Chapter 14

Sophia Reynolds burst into the office, her voice trembling with urgency. "Evelyn, that sly fox Tyler Laurier set you up with a problematic client!"

Evelyn Sullivan continued reviewing documents without looking up, her pen gliding across the paper with precise strokes. "I know."

"You know and still agreed?" Sophia stomped her foot in frustration. "Vincent White is notorious for harassing female associates! How many women has he taken advantage of?"

Evelyn signed the last document and closed the folder before finally meeting Sophia's gaze. "Avoiding him today won't solve anything."

"But—"

"Relax." Evelyn stood, straightening her blazer. "I know what I'm doing."

Sophia opened her mouth to protest but stopped at Evelyn's sharp look. She bit her lip. "Fine. But call me if anything happens."

Tyler Laurier strode in, barely concealing his smug expression. "Here are the contract details, Evelyn." He deliberately slammed the folder onto her desk. "Good luck with the negotiations."

Evelyn didn’t spare him a glance. "You can leave now."

Tyler’s face darkened. With a scoff, he stormed out. Let’s see how this arrogant girl handles Vincent White.

That evening, Evelyn arrived alone at the upscale restaurant. The moment she opened the private dining room door, an overpowering wave of cologne hit her.

"Miss Sullivan!" Vincent White stood abruptly, his beady eyes gleaming with greed. He lunged forward to grab her hand. "I’ve heard so much about you!"

Evelyn sidestepped his advance and took the seat farthest from him.

Vincent’s smile faltered before he forced another grin. "No need to be so distant." He lowered his voice suggestively. "I hear you’re interested in the fabric supply for the Eastside Project?"

"Mr. White," Evelyn slid the contract toward him, "let’s focus on business first."

Vincent ignored the document and poured a glass of red wine instead. "No rush. Have a drink."

Evelyn studied the glass, then smirked. "Prefer red?" She stood. "I’ll ask the waiter to bring some Maotai."

"Stop!" Vincent slammed his palm on the table. "Don’t play games with me, Evelyn." His grin turned predatory. "Did you really think you’d walk out of here so easily?"

In the adjacent private room, Ethan Sullivan’s hand stilled. Through the ornate screen divider, he watched as two hulking bodyguards closed in on Evelyn.

"Ethan," Lucas Laurier frowned, "should we—"

Ethan raised a hand, his gaze locked on his wife’s slender figure. Let’s see what secrets she’s hiding.

Evelyn scanned the room, her lips curling into a cold smile. "Forceful negotiation tactics, Mr. White?"

"Enough talk!" Vincent barked. "Take her inside!"

The bodyguards reached for her—

Evelyn pivoted, her hand striking like a blade against the first man’s neck. He collapsed before he could react.

The second guard roared and charged. A sharp kick from Evelyn’s stiletto connected with his temple. He crumpled to the floor with a heavy thud.

Vincent gaped. Before he could move, Evelyn’s heel slammed into his chest, sending him crashing against the wall. He wheezed, blood trickling from his lips.

Evelyn stepped forward, pressing her shoe against his ribs. "Shall we discuss the contract now?"

Behind the screen, Lucas inhaled sharply. "That’s Evelyn?"

Ethan’s grip tightened around his glass, cracks spiderwebbing across the surface.