“Evangeline, right?” The man remarked, revealing a gently friendly smile. Eva was a little bit surprised, because she was expecting the man Laura would set her up with would be bad tempered. However, this man seemed harmless, with his soft eyes, well-kept hair and handsome features. “My apologies, I should have waited for you by the door, instead of sitting down first.” Her blind date explained, placing a hand on his chest. “I’m sorry for the late introduction, my name is Lucas.” “Eva. Evangeline is too long.” Lucas smiled immediately widened when he heard Eva.“Is the restaurant not to your liking? How about we go to another place which you might find comfortable.” Lucas suggested, he had no idea why Eva wanted to leave the restaurant.Eva was appreciative that he didn't judge or get annoyed by the fact that she denied him earlier. She liked his manners and decided to humor Laura who had set the date. After all, she had a mission to come here . Besides, she was yet to bring out th
“So I heard you were a model from your stepmother?” Lucas suddenly asked, finally deciding to make small talk and change the awkward atmosphere when noticed that Eva was barely saying anything about herself. He tried to ask her questions about herself instead.“That was a long time ago.” Eva replied with a dry tone.She secretly hates the idea that Laura had to cast about her before her to Lucas. ‘Is that bitch trying to even annoy me from afar?’ “Is that so,” Lucas lightly laughed. “Honestly, I expected you to be part of the prestigious business women in the country considering how influential the Carter family are.”Eva paused her lips into a thin line, trying her best to hide her disgust at his words. It seems like he had no idea about her business skill she had to learn after she quit modeling.“Not everyone wants to be an uninspired, unimaginative, ready-made heir.” Eva retorted back bluntly as she pushed the strand of her hair behind her ear.Lucas was taken aback in surprise b
“Ah, yes?” Eva muttered, snapping out of her thought. “I'm afraid I would not be able to entertain you on another date.” She remarked as she looked at Lucas.“Then how about you let me entertain you on the date instead.” Lucas insisted. “I don't think either can work.” Despite that it was a tempting offer, Eva had to decline realizing that this blind date could eventually lead to an unfortunate marriage which would definitely ruin all of her plans.“I'm sorry-” “Please, I totally understand so you don't have to apologize.” Lucas cut off Eva and reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card, stretching his hand over the table handing it to her. “Incase you ever change your mind, Miss Carter. You will know where to find me.” Lucas said amicably.Eva stared at the card, his name was branded on the card as the CEO of his father's law firm. She wasn't a fool, she knew who Lucas was, knew that he was among the most obtainable, eligible bachelors and she knew how many young femal
The waiter's face suddenly lights up in relief at Eva's response, he could eventually save his life and job. Without bothering to delay any further, so that Eva doesn't change her mind. The waiter immediately turned and walked into the direction of the restaurant where Damien was waiting for her while Eva just silently followed behind him.The waiter led Eva to the third restaurant which was considered as the restaurant only top elite families in the country visit. Only the highest class and most influential families!Once inside, she was immediately welcomed with a soft and soothing melody played on a piano. She suddenly felt like she was indeed out-of-place in her clothes when she saw the long dresses that people wore inside. She knew that she can't turn back now and so, she sighed internally and continued to follow the waiter who went upstairs where the private room was located.After walking for a few meters, the attendants finally stopped and turned to face Eva. He bowed respect
“What exactly do you want from me, Mr. Cross?” The question made Damien's brow rise and even had Shane jaw drop open. Instantly, the temperature in the room dropped. All the staff in the room turned pale as they found themselves shivering in fear and horror, thinking of wanting to immediately get out of this place before the great Damien exploded and lash out his anger on them. Some of them gulped nervously, some broke out in cold sweat and some were even trying so hard not to breathe too loudly so that they didn't get the attention of Damien.No one has ever questioned Damien what he wants from them because he is not the person to want something from anyone, talkless a woman for that matter. It was always the other ways round, everyone always wanted something from Damien Cross.Eva didn't seem to notice the dangerous face the man was giving her as he stared piercing at Eva's beautiful face.“Out,” Damien's cold voice sounded, it was soft yet it was enough for all the people inside
“Do you feel that there is a need for me to be afraid of you?” Eva retorted back as she looked up at him.“But you've offended me by accusing me for abusing my power on you.” Damien replied calmly.“That……” Eva trailed off, she didn't know how to retaliate back to those words because she had indeed accused him.“Fine! I'm sorry. I'm sorry for accusing you without having proof of evidence.” Eva apologized looking away from Damien in embarrassment. she had lost her cool for a second and accused him wrongly.“That's not how to apologize.” Damien uttered casually with a serious expression. Eva swiped her head up to look at him like he was crazy. “What? How do you expect me to apologize? Isn't giving you my innocence the other enough for you?” Eva queried while glaring at him, implying that giving up her virginity is enough to cover up all the mistakes she has made to him.“What do you mean by that?” Damien asked.“Ah, it wasn't my fault that I was in your room that day. And since you too
