Chapter 9
The atmosphere turned suffocating in an instant.
Evelyn had always measured her words carefully around Nathan. Never before had she displayed such unshakable defiance in his presence.
Nathan's expression darkened immediately.
"Is that true, Nathan?" Isabella pressed closer to him, a subtle frown creasing her perfect features.
"Absolutely not," he replied coolly.
"As she pointed out, Sterling Enterprises employs only the most competent staff. Why would we withhold her ID?"
"But since she's resigning, corporate policy requires her to remove the company attire and complete all handovers. Otherwise, it would violate company regulations."
Now Evelyn understood why Nathan had forced her to come here today.
He'd presented her with two cruel options—remain shackled to Sterling Enterprises or walk away empty-handed.
She could scarcely believe he'd sink to such tactics to break her will.
He was stripping away the last remnants of her dignity.
"I see. Then you're in the wrong, Ms. Carter." Isabella's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "For a moment I thought there was something between you and Nathan—"
As Isabella began snuggling against Nathan's chest, something inside Evelyn shattered. She shrugged off her blazer and began unbuttoning her silk blouse with trembling fingers.
"I'll remove it right now," she declared.
Nathan was correct—it was better to make a clean break.
The executive office plunged into stunned silence. Isabella gaped at her in disbelief.
Nathan, who had been staring at his desk while wrestling with some unnamed emotion, looked up sharply.
Over recent days, he'd sensed a fundamental change in Evelyn.
He couldn't articulate it, but it felt like she was slipping through his fingers.
Had he ever truly known this woman during their three years of marriage?
Word of the confrontation spread through the executive floor like wildfire. Employees strained to glimpse the drama unfolding behind the frosted glass.
No one expected meek, compliant Evelyn Carter to reveal such steely resolve.
She was actually removing her corporate attire in public to secure her resignation.
When the blouse pooled at her feet, Evelyn stood in only a fitted white camisole that accentuated her toned figure.
"Damn! Who knew Ms. Carter had that kind of body?" whispered one stunned colleague.
"No wonder—our corporate uniforms are practically sacks. You could hide an entire bakery under those," another muttered.
Their gossip died instantly when Simon slammed his palm on a nearby desk.
"Don't you have work to complete? Or should I deduct this month's bonuses right now?"
The chastised employees exchanged glances before scrambling back to their tasks.
Simon risked a glance through the slatted blinds. He'd never seen Nathan torment a resigning employee like this.
What the hell was really going on between them?
Inside the office, Evelyn shivered as the aggressive air conditioning raised goosebumps on her exposed skin.
Teeth nearly chattering, she lifted her chin. "Mr. Sterling, may I have my identification card now?"
Anticipating further excuses, she added, "Regarding the handover—I'll email completed documents to Simon."
"You may withhold my final paycheck if you have concerns."
The unspoken message was clear—she wanted nothing more to do with him.
Nathan's eyes darkened to stormy obsidian.
Confronted with her unexpected steel, an unfamiliar emotion clawed at his chest—something disturbingly close to regret.