Chapter 9

Evelyn

“He’s so handsome. I could tell his attention lingered on me more,” one of the girls beside me whispered dreamily.

I rolled my eyes. I was certain he didn’t even spare her a glance. If only they knew what monsters he and his father were, they wouldn’t be so easily swayed by his looks.

“Such a shame he’s engaged to that witch. Gives her all the more reason to treat us like trash,” the second girl sighed heavily.

Yasmine. I remembered her from the charity ball. She hadn’t exactly been warm or welcoming.

“Isn’t she supposed to resume as an intern today? Or is she exempted because she’s his...”

“What are we talking about?” a sweet, falsely innocent voice interrupted.

I looked up to find the very same lady from the charity ball standing behind them, a sugary smile plastered on her face. The two girls exchanged a guilty glance before muttering excuses and hurrying away.

“Oh my, I didn’t think I was that scary,” she laughed lightly, then turned to me, offering her hand with a genuine smile. “Hi, I’m Natasha. I saw you across the room and—wow. Your beauty just blew me away.”

My eyebrows rose slightly, caught off guard by the compliment. I had to fight the urge to laugh.

“Um, thanks? I think you’re very pretty too,” I said, shaking her hand.

She tilted her head slightly, studying me. “You seem familiar, but I can’t quite place where I’ve seen you. Have we met before?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think I’d forget hair like yours. Love the color, by the way.”

She smiled, her fingers subconsciously brushing through her red locks. “Thanks. I didn’t like it when I was younger, but I’ve grown to love it. Now I’m obsessed. Red everything.”

I glanced at her silk red blouse and her matching nails. “It’s obvious,” I teased.

She leaned in a little, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. “So, it seems you’re the only one immune to Xander’s looks. That’s actually one of the reasons I had to say hi. It’s annoying watching everyone fawn over him like that.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “You sound jealous.”

“Jealous?” She scoffed. “Please. He’s Yasmine’s property. I’m not interested. Besides, Yasmine’s insanely possessive. She’d have your head if she thought you were a threat. Not that I’m afraid of her or anything... but she can be seriously toxic.”

“Really?” I asked, feigning mild surprise. “So they’re... together?”

“Engaged, actually. And yes—she’s a mean, entitled bitch.” She waved a hand dismissively. “But enough about that. Are you an intern?”

“No. I’m his secretary.”

Her mouth dropped open in surprise. “Shut up. You’re Xander’s personal secretary? Oh, Yasmine is not going to like this. I am so in.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Whatever drama existed between Natasha and Yasmine didn’t concern me. I had my own mission. I needed to get close to Xander—to gain his trust, access confidential information, and hand it all over to my uncle. And when the time was right, I’d watch his empire fall. Then, when Stephen Black finally surfaced from the hole he was hiding in, I’d make sure he faced the justice he escaped. My uncle has tried so hard to locate him but it has been fruitless. No one knows where he is…..well except his son, which gives me all the more reason to get him to trust me. Even if it means me seducing him.

Even if it meant seducing Xander.

“Miss Evelyn?” Mrs. Norma called from the front of the room.

I stood immediately, giving Natasha a quick nod. “See you around.”

I walked over to Norma, who handed me an ID badge.

“Mr. Black is finally settled in his office. He’d like to meet you now. Follow me.”

I nodded and followed her down the hall. My heart beat faster with each step. I needed to make a strong first impression. Hopefully, he wouldn’t recognize me.

We stopped outside a large office. Norma lifted her hand to knock.

“Enter.”

His voice—rich, deep, commanding—sent a light shiver down my spine.

We stepped into the office. It was large and sleek, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. The air carried a refined blend of polished wood, expensive leather, and a faint trace of sandalwood cologne.

One wall was lined with built-in bookshelves. At the center of the room sat a grand executive desk made of dark walnut with a glossy finish. Behind it was a high-backed leather chair. Nearby, a seating area with a black leather sofa, two armchairs, and a glass coffee table rested atop a dark Persian rug.

My gaze drifted to the man behind the desk—Xander. Like a king on his throne, he hadn’t looked up yet. Whatever document he was reading seemed far more important than acknowledging our presence. Typical.

Mrs. Norma cleared her throat. “Sir?”

Xander raised his head. His eyes met mine—and held.

“This is Miss Evelyn, sir. Your new secretary.”

He didn’t respond immediately, just continued to study me with that cold, assessing stare. I held his gaze, refusing to look away.

“Thank you, Mrs. Norma. You can leave us now.”

She nodded and gave me an encouraging smile before slipping out, closing the door behind her.

And just like that, I was alone with the son of the man I came to destroy.