Chapter Seventy-Eight

EVELYN'S POV:

I couldn’t tell how I was doing, but I decided to put everything about Leonard behind me. Since I left home, I hadn’t thought about him, and it felt like progress.

During lunch, I went down to the cafeteria and had something light. Afterward, I read a book before returning to the office. Having been away for a while, I had quite a few files to sort through, but I was grateful for the virtual work I had completed back at home.

I scheduled a screening and interview session for the applicants first thing tomorrow morning. I wanted it done quickly so work could return to normal. I also realized I needed to pick up the pace on some pending projects.

I thought about the classes I was supposed to start with my dad. Things hadn’t been alright lately, and we hadn’t been able to begin.

Opening my computer, I browsed through some books I’d subscribed to and even signed up for a few courses.

A knock on the door interrupted me, and my secretary stepped into the office.

“It’s almost time for the meeting, ma’am,” she said politely.

“I’ll be ready in a few minutes,” I replied. She nodded and left.

I adjusted myself, reapplied my perfume, and grabbed my bag. My eyes looked tired, so I put on a pair of sunglasses. Straightening my posture, I walked out of the office and headed to the garage, where my secretary and driver were waiting for me.

The driver opened the door, and I got in.

“You have all the documents?” I asked my secretary as we drove.

“Yes, ma’am,” she replied promptly.

The ride took forty minutes, and soon, we pulled into the driveway of a five-star venue.

Inside, my secretary checked the reservation to ensure we had the right table. After settling in, we waited for the other party to arrive.

And then the unexpected happened—Leonard walked in. He was dressed impeccably, as though he had an appointment too.

Furious but trying to maintain composure, I watched as he approached our table.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped, forgetting my secretary’s presence.

“Ma’am, please take it easy. He’s the new CEO of Coco Cooperative,” my secretary explained.

My jaw dropped as a wave of shock washed over me. Collecting myself, I masked my emotions as best as I could.

“I’m sorry, sir,” I said, trying to sound professional.

“Could your secretary excuse us for a moment?” Leonard asked.

“This is purely business, and she stays,” I stated firmly.

“Evelyn—” he started, but I cut him off.

“If we could keep this professional, I’m Mrs. Wyatt,” I said sternly.

His face darkened with frustration, but he tried to remain calm. Then suddenly, he lost it.

“If you’d just listen to me, Evelyn, it’s not what you think!” he said, his voice pleading for understanding.

“Mr. Henderson, as for the deal, I’m sorry for any inconvenience, but I need to cancel. I’m not interested anymore,” I said curtly.

My secretary placed her hand on my thigh and spoke softly. “Ma’am, may I speak with you in private?”

I nodded and excused myself from the table.

Outside, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Ma’am, a few months ago, you and Mr. Henderson were all over the media. I know this isn’t my business, but for the sake of the company, I feel compelled to speak.” She took a deep breath.

“Mr. Henderson cares about you. I can tell from the way he speaks and looks at you. I think you should give him another chance to make things right. And as for the deal, we can’t afford to lose it. It would benefit us greatly, especially as we’re just getting back on track. Please, consider this.”

After a pause, I replied, “Okay.”

We returned to the table, and I apologized to Leonard. “I’m sorry for my earlier behavior.”

“I need to speak to you, Evelyn,” he said urgently, ignoring my apology.

I signaled for my secretary to excuse us, and she left.

“First, Evelyn, I’m deeply sorry,” he began, pausing as if waiting for a reaction. When I said nothing, he continued.

“Samantha claimed she had our children, and I needed to confirm it.”

“This meeting is for business. Let’s stick to that,” I interrupted.

He tried to explain further, but I remained firm.

Reluctantly, we shifted our focus to business. I asked for his secretary, but he revealed he had come alone. My secretary rejoined us, and we finalized the deal over drinks.

Despite the awkwardness, I maintained professionalism. Afterward, we exchanged handshakes and parted ways.

I dropped my secretary off at her house since it was late, and my driver took me home. Leonard followed us, trying to talk to me, but I ignored him. He persisted, even following me inside.

He eventually went to speak with my dad. While refreshing my apartment, I heard a knock on the door.

“Evelyn, it’s me,” my dad called.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see him with Leonard.

“You need to listen to him,” my dad said firmly before leaving the room.

Leonard stepped closer, took my hands, and began apologizing. His words were heartfelt, and I believed him. Before I could think, I leaned in and kissed him. He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

When we broke apart, I demanded to know what had happened with Samantha.

“While I was on my way to work that morning, I got an urgent call from the station. But I had to finish with work first. Afterward, I drove to the station, where Samantha claimed she was pregnant at the time we splitted and she had twins. I demanded to see them, and she took me to them. 

I called to tell you, but when she noticed I was on the phone with you, she interrupted. Evelyn, I’m so sorry.”

I stared at him, overwhelmed by emotions.

“ I already took samples from the kids for DNA.” he said trying to comfort me.

Fear gripped me, Samantha would be in his life parmenetly if the result comes out negative. The realisation sent shivers down my spine.