Chapter 4: The Past Resurfaces

Evelyn spent the rest of the evening trying to convince herself that her run-in with Alexander was nothing more than a coincidence. It had to be. He was just another person in the city, leading his own life, just as she was leading hers. Their paths crossing was meaningless.

At least, that's what she told herself.

But when she walked into work the next morning, coffee in hand and determination in her stride, her boss, Mr. Calloway, was waiting at her desk with a tight-lipped smile that set off every alarm in her head.

"Evelyn," he said smoothly, adjusting his cufflinks. "Good morning. You're just the person I was looking for."

That was never a good sign.

She set her coffee down carefully. "Good morning, sir. How can I help?"

Calloway's smile didn't waver. "We have a new client. Very high-profile. He specifically requested you."

Her stomach dropped. No. No, no, no.

Calloway handed her a sleek black folder. With dread coiling in her gut, she flipped it open, only to be greeted by a name that sent a chill down her spine.

Sterling Enterprises.

Her fingers curled around the edges of the folder. "Sir, I—"

"Now, now," Calloway interrupted, patting her shoulder as if she were a child. "I know handling a major client can be intimidating, but you're one of my best. I trust you can handle this professionally."

She forced a smile. "Of course. Professionally."

But inside? Inside, she was screaming.