Chapter 7

Evelyn

I arrive at my uncle’s house at exactly noon. Since last night, my head’s been a mess—mostly filled with thoughts of Xander. Screw him. I hate him, and I hate the way he made me feel. Thank God things didn’t escalate on that balcony. It’s a good thing he walked away when he did.

My uncle had demanded my presence today to restructure our initial plan. The goal remains the same—revenge.

“Yooo, Señorita. Looking good as always… hmm, that ass though,” Felix whistles as I walk past him. He’s working on a motorcycle, all grease and grins.

I roll my eyes and flip him off. Ever the flirt.

Felix has worked for my uncle for as long as I can remember. He’s the only one of my uncle’s men I ever talk to—not that I’m complaining. I don’t like people in my space.

I walk through the empty hallway until I reach my uncle’s office door. I knock once.

“Enter.”

The sharp scent of aged leather, tobacco, and expensive bourbon greets me as I step in. The dark-paneled walls are lined with heavy bookshelves, and a grandfather clock ticks somewhere in the room. My uncle is behind his massive mahogany desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper. Books are scattered across the table, and a half-full bottle of brandy stands tall beside him.

I clear my throat. He looks up.

“Ah, you’re here. Have a seat.”

I sit across from him and wait. After what feels like forever, he drops his pen, leans back, and takes a puff of his cigar. His gaze weighs heavy on me, and I unconsciously sit straighter. That’s what he does—intimidates people without trying. I love him, but sometimes, I fear him more than I’d admit.

He pours himself a drink and asks, “Scotch? Or do you still think it’s for old men like me?”

I smirk. “I think you need it more than I do.”

He chuckles, takes a sip, and relaxes further into his chair.

“I’m holding off on killing Xander—for now.”

I blink, surprised. “Why? You said it was the perfect blade to Stephen’s heart.”

“It is. And we’ll still use it. But not yet. Why waste a golden opportunity when we can do more than just end him? We can destroy him.”

“I don’t understand.”

He sets his glass down, steepling his fingers. His eyes glint cold and calculating.

“You’re going to apply for the Personal Assistant position at Nowelle. Since Xander’s stepping in as CEO, they’re hiring fresh faces. You’ll get in—we’ll make sure of it.”

My brows knit. “You want me to infiltrate the company? Why?”

“We’re taking everything that matters to him. We begin with Nowelle—then, we finish him. You’ll gain his trust. His heart. You’ll access files, schedules, finances. Every move he makes, I want to know it before he does. Understood?”

I stay quiet, processing. This means seeing him more—more than I want to. Just the thought of being near him again stirs feelings I’d rather bury. But then I remember what his father did to mine.

I don’t care if I have to be his chef, his driver, his dog walker—I’ll do whatever it takes to destroy them.

“Okay, Uncle. As long as Stephen pays in the end, I’ll do anything.”

He nods. “Apply tomorrow. Blend in. Be useful. You alone hold the key to your revenge.”