Chapter Twenty One: You Have No Idea

Evelyn's POV 

The night air was crisp, a soft breeze brushing against my skin as I stood there, caught between Leonard’s calm demeanor and Caleb’s piercing gaze. My mind raced, wondering why Leonard was so composed despite the sudden tension that hung in the air. 

And Caleb—why didn’t he seem fazed by the sight of us together? Was he genuinely unbothered, or was he just putting on a polite front out of respect? Questions swirled in my head like a storm, each more confusing than the last.

“Evelyn,” Caleb called again, his voice sharper this time, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to him and forced a small smile. “Caleb, hi,” I said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

His gaze narrowed slightly. “I've been calling. Why weren’t you answering your phone?”

I tilted my head, feigning ignorance. “I didn’t see any calls,” I replied evenly.

“That’s strange,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. “I called you five times.”

“Well, I guess I didn’t hear them,” I shot back, crossing my arms. Then, before he could press further, I added, “How did you even find me here?”

He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then admitted, “I used your phone’s GPS. Your father was worried and needed to know your location.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. “You tracked me? Caleb, that’s—”

“Necessary,” he interjected, his tone firm. “Your dad was worried. I had to make sure you were okay.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, the invasion of privacy prickling my nerves. “Is he here too?” I asked, scanning the dimly lit parking lot.

Caleb’s lips twitched, almost like he’d read my mind. “No, he’s not. But we need to get back soon. He’s waiting to hear from us.”

He took a step closer, his presence imposing despite his calm tone. “I’ll take you back,” he offered, his eyes flickering briefly to Leonard.

But I shook my head quickly. “No, I’ll go with Leonard. We came together, after all.”

Caleb’s gaze hardened for a moment, his jaw tightening, but he masked it well. He glanced at Leonard, who had been watching the exchange in silence. Leonard nodded coolly and said, “We’ll be right behind you, Caleb.”

Caleb didn’t say anything, but the tension in his shoulders was very obvious. He turned abruptly and walked back to his car, his movements stiff with suppressed frustration. I couldn’t help the small flicker of satisfaction that sparked in me.

Leonard moved to the passenger side of his sleek car, opening the door for me with a fluid, practiced motion. “Your chariot awaits,” he said with a hint of amusement.

“Thank you,” I murmured, sliding into the seat. He closed the door gently and strode around to the driver’s side.

As soon as he settled in, Caleb’s car roared to life, the headlights cutting through the night as he pulled out of the parking lot. Leonard followed after him, the smooth hum of the engine filling the quiet.

I glanced over at Leonard, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease. “Thank you for today,” I said softly. “It was... an unforgettable day.”

He smiled, his eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to the road. “I hope so,” he replied simply. Then, after a pause, he added, “But the day isn’t over yet. You may have even more to thank me for.”

I blinked, unsure of what he meant, but his tone held a teasing edge that made me smile despite myself.

The rest of the drive was quiet, the kind of silence that felt comfortable rather than awkward. The city lights blurred past us, their soft glow illuminating the interior of the car. I let my thoughts wander, replaying the events of the day and trying not to dwell on how Caleb could ruin it.

When we pulled into the company’s driveway, I spotted my father waiting outside with a few of his aides. His familiar figure, tall and commanding, was hard to miss even in the dim light. I was sorry I kept him waiting for so long, but talking to Leonard had been so interesting. 

I stepped out of the car, smoothing my dress as I approached him. “Dad,” I called, offering a small smile. “I’m sorry for the delay. I got a little carried away in the city.”

His expression softened, and he stepped closer, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. “How are you feeling, Evelyn?” he asked, his voice full of concern.

“I’m fine,” I assured him, genuinely touched by his worry.

He nodded, studying me for a moment before saying, “Good. That's what matters most to me. Sure we can head home now?”

“Yes, Dad,”

“Okay then,” He turned to Caleb, who had parked nearby and was waiting beside his car. Without another word, my father joined him, leaving Leonard to lead the way.

I got in, this time opening the car door myself then he started the engine. The atmosphere in Leonard’s car felt different—quieter, heavier. I wasn’t sure if it was my own thoughts weighing me down or if Leonard sensed something too. Either way, neither of us spoke much, and the silence stretched between us.

When we arrived at the house, I stepped out of the car, expecting Leonard to do the same. But he didn’t move.

“Leonard?” I asked, leaning slightly toward his window.

He gave me a faint smile, his hand already on the gear shift. “I have somewhere else to be,” he said simply.

Before I could ask where or press him for details, he drove off, leaving me standing there with more questions than answers.

I turned toward the house and nearly jumped when I saw Caleb standing a few steps away, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

“We need to talk,” he said, his voice low but firm.

My father, who had been walking toward the house, glanced back at us. I forced a smile and called out, “Goodnight, Dad. I’ll be in shortly.”

He hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Take care, Evelyn.”

I watched him disappear inside before turning back to Caleb, bracing myself for whatever he had to say.