Chapter 449

Evelyn strode confidently to the desk and pulled out a chair without waiting for permission. The leather seat creaked as she settled into it.

"Mr. Sinclair, I strongly advise you to rethink your decision."

Samuel's brows knitted together. Her audacity to sit uninvited irritated him. "Give me one good reason."

She met his gaze squarely. "While waiting for my turn, I observed every candidate who entered. None of those women actually wanted the job." Her fingers tapped the armrest. "They were all hoping to catch your attention. Surely you don't want a secretary whose main qualification is bedroom eyes?"

Samuel's lips twisted into a cold smirk. "Clever observation, Miss Whitmore. But rejecting them doesn't automatically mean I'll hire you. I could simply choose a male candidate instead."

Evelyn had anticipated this response. A knowing smile played on her lips. "There were male applicants too. I overheard them discussing your physique, speculating about your preferences." She leaned forward slightly. "Between fawning women and swooning men, which would you rather tolerate daily?"

The coffee cup in Samuel's hand trembled slightly. This infuriating woman had successfully gotten under his skin again. "Fair point. But how do I know you're not just playing hard to get? That you won't eventually try the same tactic?"

Her eyes locked onto his with startling intensity. A flicker of distaste crossed her features. "Mr. Sinclair, you can take this to the bank - I have zero interest in you romantically. No amount of charm or good looks could change that."

Samuel nearly choked on his coffee. He set the cup down with a sharp clink. "And why is that, exactly?"

"Simple." Her answer came without hesitation. "I can't stand you."

The blunt declaration caught him off guard. In all his years, no woman had ever said those words to him.

"Likewise," he retorted dryly. "If you despise me so much, why pursue this position? Isn't that contradictory?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I dislike you personally. That has nothing to do with your company or this job opportunity." She straightened her posture. "I'm perfectly capable of separating professional and personal matters. Give me a trial period if you doubt me. I guarantee my performance will exceed expectations. And I double guarantee I'll never end up in your bed."

Samuel found himself at a loss for words. Each encounter with this woman brought fresh surprises. It wasn't that he disliked her - he simply couldn't forgive how she'd treated Amelia. Yet he couldn't deny her boldness intrigued him.

Beyond her striking beauty, Evelyn possessed a maturity that belied her youthful appearance. Her fearless attitude would undoubtedly set her apart in the corporate world.

'I'm curious to see how far that attitude will take her,' Samuel mused.

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. Oliver's voice carried through the door. "Mr. Sinclair? Miss Rivers and Mr. Grayson are here to see you."

Evelyn's composure shattered instantly. All color drained from her face. She sprang to her feet, clearly ready to bolt.

'What the hell? Amelia showing up makes sense, but why is Nathaniel here?' The question screamed through her mind as she scanned the room for an exit.