Chapter 466

"Your coffee, Mister Nathaniel." Evelyn knocked lightly before entering, placing the freshly brewed cup on his desk with practiced ease.

Nathaniel barely glanced up from his documents, humming in acknowledgment. His fingers found the cup automatically, bringing it to his lips without breaking concentration from the paperwork before him.

Gabrielle perched elegantly on the office sofa, anticipation gleaming in her eyes. Surely Nathaniel would react violently to the oversweetened coffee. But when he took that first sip... nothing happened.

Her manicured nails dug into the leather cushions. Why wasn't he reacting? Had his tastes changed overnight? Impossible!

Meanwhile, Evelyn lingered near the desk, her gaze subtly drifting toward the framed photograph displayed there.

Nathaniel took another sip before noticing his secretary still hovering. "Why are you still here?" he snapped without looking up. "Get out."

"Of course, Mister Nathaniel." Evelyn's response came smoothly as she turned toward the exit, tray in hand. She paused at the coffee table to place another cup before Gabrielle. "Do enjoy some coffee as well, Miss Winslow."

"Thank you." Gabrielle's smile looked like it might crack her foundation. Through clenched teeth, she whispered, "You didn't sweeten his coffee?"

Evelyn matched her hushed tone. "No, I didn't."

"You little—" Gabrielle barely restrained herself. "I specifically told you how he takes it!"

Evelyn's lips curved knowingly. "Surely you didn't expect me to trust advice from someone who clearly despises me?"

Gabrielle's jaw tightened until her molars ached. This infuriating woman had outmaneuvered her again!

"Curious why I brought two cups?" Evelyn continued conversationally. At Gabrielle's glare, she explained, "One prepared exactly as you suggested, the other plain. Had you been truthful, I could have swapped them before Nathaniel tasted anything amiss." She leaned closer, voice dropping to a honeyed whisper. "But leopards don't change their spots, do they? Enjoy your sugar bomb, Gabrielle."

The cup rattled in Gabrielle's trembling hand as Evelyn straightened with a bright, professional smile. "Do call if you'd like a refill!"

Nathaniel's voice stopped Evelyn at the door. "Wait."

She turned smoothly. "Yes, Mister Nathaniel?"

He shoved a file across the desk. "Translate this for our Almerian clients and email it immediately."

"Right away." Evelyn collected the documents and exited, leaving Gabrielle seething in silent fury.

The anticipated humiliation had backfired spectacularly. Not only had Evelyn escaped unscathed, but Gabrielle now sat clutching a disgustingly sweet coffee, her own trap sprung perfectly against her.