Chapter 6

Ten minutes later, Nathan finished his interview.

He pushed the door open and stepped out.

Evelyn immediately stood up. "How did it go?"

"The panel asked some challenging questions, but nothing we couldn't handle." Nathan couldn't resist pressing a kiss to Evelyn's forehead, his voice steady. "Overall, it went well."

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

"Next, Evelyn Sinclair," the secretary called.

Evelyn hastily smoothed her blouse and entered the room, nerves tightening her chest.

The moment she stepped inside, Dominic's sharp gaze locked onto her.

She took her seat, spine straight, and met each interviewer's eyes in turn.

Then, she began her introduction. "Good morning. First, thank you for this opportunity. My name is Evelyn Sinclair."

Since deciding to return home and pursue a career here, she'd rehearsed countless interview openings.

This one wasn't groundbreaking, but it was polished. Flawless.

The interview progressed.

Dominic studied her with an icy intensity.

His stare was so penetrating that despite answering every question with practiced ease, Evelyn's skin prickled with discomfort.

It wasn't just daggers—it felt like invisible thorns pressing into her flesh.

She had glanced at Dominic when she first entered, of course.

But this was a professional setting. She couldn't afford distractions, no matter how many questions burned in her mind.

"Miss Sinclair," Dominic's cool voice cut through the panel's questions, startling everyone. "Are you married?"

The interviewers froze, turning to their CEO in unison.

He was part of the panel, yes—but this?

"No," Evelyn answered, forcing calm into her voice despite her racing pulse.

His frown deepened. "Do you have plans to marry?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "I do."

The interviewers exchanged baffled looks. Why was their boss asking this?

The brief exchange gave Evelyn a clearer view of Dominic's striking features. Up close, the resemblance to that arrogant boy from the neighboring high school was undeniable.

But the ruthless businessman before her bore little resemblance to the reckless youth she remembered.

Everything about him—his presence, his expression—radiated cold authority.

—

Finally, the interview ended.

Evelyn walked out, legs unsteady.

"How was it? Tell me!" Olivia rushed to her side.

Evelyn blinked. "They asked if I was married. And if not, whether I intended to be."

Nathan frowned. What kind of invasive question was that?

But Olivia waved it off. "Oh, that's standard here. They could've asked if you have kids—that's worse."

"Why would they care?" Evelyn asked as they headed downstairs.

"Because children interfere with your career," Olivia explained, glancing between her brother and Evelyn. "Most companies here discriminate against mothers. You're new—you'll get used to it."

—

That afternoon.

Evelyn and Nathan both received calls: they were hired on a two-month probation. If they passed, they'd become permanent employees at T Corporation.

The next day.

Nathan and Olivia picked Evelyn up for work.

"I'm buying a car soon," Nathan told Evelyn as they entered the design department. "No more relying on my little sister's rides."

Olivia smirked, wedging herself between them. "What, am I the third wheel now?"

Evelyn laughed. "Neither of you needs to pick me up starting tomorrow. The subway's convenient, and your detour is too long."

—

First day on the job.

Evelyn worked with intense focus.

That afternoon, Nathan was abruptly pulled into an out-of-town assignment by a senior designer.

Before leaving, he grabbed his work laptop and gave Evelyn a hurried heads-up.

Honestly, he was confused too. Why send a rookie on a business trip? Wouldn't he just slow them down?

Evelyn didn't have time to dwell on it. She immersed herself in learning the company's systems.

Near quitting time, Olivia appeared at her desk. "Done? Mom wants you over for dinner."

Evelyn looked up from a stack of blueprints. "I just got assigned overtime."

Olivia's eyes widened. She rushed back to her desk to check her email.

Damn. Overtime was real.

Designers often worked late, but this was brutal luck—Nathan sent away, Evelyn stuck at the office.

The team ate takeout, then kept working.

By 10:30 PM, the supervisor dismissed Olivia and two others.

Evelyn had to stay.

Her body clock was wrecked. Exhaustion weighed on her.

She stood, grabbing her mug for coffee.

When she returned, her supervisor thrust a blueprint at her. "The CEO needs this. Now."

Evelyn set her coffee down and took the file, leaving the department.

Only three people remained: the supervisor, a senior designer, and her—a glorified intern.

Deliver a blueprint to the CEO?

As the elevator ascended, Dominic's face flashed in her mind.

The doors opened on the top floor.

Evelyn navigated the hallways, finally reaching the CEO's office.

She knocked.

"Enter." His voice was cold, yet rich.

She stepped inside, approaching the massive desk in the monochrome office. Placing the blueprint down, she said, "The file you requested, sir."

Dominic was absorbed in his work. He reached for the blueprint without looking up.

As Evelyn turned to leave, his voice stopped her.

She turned back. Was there more?

Dominic's gaze swept over her. Five years had only heightened her allure—fair skin, curves, an aura of quiet elegance.

"Go home and prepare," he said, tone brooking no argument. "You're accompanying me on a business trip tomorrow."

Evelyn wanted to protest—she wasn't experienced enough for this. But his expression silenced her.

She nodded and left.

Dominic watched her go, lingering on the graceful curve of her waist.

Long after she'd gone, he realized his throat had gone dry. His chest burned.