Chapter 11

Evelyn returned to her hotel room.

The housekeeper was finishing up the cleaning.

With a polite nod, Evelyn headed straight for the closet. She pulled out one of the outfits she had pressed the night before and disappeared into the bathroom to change.

The housekeeper worked efficiently.

By the time Evelyn finished freshening up, every trace of Dominic Blackwood had been wiped from the room.

She exhaled in relief.

Ten minutes earlier, Nathan had texted her. "Evelyn, my team wrapped up the project. I'm heading to H City this afternoon to see you at your hotel. We have tomorrow off."

She had replied simply: "Sounds good. I'll send you the address."

For some reason, guilt prickled at her as she surveyed the space where Dominic had spent the night.

The housekeeper noticed Evelyn staring absently at the bathroom door, her brow furrowed.

"All done," the woman announced cheerfully, holding a trash bag by the exit.

Evelyn snapped back to attention. "Thank you."

The housekeeper added, "I put the used underwear in the small drawer inside the closet."

"Underwear?" Evelyn blinked.

She definitely hadn’t left any lingerie lying around.

"The men's underwear. Your husband's, right? Found it in the laundry basket in the bathroom."

With that, the housekeeper left.

Evelyn froze.

Men’s underwear? Her husband?

Heat flooded her cheeks. She pressed her lips together, her mind racing. What was she supposed to do with it?

Return it? Absolutely not.

Tossing it seemed like the best option.

It wasn’t as if her boss would miss a single pair.

Evelyn shook her head. What am I even thinking?

Thankfully, her phone rang.

Abigail Thornton’s name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, Abigail," Evelyn answered.

"Have you eaten yet? Don’t skip meals. Meet me downstairs at ten after breakfast—there’s a meeting you should attend."

"Got it. See you at ten."

Evelyn had been worried she’d be stuck babysitting again today.

Not that she minded Alexander and Isabella—but work was work.

Since T Corporation was paying her, she wanted to contribute. More importantly, she wanted to learn.

Her father would’ve wanted that for her.

At the thought of her father, her expression dimmed.

Victoria Montgomery was stunning for a woman nearing fifty. She must have been breathtaking in her youth.

Her father adored his second wife.

Now, he poured everything into Victoria’s happiness.

Evelyn felt adrift. Her childhood memories told her he had loved her mother just as deeply. After her mother left, he had drowned in alcohol for eight long years.

Losing her had shattered him.

At ten sharp, Evelyn headed downstairs.

"Get in," Abigail instructed.

Their profession demanded simplicity and professionalism in attire.

Evelyn matched Abigail’s style—a crisp blouse with two buttons undone, paired with an A-line skirt. Smart, yet undeniably feminine.

This time, they took two cars.

Abigail and Evelyn rode in the lead vehicle, while Dominic and Gregory followed in the luxury sedan.

"Why isn’t Sebastian with us?" Evelyn seized the chance to ask. "What exactly are we supposed to do at the meeting?"

"Sebastian’s taking the boss’s kids to the amusement park," Abigail answered easily. "Your job today? Listen and learn."

Evelyn nodded.

They arrived at the hotel.

The prestigious establishment offered impeccable service. The meeting was held on the 99th floor.

This was Evelyn’s first high-stakes business negotiation. There was something undeniably magnetic about watching powerful men engage—firm handshakes, sharp exchanges.

Dominic Blackwood transformed during negotiations.

He handled every challenge effortlessly. No matter how formidable his opponent, he commanded respect.

Evelyn absorbed every word, refusing to let her focus waver.

Eventually, Director Worthington—seated to Dominic’s right—leaned in with a smile. "My daughter insisted on tagging along. She made me promise to convince you to show her around A City. Threatened to disown me if I failed!" He chuckled. "I’ve spoiled her rotten, haven’t I?"

Evelyn kept her expression neutral, as did everyone else at the table.

This had clearly veered into personal territory.

They left the hotel at half past one.

Evelyn carried her laptop as she slid into the car. Abigail followed.

Outside, Director Worthington and his daughter bid Dominic farewell with enthusiastic handshakes.

"See that?" Abigail smirked. "Director Worthington’s angling for a Blackwood marriage."

Evelyn hesitated. "Hard to say if that would be an upgrade or a downgrade for her."

Abigail laughed. "Right now, it’s just wishful thinking on their part. Unless Dominic Blackwood himself wants it, any woman aiming for him is reaching above her station. Doesn’t matter if she’s royalty."

Fair point.

Evelyn glanced at the director’s daughter dispassionately. If the boss marries her, she’ll be Alexander and Isabella’s new mother.