Eva stormed into Andrew’s office, her frustration simmering. “What the hell?” she snapped, throwing her hands in the air.

Andrew looked up from his paperwork, his expression calm despite her outburst. “What?” he asked, as if he had no idea why she was fuming.

“My office!” Eva glared at him. “Where is it? Why did you move it?”

Andrew’s lips curled into a slow, infuriating smile. “Oh, it’s behind you.”

Eva spun around, and there it was—a desk neatly arranged with all of her belongings, placed perfectly inside his office. She gawked in disbelief. I have to work right next to him? No chance in hell.

She turned back to Andrew, determined to understand his intentions. “Why did you move me here?”

Andrew leaned back in his chair, exuding authority. “Look, I’m your boss, and you’re the employee. If I decide you’ll be working here, then that’s where you’ll be. Understand?”

Eva knew she was defeated. There was no arguing with that authoritative tone. Reluctantly, she lowered her gaze. “Yes, sir,” she muttered under her breath, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness. “I’m sorry.”

Without another word, Eva scurried to her new desk, positioned across from Andrew. She sank into her chair with a huff, throwing him a sidelong glance. He was already flipping through a folder, his brows furrowed in concentration.

Despite her frustration, Eva found herself studying him for a moment. He looks so handsome when he’s focused. A sigh slipped from her lips before she forced herself to concentrate on her own tasks.

Time passed quietly until Andrew’s deep voice broke the silence. “Eva.”

She looked up quickly, meeting his gaze. “Yes, sir?”

Andrew leaned forward, tapping his pen against the desk. “Call your... I mean, Mr. Foster. Ask him to meet me.”

Eva grabbed her phone and dialed her brother. The familiar, warm tone of Tristan greeted her. “Coco! How are you, dear?”

Eva cleared her throat and forced herself into professional mode. “Mr. Foster, I’m calling on behalf of King’s Corporation and Mr. King. He would like to set up a time to meet with you.”

Tristan chuckled. “It’s so funny hearing you talk like that. Anyway, is there a reason Mr. King wants to meet with his brother-in-law?”

Eva told Tristan about the warehouse fire and the lost garments. Tristan’s tone shifted, becoming serious. “I’ll come over now.”

After ending the call, Eva turned to Andrew. “He’s on his way.”

Andrew raised a brow. “How did you know about the fire?”

“Edward told me this morning,” Eva replied softly.

Andrew hummed in response, and not long after, they both made their way to the meeting room. Employees were gathering, including Kai, who greeted Eva with a warm smile the moment she walked in.

Andrew noticed—and glared at Kai with an intensity that made Kai shift awkwardly in his seat. What’s his problem?Kai wondered, oblivious to Andrew’s growing annoyance.

Eva took her seat beside Andrew, while Kai sat on his other side. A few moments later, Tristan entered the room with his assistant, Elina.

“Good morning,” Andrew greeted everyone, his voice sharp and focused. “We need to discuss how to overcome the crisis caused by the warehouse fire.”

Andrew gave Eva a subtle nod, signaling her to take the lead.

“Mr. Foster,” Eva began, her voice steady and professional. “We deeply apologize for the loss of your garments. We know it’s a huge ask, but would you be willing to supply the fabrics once more?”

Tristan’s expression softened as he listened to his sister speak with such poise and professionalism. His heart swelled with pride. Mom and Dad would be so proud of her.

Andrew cleared his throat, dragging Tristan out of his thoughts. “Mr. Foster?”

Tristan shook himself out of his reverie. “We can supply the fabrics, but we are a startup with limited resources,” he explained.

Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “You’ll receive 30% of the launch profits to help offset your costs.”

Tristan leaned back in his chair, considering. “Thirty percent doesn’t sound quite right. How about 50%?”

Andrew’s jaw tightened. “That’s too much.”

“Then I can’t supply the fabrics,” Tristan countered smoothly.

After a tense moment of silence, Andrew relented. “Forty percent,” he said firmly.

Tristan gave a satisfied smile. “Deal.”

They shook hands, and Tristan informed Eva that his assistant, Elina, would handle the follow-up.

Just as the meeting was wrapping up, Evander burst into the room, breathless and excited. “Andrew, you need to see this!”

Evander pulled out his phone and played a clip from the CCTV footage retrieved from the warehouse. The room fell silent as they watched the video—and to everyone’s shock, Madeline Quinn was seen sneaking into the storage area the night of the fire.

Eva gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Maddy?” she whispered, disbelief washing over her.

Kai stiffened beside her, confusion and anger brewing inside him. Why would she do this?

Andrew’s expression darkened, his voice cold and commanding. “Get her here. Now.”

Minutes later, Madeline entered the room, looking confused and nervous. “Why was I called here?” she asked cautiously.

Evander played the footage again, his gaze sharp as he turned to her. “Is that you?”

Madeline’s face turned pale. “Y-Yes, but I didn’t do anything,” she stammered, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

“Do you know what happened last night?” Evander pressed, his tone unforgiving. “Why were you in the storage room?”

Madeline fidgeted nervously, avoiding everyone’s eyes. “I... I...” But the words wouldn’t come.

Andrew slammed his hand on the table, making Madeline flinch. “If you don’t explain yourself, we’ll hand you over to the police. Your contract will be terminated immediately.”

Madeline fell to her knees, sobbing. “Please... I swear I didn’t do anything. Don’t ruin me.”

The room was silent, except for Madeline’s broken cries. Kai stood slowly, his expression twisted with disappointment and disgust. Without a word, he stepped closer and slapped her across the face.

“I never expected this from you,” he said coldly. “I hope I never see your face again.”

Madeline whimpered, clutching her cheek as Kai stormed out of the room, his anger palpable.

Eva stood frozen, something nagging at her. Something feels off. This isn’t like Maddy.

Before she could think further, Madeline scrambled to her feet and bolted from the room, tears streaming down her face.

Eva’s heart ached for the girl. She ran after her, catching up with her in the hallway and pulling her into a comforting hug.

“Maddy,” Eva whispered, stroking her hair gently. “Please, tell me what really happened. I know you didn’t start the fire.”

Madeline trembled in Eva’s arms but shook her head. “I can’t... I just can’t.”

With that, she broke free from Eva’s embrace and fled down the corridor, disappearing from sight.

Eva stood there, lost in thought. What is she hiding? And why can’t she tell us the truth?

Something dark was unfolding, and Eva knew deep in her heart that Madeline wasn’t guilty. But until she found the truth, there was little she could do.

And the clock was ticking.