Her Revenge

Evelyn It was an exhausting day today. I ran errands for my uncle and went to the gym. I don’t really have friends—I’ve never been interested in making them. After the death of my parents, I became an introvert. I didn’t go out much, and the only company I had was my uncle. He has been my only companion ever since—my mentor, my teacher, my trainer. When he took me in to live with him, I stopped going to school and was homeschooled instead. We are not wealthy, but we are very comfortable. My uncle is involved in some kind of business, though he never told me what it is, and I never bothered asking. The only thing I know about him is that he’s a retired military sergeant—nothing more. It’s almost time for the event. I’m sitting at my dressing table, doing my makeup. Since the event is mask-themed, I decided to go with nude makeup, but I made sure my lips were painted red to complement my dress. Done with my makeup, I slip into my dress—a beautiful piece made of lace and silk. It’s a

EvelynI make my way back to the ballroom and snag another glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray. Now that I know Xander’s face, it should be easier to identify him. I scan the younger men in the room, but the masks still pose a problem.Despite my best efforts, my eyes keep searching for any sign of him—my stranger. I keep telling myself it’s just to see if he’s all right.Moving farther into the room, I accidentally bump into someone.“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I blurt out, silently thanking God I didn’t spill my drink.My green eyes meet a pair of sharp blue ones—angry ones. The woman glares at me with an expression so nasty it takes me aback.“Are you blind? Watch where you’re going!” she hisses before storming off.I stare after her, my mouth slightly open. What the hell is her problem?“That’s Yasmine. And no It’s not you—she’s just naturally bitchy.”I turn to see a woman in a lovely burgundy dress walking up to me. She’s striking, with red hair styled in perfect princess waves and

XanderYasmine has been yapping for over five minutes now about a Chanel bag that just came out and is available in limited quantity. I couldn’t care less. I’m sure she’s telling me this because she wants me to get it for her. That’s how it always is with her—designer bags, shoes, clothes, whatever suits her fancy. Pretty things.It’s why she has always wanted me, ever since we were kids. This whole engagement happened because of her. I’ll never forget the day my father told me I was to marry her. That was sixteen years ago. I was twelve, and I had just told a seven-year-old Yasmine that I didn’t like her the way she liked me.Being the little brat that she was, she ran off to her dad and told him she wanted me as her next birthday gift. As if that struck some kind of business strategy, he proposed a deal to my dad—and just like that, my future became tied to Yasmine’s.“Xander! Are you even listening to me?” she snaps, her lips pursed in a frown. It’s the morning after our engagement

Evelyn I arrived at Nowelle at exactly 8 a.m. Out of the four candidates who applied for the position of personal secretary, I was the one selected. I’m pretty sure my uncle had something to do with it—how, I don’t know.I’d carefully chosen my outfit for the day: a tailored black blazer mini-dress that stopped two inches above my knees. On my feet were my favorite nude pumps—four inches high, perfectly shaping my legs.Holding my head high, I stepped into the bustling lobby. Men and women in sharp corporate suits bustled about, immersed in their routines. I made my way to the receptionist’s desk.“Hi. Good morning. What can I do for you?” the lady behind the counter smiled warmly.“Good morning. I’m Evelyn Laprell, the new P.A. to Mr. Black. I was told to resume work today and meet with Mrs. Norma from the recruitment team.”“Ah, yes. You’re to join the other interns in the boardroom on the third floor. You’ll receive your ID there.”“Thanks.” I returned her smile and headed to the

XanderIt’s her eyes.Dark green, intense, and mesmerizing. They hold you captive without even trying. And to top it off, she’s fucking gorgeous. I’ve seen beautiful women—some even more stunning—but there’s something about her. Something captivating. Alluring. Seductive. Like a siren luring her next victim.Unfortunately for her, that victim won’t be me.I know better than to get involved in office romance, even if it’s with a sexy, green-eyed goddess. Besides, I have more pressing issues that need my utmost attention—like finding the people responsible for my parents’ tragedy… and getting rid of Yasmine.“So,” I begin, retrieving her file and scanning through it, “your credentials are impressive, and I was told your interview results were excellent. Congratulations.”“Thanks. I’ve always wanted to be a part of Nowelle. It’s such a great company with massive potential, and I want to contribute in any way I can to its growth.”“Good.”I drop the file back onto the table and focus