𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔

CHAPTER 22

As Evangeline settled into her work, flipping through pages of contracts signed during Jeremy's management, and scanning future developments, there came a knock on the door.

Without looking up, she granted permission for the person to enter.

"Good morning, Mrs. Salazar. I am Sylvie, your newly hired secretary. I'd like to inform you of your updated schedule for today," she began.

"Thank you, Sylvie. Please, go ahead," Evangeline replied, finally looking up from her papers.

Sylvie handed her a neatly organized schedule for the day. "You have a meeting with the marketing team at 10 a.m., followed by a conference call with our international partners at 2 p.m. Then, there's a dinner reception with potential investors at 7 p.m."

Evangeline nodded, taking in the information. "Hm. Please remind me of the meetings fifteen minutes prior."

"Of course, Mrs. Salazar. Is there anything else you need?"

Evangeline paused for a moment, contemplating whether to tell her that she is not a Salazar anymore. Finally, she shook her head. "No, that will be all for now. Thank you, Sylvie."

Sylvie nodded and left the office, leaving Evangeline alone with her work once again.

Evangeline chose not to disclose her recent divorce to her secretary, in order to prevent any potential gossip or media attention. She understood the power dynamics at play, especially considering Zach's influential background as the heir to his family's wealth and business empire.

Even after their recent divorce, Evangeline remained steadfast in her commitment to privacy, eschewing any inclination to divulge personal matters to the public eye. She had always preferred to operate discreetly, away from the glare of public attention.

Lost in her thoughts, Evangeline's focus shifted to a document in her hand, bearing the name "Maximilian Klein" in bold letters. It wasn't the content of the contract that caught her attention, but rather the confident flourish of his signature.

As her thumb traced the smooth lines of his name, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Evangeline's lips, acknowledging the elegance of his penmanship. Klein's signature exuded sophistication, mirroring the man himself.

"Maximilian International Incorporation. MMII, 2002," she murmured, a soft chuckle escaping her lips at the unconventional company name. Despite her amusement, she couldn't help but admire Klein's bold choice to incorporate his first name into the brand.

"Who names their company after their first name? Well, it does have a nice ring to it," she pondered aloud, contemplating the significance of using one's name as a brand. While traditional conventions might suggest using a surname for legacy, Evangeline found herself intrigued by Klein's uniqueness from the norm, recognizing the allure of personal branding in the competitive world of business.

Suddenly, the memory of Klein's words lingered in Evangeline's mind, casting a shadow over her thoughts as she sighed deeply, setting the papers aside. She knew she shouldn't dwell on it, but his unsettling remarks from their earlier conversation continued to gnaw at her.

His audacity to claim ownership over her and the child she carried weighed heavily on her mind, stirring both frustration and unease within her. Despite her attempts to dismiss his words as mere arrogance, they lingered like a persistent itch, refusing to be ignored.

Evangeline shook her head, attempting to dispel the intrusive thoughts. She had more pressing matters to attend to than getting entangled in Klein's provocations.

And yet, Evangeline's thoughts swirled with uncertainty as she struggled to reconcile Klein's unsettling words with her own hopes for the future. The idea of her child being tied to someone who viewed them as mere possessions sent a shiver down her spine, that is why she couldn't shake off the nagging doubt.

"Why am I even considering this child to be his? Ugh, I need a break," she muttered to herself, frustration lacing her voice as she rose from her seat, intent on finding some respite from her thoughts. As she swung the door open, she was met with the unexpected sight of Zach, holding a bouquet of flowers to shield his face.

"Zach? What are you doing here?" she questioned, her brows knitting together in confusion. His chuckle was warm as he lowered the flowers and drew her into an embrace.

In that moment, Evangeline couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, acutely aware of the curious glances and knowing smiles of her colleagues, still under the assumption that she and Zach were happily married.

"To visit you, of course," Zach replied with a charming smile, his eyes sparkling with affection.

Evangeline was caught off guard, too anxious to notice Zach leaning in for a kiss. When their lips met, she let out a surprised yelp, breaking the kiss abruptly.

Zach pulled away, his smile unwavering. "Want to go grab something to eat?" he suggested casually.

Evangeline's mind raced, still reeling from the unexpected kiss. "I, uh, mm... Can we, uh, talk in private?" she stammered, leading him back into her office and swiftly locking the door behind them.

As she turned to face Zach, she couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "Zachary Salazar, what the hell are you doing here?!" she demanded in a hushed tone, her eyes flashing with irritation.

Zach's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure. "I'm here to ask you out for lunch," he explained sincerely, gesturing towards the flowers he had brought.

Evangeline sighed heavily, rubbing her temples in exasperation. "Mr. Salazar, we're divorced. And in case you've forgotten, I have a restraining order against you," she reminded him sternly. But Zach simply chuckled and placed the flowers on her desk, his gaze unwavering.

Zach's smile softened, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "Evangeline, no matter what happens, no matter how many times you push me away, I will never stop loving you. I will never leave you," he declared, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Your promises mean nothing to me anymore, Zach. Your words are like a gun with no bullets." Evangeline opposed and turned her back on him only to be pulled back again to face him.

"Are you in love with Klein?" Zach's question cut through the tension, his tone laced with frustration and hurt.

"What?"