“Let go,” Eva stated coldly, her eyes shining with clear determination.“If I don't?” Damien whispered.Eva found his voice very seductive making her ears turn red even more. Meanwhile, Damien was rather clueless yet curious to know the reason why she was turning red because he was close to her. With this thought in his mind, he spoke. “Look at me.” he ordered.“No.” An immediate response came out of Eva's mouth. “Why are you doing this, Mr. Cross?” After taking a deep breath to calm herself, Eva looked at Damien. “We haven't finished our conversation yet so you can't leave.” Damien responded. “What? What conversation isn't over yet? I thought we'd finish this discussion the moment I stood up, so why are you stopping me from leaving?” Eva questioned back, confused by what Damien was saying.“We aren't. Let me remind you that the discussion we are having is about me taking responsibility.” Damien whispered gently.“Argh…..I told you already that it isn't needed.” Eva growled in anno
When Eva walked out of the main hotel exit, she realized that it was already late outside, so she made her way to the road side where she waved her hand to stop a taxi. She told the driver her destination after taking her seat in the back seat. Eva looked outside of the car window, watching the people walking in the streets and light flickering of different colors adoun the street lamps and different buildings as they drove past. Some of the people she laid eyes on were walking alone, some with their kids and some were in the arms of their lovers. It was such a beautiful sight that Eva wanted to have but she didn't have the chance to get. Eva had always wanted a complete family, she so badly wished for a loving family one that her mother couldn't have. However,.things went south for her, because the man she expected to help her make her dream of having a beautiful loving family actually betrayed her without a second thought.The car stopped at the red light, making Eva scan the crowd
"Ms. Lily, what seems to be the matter here?" the head of the security team, Mr. Billy asked, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd of dazzling socialites and the two strikingly beautiful women standing by the cashier.One exuded an angelic innocence, her golden glowing halo hovering above her head, while the other had a magnetic charm and a commanding aura that was impossible to ignore. Though dressed in casual, understated clothing, it was clear from her demeanor that she came from a background of privilege and influence."Thank goodness you're here, Mr. Billy!" Lily exclaimed dramatically, her tone laced with frustration. "This young lady here is causing an absolute scene! She’s insulting and disturbing one of our valued customers. Her behavior is disgraceful!" She put on a distressed expression, though her eyes still held their usual arrogance.Mr. Billy frowned, sensing there was more to the story. Still, before he could interject, Lily continued her tirade. "Can you believe the aud
Christine didn’t spare Eva another glance as she made her way to the checkout counter, but Eva decided to linger just a bit longer, intrigued by the brewing drama. If her memory served her right, Christine had always been meticulous when it came to spending, often opting for practicality masked as elegance.The sales associate broke the silence. “Ma’am, your total is fifty million dollars. Will that be debit or credit?”Christine froze, her carefully crafted poise faltering for the briefest of moments. A flicker of unease passed through her eyes as she stared at the bill in her hand. The credit card tucked away in her wallet wouldn’t even cover a fraction of the total.If only she had known this little excursion would cost so much, she would have brought her other credit card. But Tanya’s stern advice echoed in her mind: minimize spending and public outings until the scandal blows over. If anyone caught wind of her shopping extravagantly in the midst of her controversy, it could spark
……..The days passed peacefully, with little to disrupt Eva’s recovery. Soon enough, she found herself healed enough to venture beyond the confines of Damien's mansion. Thanks to Damien, she has been focused on causing chaos but he had been the ones to take extra care of her injury and body. Her wounds had started to fade, and the scar-reducing ointment he had given her worked wonders. Now, she was as elegant as ever, with no visible marks left behind.The upcoming banquet was less than a week away, and Eva decided it was time to shop for the perfect dress. Her grandfather had specifically requested that she shop at Stardom Mall, not only to show respect to the Banks family, who managed it, but also to honor the family’s deep ties to the mall. Everyone there knew better than to disrespect Lawrence Smith’s favored granddaughter—a figure of power who held significant shares in the mall.Eva opted for a casual outfit of black leggings and a simple hoodie. She believed comfort was key for
