Evangeline dabbed her mouth with the handkerchief Zach had given her, silently grateful for the distraction it provided from Klein's probing question. Just in time, Jeremy burst into the restroom, holding a bottle of water, his concerned gaze sweeping over the trio.
"Here's your water," Jeremy announced, handing the bottle to Evangeline.
"Thanks, Jerry," she replied softly, twisting off the cap and taking a sip.
"Feeling better?" Jeremy inquired, his worry evident in his voice, as Evangeline nodded and made her way out of the restroom.
Klein couldn't shake the feeling that Evangeline was avoiding his question. As he watched the three exit, his gaze sharpened, reminiscent of a predator studying its prey's every move.
He couldn't fathom the audacity of the hand subtly placed on Evangeline's waist, as if claiming ownership over her. The sight irked him.
Klein silently trailed behind Evangeline, his presence unnoticed by her.
Evangeline's surprise was palpable as she felt a hand on her waist, pulling her away from Zach. Before Zach could protest, Klein's arm barred him, a silent warning.
Evangeline and Jeremy exchanged uneasy glances, taken aback by Klein's uncharacteristic behavior.
"I would like to speak with Evangeline. I don't recall needing your permission," Klein stated sternly, his voice carrying an underlying threat.
With his words, several men intervened, separating Zach from Evangeline.
"Come with me," Klein commanded, leading her away from the commotion.
"Mr. Klein, what do you-"
"Are you pregnant?" Klein's question cut her off, leaving Evangeline in shock.
She instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip remained firm.
"It's none of your concern, Mr. Klein. I don't believe you have the right to ask such personal questions."
"I have every right if that child is mine," Klein asserted firmly as his grip on her arm tightened.
"Klein... I... Mr. Klein, you're hurting me. Please, let me go," Evangeline pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "How could it be your child?! We've never even met before!" She cried, futilely attempting to free herself from his grasp by striking his chest with her free hand.
"So you are pregnant," he stated calmly, finally releasing her arm.
"Who's the father?" he inquired, his tone demanding an answer.
Evangeline's eyes widened in disbelief. Why was this man interrogating her about such personal matters? "Mr. Klein! You're overstepping your boundaries!" she protested.
"Five weeks," he interjected abruptly.
"What?" she exclaimed, bewildered by the sudden shift in conversation.
"You're five weeks pregnant," he said with a smirk, his expression suggesting he knew more than he let on. Yet Evangeline also knew that Klein was not wrong. She is five weeks pregnant. Could it be... Is there a possibility that this man in front of her was the man from her one-night stand?
"Oh, dear God..." she murmured in shock before hastily retreating back inside, seeking refuge by Jeremy's side.
Left alone, Klein chuckled to himself, amused by the turn of events. With a satisfied smile, he ruffled his hair and breathed a sigh of relief. "I was right. As always."
The event had been a resounding success and with SNCLR attracting a plethora of new investors, it solidified its position in the market.
That very following morning, Evangeline strode confidently into her company's headquarters, ready to for her first day back after a three-year break.
The entire company erupted in joy as their beloved CEO returned.
Evangeline greeted her colleagues with warm smiles as she made her way through the crowd.
Just as she reached the elevator, a firm hand wrapped around her waist, taking her by surprise.
"Good morning, Mommy," Klein teased as he removed his sunglasses and planted a quick kiss on Evangeline's head.
Evangeline's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked away, trying to free herself from his hold without success.
"Mr. Klein, please, enough of this," Evangeline demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.
"What's wrong? If you're carrying my child, that means you belong to me," he chuckled, a smug grin on his face.
Evangeline rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his arrogance.
"You have no proof of that. And even if it were true, it wouldn't change anything," she countered, attempting to maintain her composure as Klein leaned in closer.
"...you can't escape me," he whispered, pulling her into the elevator with him as the doors closed.
"You're delusional, Mr. Klein," Evangeline sighed, attempting to step away, but his grip tightened, pressing her against the elevator wall.
Klein rested his forehead on her shoulder, inhaling her scent deeply.
"Ahh... Yes... I remember this intoxicating scent from that night," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Evangeline pushed against him, but he remained immovable. "Please, stop this nonsense, Mr. Klein. Don't you have a wife or child to attend to?"
Klein chuckled and met her gaze. "I, Maximilian Klein, don't believe in marriage."
Evangeline was dumbfounded for a moment, staring at the man in front of her.
She couldn't help but scoff at his words, "If that's the case, then why are you clinging to me, claiming this child is yours? What's the point?"
"Hah!" Klein let out a laugh and took a few steps back.
"You must have misunderstood, Ms. Sinclair. I don't like sharing my favorite things. That includes..." He paused and leaned towards Evangeline.
"...you."
With those words, Evangeline couldn't hold back. She delivered a crisp slap to Klein's cheek, leaving him shocked at the sting.
"I am not an object. I'd rather die than end up with you! And don't show yourself in front of me again! That's a warning," she hissed, exiting the elevator as soon as the doors opened.
As soon as Evangeline entered her office, she immediately locked the door, feeling a rush of panic.
"Oh god... What did I just do? Did I just slap Mr. Klein?" She muttered to herself, pacing back and forth.
Her mind raced with questions and doubts, her heart pounding with adrenaline. She couldn't believe she had acted so impulsively, especially towards someone as influential as Maximilian Klein. Not to mention, he is a big investor to her company.
"He's a powerful man... What if I've just made things worse?" Evangeline fretted, her brows furrowing with worry.
She paused in her pacing, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm her racing thoughts.
"But he deserved it, didn't he? No one should speak to me like that, claiming ownership over me and my child," she rationalized to herself, her voice gaining a hint of defiance.
Despite her attempts to reassure herself, doubt still lingered in the back of her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach.
"Well, there's no turning back now," Evangeline sighed, resigning herself to the consequences of her actions.
YOU ARE READING
𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔
Romance"I'm a man and I want a child. If you can't give me that, then shut your mouth and just let me be." -Zachary Salazar "I need an heir, so if you're carrying my child, of course I'll take responsibility. But only if..." - Maximilian Klein ~ Evangeline...
