Chapter Nine: Mingling With Caleb’s Family

Evelyn's POV

I barely slept. The events of the previous night played on a loop in my mind, haunting me like a bad dream. Caleb's unwelcome advances, the sheer panic of breaking free, and most of all, the fact the note was missing. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt his grip on me, and it made my stomach churn.

When morning came, I dragged myself out of bed, beating my chest that Caleb's actions won't paralyze me. I had bigger battles ahead, and dwelling on the horror wouldn't change what had happened. Besides, I needed to find out what Caleb intended to do with that note—if he had it at all.

At the office, I focused on keeping my composure. My father had asked me to sit in on a few meetings to start learning the ropes, and I didn’t want to give him a reason to worry. The thought of Caleb being in the building made my skin crawl, but I steeled myself and kept my head high.

I was halfway through my second meeting of the day when the fatigue started to creep in. My mind felt clouded, as if I were operating on autopilot.

Maybe I really wasn't cut out for this. Nah. I pushed the thought aside and headed for a coffee break. The air in the office felt too heavy, and I needed a moment to breathe. So, I stepped into the hallway headed to the door, but before I made it far, I spotted a familiar figure by the reception desk. Leonard Henderson.

“Evelyn!” His deep voice was warm, carrying that natural charm he always seemed to exude. He turned to me with a friendly smile.

“Mr. Henderson,” I said, forcing a polite tone despite my exhaustion.

“Leonard, please,” he corrected, stepping closer. “What’s got you looking so serious this morning?”

I hesitated, not sure how to respond. “Just a busy day,” I finally said.

“Well, you shouldn’t let work swallow you up. Have you eaten yet?” he asked, his eyes filled with a casual concern that surprised me.

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

“Then let’s fix that. I know a café nearby that makes a mean sandwich,” he said, gesturing toward the elevator.

It felt strange, almost too casual, but his ease disarmed me. Besides, a change of scenery sounded better than pacing the office, worrying about what Caleb might do next.

The café Leonard chose was cozy and quiet, tucked into a corner street. The hum of conversation and the soft clatter of cups offered a reprieve from my spiraling thoughts.

“So,” Leonard started, leaning back in his chair as he stirred his coffee. “How’s it going, being thrust into the lion’s den? Adjusting well?”

“It’s been… an experience,” I said cautiously. “Lots of new responsibilities to juggle.”

He smiled knowingly. “I remember when I first started working with the family. It can feel like everyone’s watching your every move. But from what I hear, you’re handling it pretty well.”

“Thank you,” I said, surprised by his praise. “It means a lot coming from you.”

His expression softened. “I mean it. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Caleb doesn’t realize what a gem he has working alongside him.”

“Had,” I corrected and he smiled. 

The mention of Caleb made me flinch inwardly, but I kept my face neutral. “It’s a team effort,” I replied diplomatically.

Leonard tilted his head, studying me for a moment. “You’re good at that, aren’t you? Keeping things close to the chest.”

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before I could think of something, the café door opened, and in walked Dana.

Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on us. For a brief moment, I saw something flicker across her face—surprise, maybe—but it was quickly replaced by her usual bright expression.

“Evelyn!” she exclaimed, making her way over. “I didn’t expect to see you here!”

“Dana,” I greeted her with a tight smile.

“And Mr. Henderson,” she said, her tone sugary as she addressed Leonard. “What a small world! It’s been so long.”

“Dana,” Leonard acknowledged her with a polite nod.

She slid into the empty seat at our table, her presence immediately altering the dynamic. “What brings you two here together?” she asked, her tone casual but probing.

“Leonard’s visiting and suggested grabbing lunch,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“Visiting?” Dana raised an eyebrow at Leonard. “How often do you come back to town these days?”

Leonard leaned back in his chair, smiling faintly. “Not as often as I should. Business keeps me busy.”

Dana turned her attention back to me, her gaze sharp but her smile unwavering. “It’s nice to see you getting along so well with Caleb’s family. Who would’ve thought?”

I stiffened at her words, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. The memory of my kiss with Leonard from weeks ago surfaced unbidden, and I prayed it didn’t show on my face. I glanced at Leonard, hoping he wouldn’t say anything to give it away. To his credit, his expression remained neutral, even amused, as if the comment didn’t faze him.

“Evelyn’s a quick learner,” Leonard said smoothly, redirecting the conversation. “She’s going to do great things for the company.”

Dana leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “I can see that. But it must be a lot of pressure, don’t you think, Evelyn? With Caleb so… hands-on.”

The pointed way she said it made my stomach twist, but I forced a smile. “I’m managing just fine,” I said evenly.

Leonard’s phone buzzed on the table, cutting through the tension. He glanced at it, his brow furrowing slightly. “Looks like I’ll have to cut this short,” he said, standing. “Duty calls. Evelyn, it was a pleasure as always.”

“Likewise,” I said, grateful for the excuse to escape the awkward conversation.

“Dana,” he added with a polite nod. “Nice running into you.”

His steps gradually fading from the cafe and out of the door, Dana and I were left alone at the table. The silence stretched for a moment before she broke it.

“So,” she said, her tone lighter now. “You and Leonard seem… close.”

I felt the heat rise to my face again but forced myself to shrug. “He’s just being friendly. He’s Caleb’s uncle, after all.”

Dana tilted her head, studying me. “Friendly, huh? Well, you’re certainly leaving an impression.”

I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly hyper-aware of her scrutiny. “I should get back to the office,” I said, standing. “Work doesn’t wait, unfortunately.”

Dana stood as well, her expression unreadable. “Of course. Always so dedicated.”

We both moved to hug goodbye, but the motion felt awkward. Instead, we withdrew and settled on a quick handshake, which somehow made the moment even stranger.

“See you around, Eve,” She said out loud before I closed the door behind me.