Chapter 148

Evelyn's eyelids fluttered lazily as Seraphina worked on her tense shoulders. "A wolf's been circling my castle," she murmured. "Trouble follows me everywhere. I can't even breathe freely anymore."

Seraphina adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses with a knowing smirk. "This wolf wouldn't happen to be Nathaniel Grayson, would he?"

The image of Nathaniel's smirking face flashed in Evelyn's mind. She scowled. That damn man kept invading her thoughts lately. Though she hadn't shared recent events with Seraphina, she wasn't surprised her sharp-eyed friend had figured it out. Sebastian and his big mouth probably spilled everything.

Speaking of the devil, Sebastian bounded in with snacks, adjusting his pants before squatting to massage Evelyn's legs. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "So how's married life treating you? Getting any action?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her chips, cheeks flaming. "Go to hell!"

Sebastian's laughter echoed through the room as he continued kneading her calves, wisely dropping the subject.

Seraphina handed Evelyn a folder. "The quarterly financial report, boss. Take a look."

Evelyn scanned the document rapidly, nodding in approval. "Impressive. We've outperformed last quarter's numbers." She rattled off several strategic adjustments based on the data.

Sebastian listened intently before suddenly standing. "Seriously, boss, why waste time being Cassandra's assistant when you could be running the company? You're playing with fire for no good reason."

"The company's in good hands with you two." Evelyn's expression turned serious. "Any updates on that director I asked you to investigate?"

Sebastian nodded eagerly. "Vincent Blackwood - acclaimed director, Ant City native, art school graduate from some backwater town. Worked behind the scenes before hitting it big. Met his current wife Natasha while working on set. Her family's money bankrolled his first award-winning film."

He leaned closer, voice dropping. "Here's the juicy part - he had a two-year affair with your stepmother Victoria before fame. They split when she started seeing someone else."

Sebastian produced another file. "Recently, Victoria paid fifteen grand to falsify a paternity test at a private hospital. Changed the results from 'excluded' to 'confirmed biological father' for Vincent and Cassandra."

Evelyn's lips curled into a predatory smile. 'No wonder Vincent dotes on Cassandra despite her terrible acting. The proud man thinks she's his daughter. Classic Victoria - cheating on Daddy and passing off her ex's child as his.'

The pieces clicked into place perfectly.

Seraphina returned with fresh coffee. "Boss, we received a special design request. Client specifically asked for you."

Evelyn took a sip. "What project?"

"Grayson Group's new headquarters building design."

Evelyn nearly spat out her coffee at Nathaniel's name.

Seraphina continued, unfazed. "With the city's northward expansion, their current central location will become obsolete. They're planning a new flagship office at the future downtown core."