Chapter 50

The clock struck three when Evelyn Whitmore stepped into the quaint café near Stardust Bridge.

The place had an understated elegance, with soft jazz playing in the background. Only three patrons occupied the space—a couple murmuring over tea, and a bespectacled man hunched over his laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Evelyn chose a corner table and ordered a latte with a slice of lemon tart. As she took a bite, her sharp eyes scanned the room.

The couple seemed engrossed in a first date, exchanging polite questions about hobbies and favorite movies. Nothing unusual there.

The man with glasses? Completely absorbed in his work, not even glancing up.

Who had sent her that cryptic message? Had they stood her up?

"Evelyn!"

Her head snapped up at the familiar voice. "Mister Whitmore?"

Edward Whitmore, her former boss from her internship at Kingsley Corp, stood before her. He had gained weight since she last saw him, his cheeks puffing out when he grinned.

"Long time no see, Evelyn."

In truth, it had only been a week since she left the company.

Was he the one who texted me?

Cutting straight to the point, she asked, "What brings you here, Mister Whitmore?"

He slid into the chair opposite her, beaming. "No need to wonder. I was the one looking for you."

Evelyn took a slow sip of her coffee. "So it was you."

He nodded eagerly. "Indeed. I know about you and Mister Grayson."

Her eyebrow arched. "And?"

His smile turned oily. "Let’s be honest—I lost my job because Nathaniel refused to collaborate with Kingsley Corp. And you played a part in that."

Evelyn scoffed. "Me? You’ve got it backward. From what I recall, I was framed when the company’s system was hacked—thanks to your favorite, Rachel Thornton, playing games on company time. And yet I’m the one you blame?"

Edward stiffened. Clearly, he hadn’t expected her to know the details. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, that’s all in the past. What matters now is—"

She cut him off. "Get to the point, Mister Whitmore."

Leaning in, he lowered his voice. "I saw you getting into Nathaniel’s car. And having dinner with him yesterday. You two are clearly… involved." His grin turned sly. "I need a favor."

Evelyn tilted her head. "What kind of favor?"

"Convince Nathaniel to reconsider the deal with Kingsley Corp. If Frederick reinstates me, I’ll keep your little secret."

She leaned back, unimpressed. "And if I refuse?"

His expression darkened. "I did some digging. Nathaniel just got married. How do you think his wife would react if she found out about his… mistress?"