Chapter 122

"Come in," Nathan said, his tone curt and businesslike.

The door swung open to reveal Serena, her face brightening with a practiced smile as she stepped inside. "Nathan, I thought you might—"

Her words died on her lips the moment she spotted Evelyn standing in front of Nathan’s desk. Evelyn turned toward her with a deceptively sweet smile.

"What a pleasant surprise, Miss Cole."

Serena’s smile stiffened, but she recovered quickly. "Oh, Evelyn. I didn’t expect to see you here."

"Of course not," Evelyn replied, her voice light but laced with subtle challenge. "I brought lunch for my husband."

At the word husband, Nathan flicked a glance at Evelyn, his expression unreadable. A heartbeat later, he returned his attention to his laptop, feigning indifference.

Serena pressed her lips together, her grip tightening around the insulated lunch bag in her hand.

Evelyn’s gaze dropped to the bag, and her eyebrow arched in amusement. "Miss Cole, don’t tell me you’ve also brought lunch for my husband?"

Serena hesitated, then forced a polite nod. "Yes. My mother insisted on making Nathan’s favorite soup. She asked me to deliver it."

Evelyn’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with mischief. "How thoughtful of her. Truly." She tilted her head, feigning contemplation. "What a coincidence—I made soup for Nathan today too. Now we have a dilemma. What do you suggest we do?"

Her gaze lingered on Serena, waiting.

Serena’s smile was brittle, her irritation barely contained. Before she could respond, Evelyn seized the moment.

"Since it’s such a kind gesture from your mother, Miss Cole, it would be a shame to let it go to waste." She paused, then added with faux innocence, "And as it happens, I haven’t eaten yet. Would you mind if I took this one instead?"

Serena’s composure cracked for a fraction of a second, her fingers twitching around the bag. The audacity of Evelyn to claim what she had painstakingly prepared for Nathan! But with Nathan watching, she couldn’t refuse outright.

Nathan observed the exchange with an inscrutable expression, his lips pressed into a thin line. He hadn’t expected Evelyn to be this bold.

Serena forced a tight smile. "Of course, Evelyn. Enjoy it."

Evelyn’s grin was victorious as she plucked the bag from Serena’s grasp. "Thank you." She sauntered to the coffee table, unpacking the meal with deliberate relish.

She took a deliberate bite, humming in exaggerated delight. "Mmm, absolutely divine."

Serena’s nails dug into her palms.