CHAPTER 2

Evelyn's heart pounded as she approached Mr. Garrett's office. She paused at the door, smoothing her uniform and taking a deep breath. This was for Jake. She had to try.

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside. "Mr. Garrett? About yesterday's conversation..."

Mr. Garrett looked up from his desk, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Evelyn. I've been expecting you. Come in, come in."

Evelyn hesitated, then moved closer. "I was wondering if we could revisit the topic of a raise."

"Of course," Mr. Garrett said, rising from his chair. "I've been thinking about it, and I believe we can work something out."

Relief washed over Evelyn. "Really? Thank you so much, I-"

Her words died in her throat as Mr. Garrett circled the desk, his eyes roaming over her body. He reached out, his fingers brushing her arm. "But you understand, these things don't come for free."

Evelyn recoiled, her back hitting the wall. "What are you doing?"

"You wanted a raise, didn't you? This is how you earn it." Mr. Garrett smirked, his hand now tracing her jawline.

Rage boiled up inside Evelyn. She slapped his hands away, her voice rising to a yell. "How dare you!"

She shoved him hard, her anger lending her strength. Mr. Garrett stumbled, his head connecting with the edge of his desk with a thud.

"You're fired!" he sputtered, clutching his head. "Do this, or you're out of a job!"

Evelyn's mind raced. She needed the money desperately, but the thought of submitting to this pig made her skin crawl. Her voice was ice-cold as she spat, "So be it, you disgusting excuse for a human. I quit!"

She slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing through the bar. Evelyn stormed past the noisy crowd of customers as she made her way to the employee lockers, trying to calm her racing heart.

As she reached for her uniform, a voice cut through the din. "Attendant! Come serve me a drink!"

Evelyn ignored it, focusing on removing her work shirt. The voice called again, more insistent this time. She gritted her teeth, shoving her belongings into her bag. Just a few more minutes, and she'd be free of this place forever.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around. Her bag fell, scattering her possessions across the floor.

"Are you deaf or just incompetent?" he sneered, towering over her. "I've been calling for service."

Evelyn knelt, gathering her scattered possessions, biting back the urge to lash out. The man's polished shoe came down on her favorite book, and she looked up, meeting his gaze."Look at me when I'm talking to you," he demanded. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

For the first time, Evelyn truly looked at him. she was met with the gaze of a man in his late twenties. His chiseled jawline, high cheekbones and well-sculpted face might have been attractive if not for the cold, entitled look in his eyes.

Evelyn stood, clutching her belongings to her chest. "The king of England? The pope? Frankly, I couldn't care less if you were God himself."

As she attempted to brush past him, he blocked her path. "Serve me my drink. Now."

This did it. She marched to the bar, snatched up a glass of liquid, and returned to the man. Without hesitation, she upended the drink over his head, watching with satisfaction as it soaked his perfectly coiffed hair and expensive shirt.

"There's your drink, served as requested. Anything else I can help you with, Your Majesty?"

The man's face was boiling red now. He looked down at his ruined shirt, then back at Evelyn. "Do you have any idea how much this costs? I'm sure it's worth more than you make in a year!"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "And do you have any idea how insufferable you are? I'd rather be broke than be like you."

The man's jaw dropped at her audacity. He fumbled for his phone, fingers flying across the screen. "You have no idea who you just crossed, girl," he hissed.

Evelyn squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "Threats from men like you are as empty as your soul. Enjoy your drink... and your dry cleaning bill."

The man watched her retreating form, his eyes narrowing. He bent down, picking up the forgotten book from the floor. Opening the front cover, he read aloud, "Evelyn Martin." A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. "Interesting."

He pulled out his phone again, dialing a number. "It's me. I need everything you can find on an Evelyn Martin." He paused, listening to the response. "No, this is personal. And make it quick. I have plans for Ms. Carter."

*************

Ethan's brow furrowed as his secretary, David, droned on about the latest media frenzy surrounding the scandalous article. The chatter faded into the background as Ethan's mind drifted back to the encounter at the bar the previous night.

The memory of the feisty bartender, Evelyn, who had so brazenly challenged him. The memory of her fiery gaze and her sharp tongue sent a spark of anger coursing through him.

No one had ever spoken to him that way before - with such unbridled contempt. Ethan was used to people falling over themselves to please him, to cater to his every whim. Yet this nameless bartender had looked him dead in the eye and treated him like a common nuisance.

The thought infuriated him. He was Ethan Maverick, heir to a billion-dollar empire. He was accustomed to getting his way, no matter the cost. And this...this insignificant woman had the audacity to defy him.

David's voice finally pierced through Ethan's thoughts. "Sir, are you even listening?"

Ethan's eyes snapped back into focus. He leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "The woman I told you about. What did you find on her?"

David blinked, momentarily thrown by the sudden change in topic. "Evelyn Carter?" He cleared his throat and shuffled through his papers. "Evelyn Carter, age 24. She worked as a bartender at The Rusty Nail, but she's been recently sacked. Her parents passed away in a car accident ten years ago, leaving her to care for her younger brother, Jake."

Ethan's eyebrow arched. "Go on."

David continued, "Jake suffers from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. He's currently being treated at St. Mary's Hospital, which, I might add, is under the Maverick Foundation's umbrella."

Ethan stroked his chin, wheels turning in his mind. "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, you say? That's an expensive condition to treat."

David nodded, handing over a thick file. "Yes, sir. According to the medical records I was able to access, Jake's treatment has been a significant financial burden for Evelyn."

Ethan snatched the file, his eyes scanning the contents. The documents detailed Jake's condition, treatment plans, and most importantly, the mounting medical bills. One particular note caught his attention: "Urgent funds required to prevent disease progression and potential kidney involvement."

A slow, calculating smile spread across Ethan's face. "Interesting. So she's in a tight spot, financially speaking."

David shifted uncomfortably. "Sir, what do you need this for? We have urgent matters to attend to regarding the press--"

Ethan cut him off with a wave of his hand. "This might be the key to resolving our little... situation." His mind raced. If he couldn't ruin her life any further than it already was, perhaps this could be the leverage he needed.

He stood abruptly, startling David. "Make a call to Jake's doctor. Now."

David fumbled with his phone. "What do I say, sir?"

Ethan's smile turned devilish. "Tell him I'd like to discuss Jake Carter's case... and the possibility of expediting certain tests. Stress the urgency of the situation."

As David dialed, Ethan turned back to the window, his reflection smirking back at him. This Evelyn Carter had no idea what was coming her way. Soon, she'd learn the cost of crossing Ethan Maverick.