Chapter Thirty-One: Flower Bouquet

Evelyn’s POV:

As I drove, my mind wandered back to the strange occurrences that had been unfolding around me. But I knew I was being prepared for something that was about to happen.

Why had Caleb sent me flowers and a romantic card, especially after what I had seen in my dream last night? It was all too coincidental, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. I needed just a little more clarity, a little more of a hint, and I would be ready for what was coming.

I knew I had to be more careful, to plan my next move and figure out how to deal with Caleb, especially since I didn’t know exactly what would happen. I had managed to control my emotions at the office, gathering myself together to avoid making a mess of things. I needed to show the company my capability, and I wasn’t ready to trade that for my personal emotions.

I was working perfectly fine despite the turmoil brewing inside me. My secretary had shown me some unattended emails, which I worked through diligently, trying to distract myself from the nagging feeling of unease.

Then there was Mr. Watt, who had requested a meeting regarding the offer our company had made to collaborate with theirs. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to hold a formal meeting yet, so I asked my secretary to schedule it for the day after tomorrow. I needed time to clear my head and prepare. I needed to get the right tools to convince him to accept the offer. For me, getting him to sign the deal was of utmost importance.

His company was the second most successful and popular in the state. Winning a contract with them would be a triumphant start and a warm welcome to my dad’s company.

Just as I was beginning to feel like I had everything under control, my dad called. I clicked on the accept button, already knowing why he was calling. I started by assuring him I was fine, trying to sound as normal as possible, but my voice betrayed me.

He sighed deeply, and I could almost visualize the look on his face. I was certain he was distressed.

He said he had called to check on me and suggested I return home if I wasn’t feeling well. I reassured him I was fine, and he didn’t press further. He wished me well and hung up.

The thought of breaking the news of my project’s rejection to my dad brewed inside me. I felt incompetent, anticipating the disappointment he would feel. But I reminded myself that everything would be okay sooner or later. Brushing aside the negativity, I decided to take a break and walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

But as I sat down at a table, I realized I wasn’t hungry. The food I had ordered looked unappetizing, and the unease I felt refused to dissipate. I reached for a bottle of water and sat there for a while, sipping slowly. In the end, I left the restaurant without eating, deciding to head back home instead.

When I walked into my house, I was surprised by the sudden energy that surged through me. I felt strangely okay, as if nothing disturbing had happened. The only reason I had come home was to rest. I’d gotten little sleep the night before, and I was exhausted. I needed to recharge, knowing a new battle was about to unfold, and I had to win no matter how it comes.

I freshened up and lay down on my bed, feeling the softness of the mattress envelop me. I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh, feeling my body relax.

By evening, I felt completely fine. I was in the sitting room, my eyes fixed on the laptop resting on my thighs, trying to craft a solid argument for Mr. Watt.

The flowers Caleb had sent still sat in the living room, a constant reminder of the mystery surrounding me. Once, when I glanced at them, a faint grin appeared on my lips.

An impulse made me stand, and I walked over to the flowers, picking them up. I untied the bouquet and took a closer look. That was the moment everything else made sense.

Inside the bouquet was a mini, almost micro, frame with a throwback picture of me. Caleb knew it was my favorite picture.

I scanned the frame thoroughly, and a nanocam fell out of it.

I stood for a while and flashed through the dream I had last night.

Everything became clear to me, this was the hint I needed and I was grateful.

I had expected anything from Caleb, yet I was still surprised. “So this was it?” I thought to myself.

I put everything back and went up to my room, placing the frame on the mirror beside my bed. I also hid the nanocam in my room.

Downstairs, my phone started ringing. I rushed to get it, hoping it was Leonard. I had decided to tell him everything and my plans, I needed to see him soon.

But as I got closer to my phone, I realized it was Caleb.

He had called to ask if he could visit me.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should let him come. But then I remembered I was a step ahead of whatever he was planning. Energized by my discovery, I smiled to myself and I agreed. He said he would be at my place by 7:00.

I wanted Leonard’s company, but it could wait. I needed to see Caleb and observe his demeanor, especially since he had no idea I knew his filthy mission.

“Sure, come over,” I said, trying to sound casual, hiding the excitement building inside me. I was ready to play along, to see where Caleb’s plan would lead.

I hung up and quickly fixed the bouquet to make it look normal again, ensuring he wouldn’t suspect a thing.