The hall was still in chaos.
Voices overlapped. Questions flew.
"How did Hart Group win?"
"What kind of proposal was that?"
"This changes everything…"
But Evelyn had already turned away.
As if none of it mattered.
As if—
Winning against Damian Laurent…
Was nothing more than expected.
---
"Evelyn."
His voice stopped her.
Low.
Controlled.
But underneath—
Something else.
She paused.
Then turned.
Damian was walking toward her.
Step by step.
Each step heavier than the last.
When he stopped in front of her—
The distance between them was dangerously close.
"You planned this."
Not a question.
A statement.
Evelyn looked at him calmly.
"Yes."
No denial.
No hesitation.
Just truth.
Damian's jaw tightened slightly.
"For how long?"
Evelyn's lips curved faintly.
"Long enough."
Silence.
The air between them grew heavier.
Then—
He leaned closer.
Just slightly.
Close enough that his voice dropped—
Only for her.
"You're not this capable."
The words were cold.
But not dismissive.
Testing.
Evelyn's eyes sharpened.
"And you're not as untouchable as you think."
A beat.
Then she stepped back.
Breaking the distance.
Breaking the tension.
"Get used to it, Mr. Laurent."
Her voice was calm.
"But this is just the beginning."
She turned.
And walked away.
Again.
No hesitation.
No pause.
---
This time—
Damian didn't call her back.
He stood there.
Watching her leave.
His chest—
Felt strange.
Tight.
Uncomfortable.
Unfamiliar.
He had lost deals before.
But never like this.
Not to her.
Not to Evelyn.
His fingers clenched slightly.
Then—
He spoke quietly.
"To lose to you…"
A faint, dangerous smile appeared on his lips.
"…might be more interesting than I thought."
---
That night—
Evelyn stood on the balcony.
The city stretched below her.
Bright.
Alive.
She held a glass of wine loosely in her hand.
Then—
Her phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
Again.
She didn't hesitate.
"Speak."
A low chuckle.
"You're impressive."
That voice.
Him again.
Evelyn's tone turned colder.
"You're watching me."
"Of course."
A pause.
Then—
"But you're still too slow."
Her eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean?"
The man's voice dropped.
"Selena Vale has already made her move."
Evelyn's grip tightened instantly.
"What move?"
Silence.
Then—
"Check tomorrow's news."
The call ended.
Evelyn stared at the phone.
Her expression—
Slowly turned cold.
Very cold.