Chapter 33

Evelyn approached with a warm smile, her designer heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "Sophie, it's been ages."

Over the past three years, Evelyn's regular lunch deliveries had made her a fixture among the executive assistants at Black Enterprises.

Sophie Bennett, the senior secretary, blinked in momentary confusion. "I'm sorry, do we know each other?"

"It's Evelyn. Don't you recognize me, Sophie?" Evelyn's voice held a musical lilt that hadn't been there before.

Sophie's professionally manicured hands flew to her mouth. "Mrs. Black? My God! You look..." The secretary's eyes widened as she took in Evelyn's transformed appearance - the sleek blonde bob, the tailored Chanel suit, the effortless confidence radiating from her.

Evelyn merely chuckled, the sound like wind chimes in spring. "Is Nathan available?"

"Yes, of course! He's in his office. Please, go right in." Sophie recovered quickly, gesturing toward the imposing double doors.

With a gracious nod, Evelyn crossed the reception area. She paused before the mahogany doors, taking a steadying breath before knocking twice - firm but feminine.

The deep voice that answered sent shivers down her spine. "Enter."

Nathan Black looked up from his documents, his piercing blue eyes turning glacial the moment they landed on her. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn carefully placed the insulated lunchbox on his desk, keeping her gaze averted. "Leonard asked me to bring you lunch." Her fingers lingered on the container for a heartbeat too long before withdrawing.

Nathan's lips twisted into a sardonic smile. He knew this game. She'd obviously used his father as an excuse to see him.

Memories flooded back - those first months of marriage when Evelyn had taken over preparing his meals with obsessive attention. He'd only discovered her culinary efforts after she'd left for Paris, when his taste buds rebelled against the catered lunches his new assistant provided.

The investigation that followed had revealed everything - how Evelyn had personally selected each ingredient, how she'd studied his preferences like sacred texts.

Her absence had left a void no five-star restaurant could fill. His morning coffee tasted bitter without her precise two sugars. His steak lacked that perfect sear only her hands could achieve. Even his dry cleaning smelled wrong without her lavender sachets tucked between the folds.

The penthouse at Black Tower had become unbearable - every room haunted by traces of her. The way she'd arranged his ties by color gradient. The lemon polish she used on his Oxfords. The handwritten notes she'd leave in his briefcase.

These thoughts churned in Nathan's mind as Evelyn turned toward the exit, her perfume - something expensive and French - lingering in the air.

"Wait!" The command tore from his throat just as her hand touched the doorknob.