Eva leaned her elbow against the window, a sly smile forming on her lips. “Let’s just say certain people needed a reminder of where they stand.”“I knew it!” Nathalia burst into laughter, the carefree sound lifting Eva’s mood further. “I was telling one of the stylists yesterday, ‘Eva doesn’t let people get away with things. If she’s back, she’s back with a bang!’ And look at you, proving me right.”“I didn’t do anything without reason,” Eva replied, her voice calm but firm. “Christine and Mark needed to be handled. And Director Rick? Well, he made his bed.”“Oh, believe me, I’m not judging,” Nathalia said, her tone growing slightly wicked. “You know I love seeing Christine squirm. She’s got that fake, angelic act down, but I’ve always known she’s rotten to the core.”Eva smirked. “You’re not wrong. She’s good at pretending, though.”“Too bad for her that she’s not as good as you,” Nathalia teased, a playful lilt in her voice. “By the way, did you see the video of Mr. Carl’s press con
Mr. Carl hesitated, clearly weighing his next words. “Given your... influence and recent actions, I wanted to request that you refrain from taking further steps that might escalate this situation. We’re still cleaning up the mess left by Director Rick, and another scandal would be... disastrous.”Eva crossed her arms, regarding him with a cold, calculating gaze. “Mr. Carl, I don’t cause chaos for the sake of it. Every move I make is deliberate and justified. If you’re asking me to sit quietly and tolerate disrespect, I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong person.”“I’m not suggesting that,” Mr. Carl said quickly. “I’m only asking for your understanding. The company can’t afford another scandal right now.”Eva tilted her head slightly, her smile fading. “The person you should be worried about is Christine, not me. Both she and Mark have already shown that they won’t back down quietly. If I were you, I’d focus on keeping them in check.”Gwen cleared her throat, stepping in to soften the te
The next morning, Eva stepped out of the sleek black car with Gwen by her side. Both women radiated confidence—Eva in her tailored black suit and Gwen in a navy blue dress that reflected her sharp managerial style. HB Industry’s towering headquarters loomed before them, gleaming in the sunlight as if trying to hide the chaos within its walls.“Ready?” Gwen asked, glancing at Eva as they walked toward the building’s entrance.Eva smirked, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor as they entered the reception area. “I’ve been ready since the moment I stepped back into this industry.”It wasn’t long before they were escorted to Mr. Carl’s office. The CEO of HB Industry rose from his chair as they entered, forcing a professional smile as he extended his hand.“Miss Carter, Miss Langley,” he greeted them, his tone polite but guarded. “Please, have a seat.”Eva and Gwen took their seats, and Mr. Carl sat down, adjusting his tie nervously.“To what do I owe this visit?” Mr. Ca
She paused at the door, her hand resting on the sleek silver handle. Instead of leaving, she turned back toward Kai with a mischievous glint in her eyes.“You know,” she began, folding her arms and leaning casually against the doorframe, “we’ve been talking about me and my plans all morning, but there’s something far more interesting we haven’t discussed.”Kai raised an eyebrow, already sensing trouble. “Oh? And what’s that?”“Your love life,” Eva replied with a grin, emphasizing the words like they were the juiciest gossip she’d ever uncovered.Kai groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Not this again, Eva. I don’t have time for love. Running a company is already a full-time job.”“Oh, please.” Eva waved a dismissive hand as she strolled back toward his desk. “That’s the oldest excuse in the book. You’re not fooling me.”Kai sighed, rubbing his temples. “And what, exactly, am I supposedly hiding from you this time?”Eva leaned on his desk, her smile growing sly. “Let’s just say I have
……..Eva stepped into the sleek, modern office of Elite Entertainment, her heels clicking against the polished floor. The massive windows behind Kai’s desk offered a stunning view of the city, but Eva’s attention was fixed on the man seated before her. Kai, the CEO of Elite Entertainment and her closest friend, leaned back in his chair, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and concern.“Eva,” Kai greeted with a warm smile as he gestured for her to sit. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Usually, I have to chase you down to talk.”Eva smirked, taking a seat across from him. “You’re exaggerating, Kai. I’m not that hard to find.”Kai raised an eyebrow. “Considering the chaos you’ve been stirring up lately, I’d say you’ve been keeping yourself quite busy.”Eva’s smile widened, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I suppose you could say that.”Kai leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “So, tell me—what’s the plan now? You’ve exposed Christine and Director Rick, shake
There was a long silence on the line. When Matthew finally spoke, his tone was icy. “You’re making a mistake, Eva. This vendetta of yours will come back to bite you. Mark my words.”Eva’s voice was steady, but her words were sharp as a blade. “The only mistake I made was ever thinking you cared about me. Don’t call me again unless it’s to apologize—and we both know that won’t happen.”“You're a mistake in my life, Evangeline Carter!" Matthew snapped angrily which almost made Eva laugh out loud.“That’s your loss, you should have gotten rid of me when you had the chance, Father , I'm prepared to drag all you down if it means I have to shred a part of me again. No matter how much power you oisseeWithout waiting for a response, she ended the call and tossed her phone onto her desk.Eva set the phone down, her jaw tightening slightly as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The faint hum of the hairdryer and the quiet murmurs of her styling team filled the room, but her thoughts we