Chapter 119

"Mr. Reeves?" Evelyn blinked, trying to clear her foggy head. "Why are you at my house?"

"I heard you were on leave. As your boss, shouldn’t I check on my employees?" Dominic’s voice was smooth, knowing she was peering through the peephole. He leaned closer, his face suddenly filling the narrow view.

Evelyn stumbled back, startled. "You—!"

"Evelyn," he said, amusement lacing his tone. "Are you really going to leave me standing out here?"

"Mr. Reeves, I’m sick. And alone. It’s not a good time." She had no intention of opening the door—or engaging further.

This visit was unnecessary. Everything between them had already been said.

Thankfully, her mother had gone grocery shopping. Otherwise—

Speak of the devil.

"Who are you?" A voice rang out from the hallway.

Evelyn’s stomach dropped.

Mom.

"Good afternoon," Dominic replied smoothly. "I’m Evelyn’s employer. Dominic Reeves, CEO of DR Holdings."

"Oh! Mr. Reeves!" Her mother’s voice brightened instantly. "Why are you waiting out here? Evelyn’s home—she must’ve dozed off and didn’t hear you knock. Let me get the door!"

Evelyn had no choice. She darted back to her room, shutting the door just as the front door swung open.

"Please, come in!" Her mother ushered him inside, setting down her grocery bags. "Evelyn! Evelyn! Your boss is here!"

Silence.

Her mother turned to Dominic with an apologetic smile. "She must be sleeping deeply. Let me try again."

"Strange," Dominic mused, settling onto the sofa. "I could’ve sworn I heard her speaking earlier."

Damn him.

Evelyn knew the act was up. She quickly changed into presentable clothes and stepped out.

"Mom."

"Sweetheart, Mr. Reeves is here!" Her mother winked meaningfully before bustling off to make tea.

Evelyn approached reluctantly, arms crossed. She didn’t sit.

Dominic stretched his legs, tilting his head up at her with a faint smirk. "Evelyn, you’ve been taking quite a few sick days lately. Everything alright?"

Her mother returned with a tray, overhearing. "Oh? She’s perfectly healthy!"

"Really?" Dominic feigned surprise. "She’s been absent frequently. I was concerned."

Frequent sick leave?

Her mother’s eyes widened. She turned to Evelyn. "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Mom, I’m fine," Evelyn muttered, frowning.

Work drama wasn’t something her mother needed to worry about. That’s why Evelyn had been spending her "sick" days wandering the city, burning through her savings.

At this rate, she’d be fired within the month.

And honestly? She couldn’t wait.