Chapter 8

Evelyn hung up so abruptly that Olivia was left staring at the phone in disbelief.

Still wrapped in a towel, Evelyn rummaged through the closet, hoping to find something to wear. But all she found were Nathaniel’s clothes. With no other options, she grabbed a plain white T-shirt and slipped it on before rushing out.

Nathaniel’s shirt was so large on her that it fell past her knees, almost like an oversized dress.

When Evelyn arrived at Alpha Enterprises, she swiped her access card at the entrance. Olivia, looking unusually frantic, rushed to meet her.

"Evelyn! Finally! The manager wants to see you in his office—now. You should brace yourself."

"The manager?" Evelyn frowned. Olivia was never this nervous.

"What’s going on?"

Olivia glanced around before lowering her voice. "The entire company’s system crashed. All our important files are gone."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "And that’s my problem? Shouldn’t they call IT?"

Olivia bit her lip. "They’re already working on it. But Rachel told the manager the virus came from your computer—after you downloaded a game on company property."

She hesitated before adding, "Worse, the CEO invited investors to review our new project today, but the presentation file is corrupted. The manager is furious. He’s going to fire you!"

Rachel Thornton? The one everyone says has connections here?

Both Evelyn and Rachel were interns competing for the only permanent position at Alpha Enterprises.

Evelyn had earned her spot through academic excellence, while rumors claimed Rachel was the manager’s niece.

Now, the pieces clicked.

Before Evelyn could knock on the manager’s door, she heard Rachel’s voice inside, soothingly saying, "Uncle Edward, don’t worry. The IT team will fix it. This is all Evelyn’s fault for gaming during work hours—"

Edward Whitmore snapped, "Where is that girl? Why isn’t she here yet?"

Evelyn knocked and entered. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Edward’s glare was icy. "Finally decided to show up? Do you think this is your personal playground? No call, no show yesterday, late today—and now you’ve crashed our systems!"

Evelyn kept her tone polite. "Apologies, sir. I got married yesterday, and I was delayed this morning due to… complications."

Edward scoffed. "Married? If that’s true, why didn’t you request leave? This company isn’t your personal property!"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "It’s my first marriage. I’ll remember to file the paperwork next time."

Edward was speechless. Rachel sneered. "Pathetic excuse. Just admit you skipped work!"

Then the office door swung open.

Frederick Kingsley, the CEO, stood there with a tall, imposing man beside him—Nathaniel Grayson.

They had arrived just in time to hear Evelyn’s explanation.

Nathaniel’s sharp gaze flickered over her, unreadable.

Edward jumped to his feet. "Mr. Kingsley! Mr. Grayson! Please, come in!"

Rachel’s eyes lit up when she saw Nathaniel, her expression turning dreamy.

Evelyn, however, barely suppressed a groan. Him again?

Frederick’s voice was stern. "What’s this about our systems crashing?"

Edward pointed at Evelyn. "Our intern downloaded games on company property, infecting our network. IT is trying to recover the data, but—"

Frederick’s face darkened. "And she’s still employed?"

Edward shook his head frantically. "No! I’ll terminate her immediately!"

Rachel smirked in triumph.

Nathaniel’s expression remained cold as he glanced at Evelyn, then said indifferently, "Perhaps we should reschedule, Mr. Kingsley."

Frederick paled. He had worked tirelessly to secure this meeting.

Evelyn spotted Olivia’s anxious face outside and remembered—this project was Olivia’s first major lead. If it failed, her career would suffer.

"Mr. Grayson!" Evelyn called out.

Nathaniel paused.

Evelyn stepped forward. "Your time is valuable, but since you’re already here, wouldn’t it be a waste to leave without seeing what we’ve worked on?"

Nathaniel arched a brow. "You have nothing to show."

"I’ll have the presentation ready by the time you finish your coffee."

Frederick and Edward gaped.

Rachel rolled her eyes. As if.

After a beat, Nathaniel said coolly, "Very well. Mr. Kingsley, I could use some coffee before I go."

Frederick snapped into action. "Someone get Mr. Grayson coffee—now!"

Rachel seized the opportunity, flouncing off to play hostess.

Evelyn returned to her desk and plugged in a flash drive.

Olivia hovered nervously. "What are you doing?"

"Running an antivirus."

Olivia groaned. "The hackers bypassed our firewalls. Antivirus won’t help!"

Evelyn smirked. "Worth a shot, right?"