Chapter 7. The One-Week Game

Evelyn claimed she had a meeting to attend, forcing Lucas to leave with his mind in turmoil. Chloe trailed right behind him.

“Lucas, don’t you think that was weird?” Chloe asked as she leaned her head against his chest once they were seated in the car.

“Drop it. One day I’ll know the truth,” Lucas muttered, narrowing his eyes. Then he pulled her into his arms, channeling all the frustration that had been building inside him.

Chloe went along with his game, though a flicker of slyness flashed in her eyes. She knew she’d have to be more careful from now on.

That night, after everyone in the office had gone home, Evelyn brought in a few people she’d hired.

“Mrs. Sinclair, where do you want the hidden cameras?” one of them asked.

“In that office,” Evelyn replied curtly.

She led them into Lucas’s office, pointing out the perfect spots to install the cameras. When everything was in place, she opened an app on her phone, making sure every important angle was in clear view. Satisfied, she paid them and showed them out.

Stepping out of the building, her steps felt lighter. Once she had proof of Lucas’s affair, she could demand a hefty settlement. After all, after years of loyalty to the Callahan family, it was only fair she got something for herself.

“You look like you’re in a good mood,” a voice behind her interrupted her smile.

Evelyn turned sharply, and when she saw Sebastian’s handsome face, she quickly pulled him into a secluded corner.

He let her, though the crease in his brow gave away his concern.

“No wonder some people like sneaking around,” Sebastian said with a mocking edge to his voice. “Turns out it’s for the thrill, huh?”

“This isn’t sneaking around,” Evelyn said seriously.

“Oh really? Last I checked, you’re still married,” Sebastian replied, his voice cold and pressing.

What kind of man was this? Evelyn was momentarily at a loss for words. She regretted letting herself get swept away the night before. But now that it had happened, she had no choice but to deal with it.

With a polite smile, she asked, “Sebastian Reed, aren’t you supposed to be busy? What are you even doing here?”

“What do you think?”

Evelyn stayed silent. His relentless approach was becoming a problem. Who would’ve thought a CEO could be this stubborn about getting answers?

“I’m not divorced yet. I just want to secure a little more for myself,” she said finally, keeping her explanation short.

But it clearly wasn’t enough for him. The air between them seemed to grow colder.

“The Callahan money, you know I could give you that anytime,” Sebastian said flatly.

Evelyn searched his eyes, realizing he wasn’t joking. Her tone grew more serious. “I know what I could get from the Callahans might be nothing to you. But for me, the only things that make me feel safe are the ones I earn myself. So I hope you won’t be offended if I turn down your offer.”

She held his gaze. “Besides, you’re the one who gave me a week to sort out this divorce. Can’t you wait one more day? What’s with the rush now?”

Her words made Sebastian’s lips press tightly together. He knew better than anyone that his behavior today was out of character.

Since childhood, no woman had ever truly left an impression on him. But Evelyn Sinclair… she was different.

“All right. One week.”

Sebastian couldn’t push her any further. He simply gave her one last, lingering look before walking away.

Evelyn let out a long breath, inwardly amused by his domineering streak. Leaning against the wall, she could still catch traces of Sebastian’s scent, making her heartbeat skip in an unfamiliar way.

Across the street, someone hid in the shadows, quietly snapping photos of her and Sebastian. They waited until both had gone before putting away their phone, a cold smile spreading as they looked at the images.

Evelyn had just been caught red-handed.

And there would be a price to pay.

When Evelyn returned to the Callahan residence, the tension in the air was palpable. Lucas’s mother and Madison were sitting on the couch, not even glancing her way as she walked in. They were clearly ignoring her.

To Evelyn, their coldness was almost amusing. But the moment she stepped into her bedroom, her expression hardened.

“Nancy, where are my things?”

Nancy stopped mid-step, answering with a sharp tone. “Ma’am, you didn’t come home last night, and you’re only showing up late tonight. We figured you didn’t think of this place as your home anymore.”

Smack!

Nancy hadn’t expected the hard slap. The blow was strong enough to make her stumble and fall.

“Ma’am! I’ve worked for the Callahan family for years. How could you hit me?” Nancy glared at her in disbelief, her eyes full of resentment. After all, she had Lucas’s mother on her side.

“What’s going on here?” Lucas’s mother’s voice rang out from the hall as she hurried upstairs.

Evelyn stood with her arms crossed, looking down at Nancy. “Yes, you’ve worked here a long time. Long enough to forget who actually owns this house.”

Nancy’s face flushed with humiliation, but she couldn’t argue. She was just a maid. She glanced toward Lucas’s mother, hoping for backup.

“Evelyn Sinclair, are you looking for trouble?” Madison snapped. “Nancy’s worked for my mom for almost twenty years. Even a dog deserves respect from its master!”

“Oh? So in your eyes, she’s just a dog?” Evelyn lifted her chin, giving Nancy a cutting look.

“You—!” Madison stomped her foot and stormed toward her, her face red with anger, finger almost jabbing Evelyn’s face. “Mom, see this? She’s getting out of hand!”

Evelyn lowered her arms and took a slow step forward. Her movements were calm, but her eyes were sharp. She flexed her wrist and raised her hand as if ready to strike.

“If you’re going to yell in my face, be ready for the consequences,” she said evenly.

Madison instinctively stepped back. “You’re insane!”

Lucas’s mother quickly stepped in front of Madison, holding her back while glaring at Evelyn. “I’m the one who told Nancy to throw out your things. If you’re mad, take it out on me.”

Her expression was smug, as if she was untouchable.

“I don’t like hurting people older than me…” Evelyn kept her gaze locked on Madison behind her mother, slowly rolling her wrist. “But if you’re asking for it…”

“What are you doing?” Lucas’s mother went pale and backed away when she saw Evelyn’s hand rise. But with Nancy still on the floor, the three of them ended up tumbling in a heap.

“What’s going on here?” Lucas’s voice came from the doorway, his face dark as he took in the chaos.

Three… two… one…

Evelyn let a single tear slip down her cheek. “Honey, your mom threw out my things. She said I can’t sleep with you anymore. Is she trying to force me to find another man? But I don’t want to leave you.”

“Don’t make things up!” Madison snapped, her jaw clenched.

Lucas helped his mother and Madison to their feet, then turned his eyes to Evelyn. “Don’t worry. I’m home now.”

His voice was flat, without warmth. But Evelyn smiled sweetly anyway. “Thank you, honey.”

The night had a way of amplifying emotions. Looking at Evelyn being sweet and trying to please him, Lucas suddenly found her intoxicating. He swallowed hard before giving an order.

“Nancy, put all her things back where they were.”

“But…” Nancy turned to Lucas’s mother for approval.

The only look she got back was one of shock. Lucas’s mother had just realized her son was completely captivated by Evelyn, as if he couldn’t take his eyes off her for even a second.