Chapter 448

Evelyn Whitmore waited as Oliver Kingsley ended the call.

"Miss Whitmore, come with me. Mr. Sinclair wishes to speak with you."

She wasn't surprised. Rising smoothly, Evelyn followed Oliver to Samuel's office. The space mirrored its owner - refined yet chillingly impersonal.

"Mr. Sinclair, I've brought Miss Whitmore as requested," Oliver announced with a slight bow.

The desk held several distinctive artifacts. Behind it, an imposing leather chair remained turned away despite Oliver's greeting.

After delivering Evelyn, Oliver exited without another word.

'His job's done,' Evelyn noted. She waited, but when Samuel didn't turn, she broke the silence. "Mr. Sinclair, I'm Evelyn Whitmore. I'm applying for the executive secretary position."

Several beats passed before the chair slowly rotated. Samuel cradled a steaming coffee cup, his aristocratic features schooled in detached amusement. His smile didn't reach his cold gray eyes.

"Miss Whitmore. What an unexpected... pleasure." He took a deliberate sip. "What game are you playing now? Why suddenly apply to work for me?"

"The salary's substantial, and I need money. Simple as that."

Samuel's chuckle held no warmth. "I recall you being the type to refuse handouts. You returned my check quite dramatically last time. Regretting that noble gesture?"

Evelyn met his gaze steadily. "I never claimed disinterest in money. I simply dislike charity from people who use it to stroke their egos. Let's move past that, shall we? I'm not here begging. I'm offering my skills in exchange for fair compensation."

Samuel studied her through narrowed eyes. "You actually believe you're qualified?"

"Try me and find out."

He looked away, swirling his coffee. "No thank you. This company has no use for wildcards. Seek employment elsewhere."

Evelyn's fingers tightened imperceptibly. The knowledge that this arrogant man shared her blood made her skin crawl. Only her mother's secrets kept her seated. She wouldn't leave without securing this position - that much she vowed.