents.

Evelyn passed the open workspace, her eyes drawn to the conference room's partially open door.

Dozens of executives surrounded the massive table. Nathan's broad back faced her as he listened intently to reports, his sharp profile occasionally offering terse comments.

He'd always been ruthlessly focused during meetings.

Evelyn looked down at her damp clothes and the suitcase weighing down her arm.

As much as she wanted to storm in, she knew better than to cause a scene.

Her gaze shifted to the CEO's office. Through the frosted glass, she could make out a feminine silhouette.

Isabella, no doubt - the same woman she'd seen at the hospital.

Entering now would only humiliate herself further.

Setting her luggage aside, Evelyn retreated to the restroom. Cold water splashed against her face as she struggled to compose herself.

How exactly should she demand her ID back from Nathan?

"Ms. Carter, you're in early," chirped an intern washing her hands nearby.

Evelyn offered a noncommittal hum. Once alone, she blotted her face with a paper towel.

The mirror reflected dark circles and hollowed cheeks - the physical toll of her failed marriage.

Her brother Dominic had commented on her dramatic weight loss during her last visit to Darai.

She'd joked about being on a diet.

The truth was far more bitter.

Ending things was for the best.

The restroom door swung open abruptly.

A willowy woman entered, her pregnancy bump barely visible beneath an elegant silk dress. Everything about Isabella Delaney radiated effortless privilege.

Evelyn instinctively straightened, hastily drying her face before turning to leave.

"Excuse me," Isabella's melodic voice stopped her.

"That woman called you Ms. Carter. You must be Nathan's assistant?"

Evelyn froze as delicate footsteps approached.

Isabella positioned herself directly in Evelyn's path, offering a saccharine smile. "Nathan's meeting should wrap up soon."

"Would you mind brewing coffee for his office? You know how he takes it, don't you?"