Chapter 422

Eleanor rushed over, her eyes wide with concern. "Miss Vivian, why did you suddenly dash into the street? It's so dangerous! Are you hurt?"

The words snapped Evelyn back to reality. She shook her head. "I was lost in thought. Thank you, but I should go now."

Eleanor and William exchanged uneasy glances, sensing something off about Evelyn's demeanor. But before they could say more, she had already flagged down a taxi and slipped inside.

The car pulled up in front of Blackwood Enterprises. During the ride, Evelyn couldn't shake the unsettling thoughts swirling in her mind.

Could it really be?

The grave Alexander showed me that day—it couldn’t possibly be mine.

He despises me. Why would he bother giving me a resting place? And why would he lose his mind searching for my ashes?

Stepping toward the building’s entrance, she was abruptly jolted by a sharp collision. A wave of overpowering perfume assaulted her senses.

"Watch where you're going!" A haughty voice cut through the air.

Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet a striking woman with tumbling waves of lavender hair, her outfit daring and her makeup flawless from a distance. Up close, however, the heavy scent and garish accessories betrayed a lack of refinement.

The woman’s eyes gleamed with arrogance. "Do you have any idea who I am? I’m one of the most important women in Mr. Blackwood’s life. You can’t afford to cross me!"

Evelyn arched a brow. "You ran into me."

"If you hadn’t been standing in my way, this wouldn’t have happened!" The woman scoffed, flipping her hair before strutting off.

One of Alexander’s most important women?

Evelyn smirked at the retreating figure but didn’t bother pursuing the argument. Instead, she headed for the private elevator.

When she reached Alexander’s office, she found him bathed in golden sunlight, his sharp features softened by the glow. The rare sight of him in a crisp white shirt made him look almost approachable—an illusion, she knew.

Remembering his preference, she slipped into the pantry to brew his coffee.

But fate had other plans.

The moment she stepped out, that same cloying perfume filled the air—followed by another collision.

Clatter.

The coffee cup shattered on the floor.

"My designer coat!" the woman shrieked, glaring at Evelyn. "You again!"

She jabbed a manicured finger toward the mess. "Just wait until Mr. Blackwood hears about this! You’re finished, you clumsy secretary!"

Secretary?

Evelyn glanced down at her outfit. Had she dressed too formally today?

The commotion drew Alexander’s attention. He strode over, his commanding presence filling the space.

The woman’s demeanor instantly shifted. "Cousin Alexander!" she cooed, batting her lashes. "I missed you so much! I flew here the moment I finished my thesis!"

Then, with a venomous glance at Evelyn, she pouted. "But this employee ruined everything! She bumped into me twice and spilled coffee on my coat! She didn’t even apologize. You have to fire her!"

Alexander’s gaze flicked between them, unreadable.

Evelyn merely crossed her arms, waiting.

The game was on.