Chapter 5

When Evelyn Sinclair stepped back into the bustling streets of A City, five years had slipped through her fingers like sand.

Nearly two thousand days and nights had passed since she left. Not an eternity, but certainly not insignificant.

Back then, fate had tossed her around like a ragdoll, leaving her utterly defenseless.

Now, she was determined to seize control of her own destiny.

The morning sun painted the sky in soft gold as she walked out of her suburban apartment.

"Eve! Over here!" Olivia Kensington rolled down her car window, waving excitedly.

Time had changed them both. No longer the naive eighteen-year-olds they once were.

Evelyn and Nathan Kensington had flown back together yesterday, with Olivia picking them up from the airport.

Last night, Nathan had taken Evelyn to the Kensington estate for dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. Kensington adored her, already treating her like their future daughter-in-law.

This morning, Nathan had planned to accompany Evelyn to her interview at T Corporation, but an urgent matter pulled him away.

Evelyn slid into Olivia's passenger seat, buckling up.

"Guess what my mom said after you left with my brother last night?" Olivia grinned.

"What?" Evelyn bit her lip, worried about their approval.

"She said, 'Look at Evelyn! So elegant, so graceful. Now look at you—swearing like a sailor and lounging around like a tomboy!'" Olivia reached over to pinch Evelyn's cheek. "Whatever skincare routine you’ve got, spill it."

"Hardly. You’ve never lived abroad—it’s not all sunshine and roses." Evelyn swatted her hand away. "Eyes on the road."

They chatted easily during the drive.

By the time they reached T Corporation, it was already past eight forty.

"I hope Nathan makes it in time. The CEO here is ruthless," Olivia muttered, texting her brother frantically.

Ruthless? The word sent a shiver down Evelyn’s spine.

She pulled out her phone, searching for any scrap of information about Dominic Blackwood, the CEO of T Corporation.

Most of what she found were tabloid rumors—fluff pieces about the wealthy elite.

Dominic Blackwood, president of T Corporation under Blackwood Industries, was twenty-nine. His marital status? A mystery. The press had never uncovered a single detail about his personal life.

The name "Blackwood" still carried a faint echo in Evelyn’s memory.

But those were just childish fantasies, long buried in the deepest corners of her heart.

The articles mentioned a dramatic power struggle five years ago—between the two Blackwood heirs.

Julian Blackwood, the publicly acknowledged successor, had been abruptly dethroned overnight.

Meanwhile, Reginald Blackwood had shockingly named an unknown heir—Dominic—to take over the crumbling empire.

An unknown heir.

The article’s implications were clear: Dominic was, bluntly, the illegitimate son.

Evelyn stared at her screen, lost in thought.

The towering skyscraper of T Corporation loomed over her, its glass facade gleaming like a challenge.

Nathan arrived in a rush. He’d researched the company thoroughly, but seeing the building in person made his stomach twist.

He couldn’t afford to mess this up—not in front of Evelyn.

Inside the interview room, five executives sat in judgment. Among them, the most intimidating figure of all—Dominic Blackwood himself.

As another candidate finished, one of the interviewers glanced at Dominic, trying to gauge his reaction.

But the CEO’s attention was fixed on the surveillance screen. What had caught his eye?

"Next," someone called.

The screen showed the waiting area, where hopeful candidates fidgeted under the watchful eye of the cameras.

Dominic’s gaze locked onto one woman in particular.

Not a girl anymore—Evelyn was twenty-three now. The last traces of youthful innocence had melted away, replaced by a quiet confidence. Every curve, every subtle smile radiated a magnetic femininity.

His mind flashed back to five years ago—to the nights she had trembled beneath him, her soft cries echoing in the dark.

"Nathan’s almost here," Olivia nudged Evelyn in the hallway.

Evelyn snapped out of her thoughts, tucking her phone away.

Had time blurred her memory? Staring at Dominic’s photo, she couldn’t shake the feeling she’d seen him before. He bore an uncanny resemblance to that wealthy basketball player from her high school.

Same last name, too.

Just then, Nathan jogged up the stairs, ruffling Evelyn’s hair affectionately. "Sorry I’m late."

"It’s fine. They haven’t called us yet," she reassured him.

Olivia groaned. "Ugh, save the lovey-dovey stuff for later. Some of us are still single."

"Then prepare to suffer," Nathan shot back. "Because I’m marrying this woman one day."

"Do it!" Olivia’s eyes sparkled. "Mom and Dad already adore her. Once you two settle into your jobs, just elope already."

Nathan grinned, stealing a glance at Evelyn.

She shifted slightly, uneasy.

Life was good now. Nathan had been her rock these past five years, helping her heal from the scars of her past.

Before he confessed, she’d sensed his feelings—but trauma had made her recoil from any man’s touch.

Yet Nathan never gave up. He pried open her darkest secrets—and instead of running, he stayed.

She was lucky.

"Nathan Kensington—you’re up!"

Nathan squeezed Evelyn’s hand. "Wish me luck."

She nodded.

As he stepped inside, an icy gaze sliced through him.

Dominic had seen everything—the way Nathan touched her, the way she looked at him.

The interview was brisk, professional.

Nathan answered each question with calm precision, impressing the panel.

Dominic’s attention, however, remained on the screen.

There, Evelyn stared at the door, biting her lip, fingers twisting nervously.

Worried for someone else.

For him.