Chapter 51
Evelyn had no interest in keeping up with Lucas and Tiffany’s love life. But after three years of marriage, even though she had already let go, it wasn’t as simple as feeling nothing. Especially when Lucas was now giving Tiffany everything Evelyn had once longed for but never received. She smirked sarcastically. A dull ache settled in her chest, and the cramps she hadn’t felt in days started acting up again.
Setting her phone down, she hunched over the desk, clutching her abdomen. Her thin frame trembled slightly as the pain intensified. After a few minutes, she fumbled through her bag with shaky hands, finally fishing out a bottle of pills. By the time she swallowed one, cold sweat had already drenched her back.
She didn’t have the energy to focus on work anymore. Instead, she sent Sebastian a text, saying, “You’ve probably been invited to their wedding.”
Sebastian replied almost immediately: “I’d rather do nothing than attend their wedding.”
Evelyn popped another painkiller before curling up on the couch for some rest.
As the year wrapped up, Evelyn officially became the third-largest shareholder of Flying Seal Group, bringing in a sizable dividend. She felt a little guilty about it. She had only been with the company for a short time, and the project she was leading was still in the planning phase. Taking such a large payout felt…
Sebastian shut that down fast. “Do you think Flying Seal Group got here on its own? The whole industry assumed UN was my work, and I didn’t clarify things. That reputation brought in deals that built this company. Half of Flying Seal Group’s success is because of you.”
That was enough for Evelyn to stop arguing.
As New Year’s Eve approached, Justine decided to give the entire company the day off. Instead of a traditional office party, she planned a massive team outing. A social butterfly by nature, Justine picked the most exclusive all- in-one luxury retreat in Cums. It had everything—hot springs, hiking trails, a five-star hotel, and entertainment.
Evelyn wasn’t planning on going. Lately, she didn’t have the energy to keep up with group activities. But Justine wouldn’t take no for an answer. After relentless nagging, Evelyn gave in.
She skipped the morning hike and stayed in the resort’s café, working on drone data. Two hours in, a familiar voice chirped from across the room. “Evelyn! No way! You’re here too?”
She looked up to see Fiona practically bouncing with excitement. “Yeah,” Evelyn said as she lifted her head. “I’m here for a company trip.”
Fiona plopped into the seat beside her, eyes sparkling as she said, “I was just trying to figure out a way to get you to dinner. This is perfect! Would you like to join me tonight?” Evelyn thought for a moment. “Some of my coworkers might come along. Is that okay with you?”
Fiona grinned. “The more, the merrier!”
That was when her gaze drifted to Evelyn’s laptop screen. Her eyes widened as she exclaimed, “Wait. Is that a drone blueprint?” It was professional.
Evelyn’s screen displayed the framework from her recent team meetings, layered with intricate data points. Fiona didn’t understand the specifics, but she could tell it was… “Are you into drones?” Evelyn asked.
Fiona scratched her head sheepishly. “I only use them for fun, but I don’t really know much beyond that.”
Evelyn smiled, “What part interests you the most? We can talk about it.”
Fiona’s admiration practically radiated off her. She knew Evelyn’s calm and patient demeanor meant she was offering to teach her. Evelyn didn’t mind the questions. She explained everything in simple terms, answering Fiona’s curiosity with ease. Beneath the surface, she was…
Fiona found herself stealing glances at Evelyn’s profile. There was something striking about her. Her cool, distant temperament was just a surface layer; underneath, she was approachable, patient, and effortlessly captivating.