Chapter two: When we meet again

Saturday mornings were usually quiet for Evelyn. She liked to start with coffee, soft music, and the comforting silence of her apartment. But this Saturday was different. Her phone buzzed on the counter, the caller ID flashing a name she didn’t recognize.

“Hello?” she answered carefully.

“Miss Valentino?” The voice was deep, commanding, yet kind. “This is Lewis Miller. I was at the gala three weeks ago. I recognized your work. Impeccable planning, detail, and atmosphere. I want you to handle an event for me.”

Evelyn blinked, stunned. Lewis Miller—the billionaire investor, respected across the city, father of the infamous Ashton Miller. She straightened unconsciously, her heart beating faster.

“I… I’d be honored, Mr. Miller,” she replied.

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

The line clicked off, leaving her speechless.

Three weeks later, Evelyn stood before a sprawling mansion that seemed more like a castle. Marble pillars rose like giants, windows glinted in the sunlight, and iron gates stretched wide. She clutched her clipboard, inhaled deeply, and reminded herself—this was just another job.

Inside, she directed staff, arranged flowers, adjusted lighting. Every corner had to be flawless. She oversaw catering deliveries, walked through the banquet hall, and touched up the golden table runners. Her heart swelled with both pride and nerves.

The sound of footsteps broke her concentration.

“Miss Valentino,” Lewis Miller greeted warmly as he entered the hall, his presence commanding yet kind. His silver hair gleamed, his smile genuine. “How’s it going?”

“Everything is on schedule,” she replied with a polite smile. “The décor, the catering—it will all be ready before the guests arrive.”

Lewis nodded approvingly. “Excellent.”

Then, another presence entered.

From the staircase, he appeared—Ashton Miller. Dressed in a sharp black suit, each movement precise, calculated. His gaze landed on Evelyn, sharp and merciless.

Their eyes met, and she froze.

Hatred. Pure, cold hatred gleamed in his stare. Her chest tightened as the memory of his cruel words at the gala resurfaced.

Lewis’s proud voice cut through her thoughts. “Here’s my boy.”

Evelyn’s world stopped.

His boy?

Her eyes widened, her lips parting. Ashton’s mouth curved into a slow, smug grin. He adjusted his cuffs deliberately before glancing at her again, as if savoring her shock.

“This is my son, Ashton,” Lewis continued, oblivious to the tension. “This event is for his hard work.”

Evelyn’s heart sank. Her mind screamed regret for accepting this job. She turned quickly, ready to leave, humiliation burning her cheeks.

“Stay for the event,” Lewis said firmly.

She shook her head. “No… I don’t think I’ll be able to. Not when I’m clearly not welcomed by some people.”

Ashton smirked, looking away, as if her presence amused him.

But Lewis’s tone softened. “You’re welcomed by me.”

Her heart warmed at his kindness. She forced a smile. “Then… I’ll stay.”

As guests began to arrive, the mansion filled with chatter, laughter, and clinking glasses. Evelyn moved through the crowd quietly, ensuring candles burned, champagne poured, and decorations shone. Several guests complimented her work, their admiration filling her with relief.

When the banquet began, Lewis rose to the stage, his voice commanding attention.

“I am proud tonight,” he announced. “Proud of the most perfect son I could ever wish for. Ashton has proven himself again and again. Tonight, I hand over the business to him.”

Applause thundered as Lewis handed his son official papers. Evelyn clapped politely, though her gaze drifted toward Ashton. He stood tall, composed, though his eyes flicked briefly toward her before hardening again.

A voice interrupted her thoughts.

“You’ve got an eye for things,” a young man near her age said with an easy smile. “I’m impressed with your work.”

Evelyn smiled faintly, murmuring thanks. Yet her attention betrayed her, sneaking toward Ashton, who was now watching her with an unreadable expression.

Dinner followed. Evelyn approached Lewis’s table to check the arrangements. To her shock, Lewis gestured warmly.

“Take a seat, Miss Valentino.”

She hesitated, but under his insistence, she sat—directly beside Ashton. His scent, sharp and expensive, wrapped around her. Her chest tightened.

Another family shared the table: an older couple and their daughter, elegant and her age.

The woman spoke first. “Mr. Miller, I’d like for your son and my daughter to get to know each other. He is hardworking as well. Our families could benefit from closer ties.”

Evelyn froze, words sticking in her throat. Her hands tightened under the tablecloth.

Lewis smiled. “Yes, I would love that.”

Ashton’s eyes flicked to Evelyn, sharp as knives. Then, with a sudden movement, he pushed his chair back and stood, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he walked to the far side of the room.

Evelyn’s chest ached.

Later, she excused herself to throw away some notes. As she passed a slightly open door, voices drifted out.

Inside, Ashton stood with another man—his back hidden in shadows.

“Well done, Ashton,” the man sneered. “How many more things will you steal from me? Perfect son of the year, aren’t you?”

“That’s not what it fucking is,” Ashton snapped, anger flashing in his tone. “You know nothing about business.”

Evelyn leaned closer, curiosity pulling her in. Her heart raced with guilt, but she couldn’t stop listening.

A floorboard creaked.

Suddenly, Ashton was in front of her.

His eyes burned with fury. “What are you doing here?” His voice was low, dangerous.

She froze, caught like prey in a trap.

He stepped closer, his gaze dropping, lingering. His next words were strained, as if pulled from somewhere deep.

“That cologne you’re wearing…” His jaw tightened. “It’s fucking intoxicating me.”

Her breath caught.

His eyes traveled down, his voice rough. “And why are you dressed like this? A red dress… showing parts of your body.”

Evelyn’s cheeks burned. Her heart raced uncontrollably. For a moment, her eyes dropped to his hands—strong, veins visible, a silver ring catching the dim light as he stroked his neck.

Something unfamiliar stirred in her chest.

Then, without warning, he turned sharply and walked away, leaving her trembling in the shadows.

Evelyn returned to Lewis, her voice soft. “I think I should leave. It’s late… I won’t find a taxi at this hour.”

Lewis shook his head, smiling warmly. “Stay. I’ll have someone drive you.”

She shook her head gently. “No, I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

Lewis placed a hand over hers briefly, kind and fatherly. “Then at least know this—I’m impressed with tonight. Everything was perfect. All thanks to you.”

Evelyn smiled faintly, though her heart was far from calm.

Because somewhere in the mansion, Ashton Miller’s eyes still lingered on her.

And she knew this meeting was only the beginning of something dangerous.

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