Chapter 4 The Past's Shadows

Evelyn's POV

Even though the office was bustling with its typical intensity, I felt as though time was slowing down. I couldn't get the letter from last night out of my head. My gut knotted up every time I considered it.

My mind was a million miles away from the report I was composing absently at my desk. My dad, Richard Elmont? The thought still seemed ludicrous, like something from a nightmare.

Peter's booming voice broke through my fog, "Evelyn."

My fingers froze on the keyboard as I leaped into my chair. "Yes, Mr. Austin?"

His piercing eyes narrowed at me as he stood a few feet away. "Are you okay? You haven't typed a word in five minutes while you've been glued to your screen.

"Oh!" Even though my heart was pounding, I forced a grin. "I'm all right. Just pondering the report.

He didn't seem persuaded. He looked at me for a second longer, as if he could see right through my thin pretext. "You should move away if you're distracted. I need my team to be extremely focused.

"Yes, sir. It won't occur again," I uttered hastily.

Long after he left, I could still feel the weight of his mistrust, even though he nodded and moved on.

I spent the entire evening immersed in my research. As I read article after article about Richard Elmont, the screen of my laptop sparkled in the low light of my apartment.

He had a reputation for brutal ambition and had been a titan in the business world. But when his empire nearly fell apart five years ago, everything was different. At the time, headlines provided a clear picture:

"Bankruptcy Declared by Elmont Industries"

"Tycoon's Decline: Betrayal by a Reliable Partner?"

"The Mysterious Disappearance of Richard Elmont."

None of the publications provided definitive answers, but they all alluded to sabotage and treachery. But one name kept coming up about the collapse: Peter Austin.

My thoughts were racing as I reclined in my chair. Was Richard Elmont's destruction truly Peter's fault? Peter could have destroyed my father's life if Daniel's assertion was accurate.

However, why?

I tried to act normal at work the following day, but Peter's piercing eyes followed me everywhere. Even when I wasn't looking, I could sense it. My skin crawled. Did he see me?

He yelled out from the doorway of his office, "Evelyn."

I tensed up. "Yes, Mr. Austin?"

"Please deliver the quarterly reports to me. Right now.

"Immediately." With my heart pounding, I picked up the pile of papers and made my way to his office.

He didn't look at the papers when I put them on his desk. Rather, he reclined in his chair and fixed me with his sharp eyes.

"You've been behaving oddly," he stated plainly.

I gasped. I stumbled, "I-I'm just tired."

"Weary?" His tone was doubtful as he cocked his head. "Or preoccupied?"

"I swear it won't interfere with my work," I answered, averting his eyes.

He turned to his computer and muttered icily, "It better not." "You're fired."

With a racing heart, I rushed out. I was at a loss as to how to quell Peter's rising mistrust.

I sat in a quiet part of the cafeteria during lunch to decompress. However, my tranquillity was short-lived.

Daniel called out to me from behind, "Evelyn."

Startled, I turned. "Why are you in this place?" I hissed.

Sitting across from me, he grinned as though we had been friends for ages. "Calm down. All I wanted to do was talk.

I looked around anxiously and said, "I have nothing to say to you." I would be in big trouble if Peter saw this.

Daniel responded in a calm but forceful tone, "It's a mistake that you're ignoring me." "I can assist you."

"What can you help me with?" I crossed my arms and asked.

He leaned closer and uttered the words, "Reclaim what is rightfully yours." "Your dad's legacy." His fortune. Everything that was taken from him by Peter Austin

I scowled. "Why is that important to you?"

Daniel stated plainly, "Because Peter is my enemy." "And my friend is my enemy's enemy."

I gave a headshake. "I have no faith in you. You're merely attempting to utilize me to further your personal goals.

Daniel grinned. "Perhaps. However, wouldn't it be better to be in charge than to be confined to Peter's little helper?

I started to respond, but Daniel's countenance changed before I could. Consider it, Evelyn. If you want answers, you know where to find me."

He got up and left after saying that, leaving me with even more questions.

I couldn't get Daniel's remarks out of my head when I left work later that night. I couldn't help but remember how deceptive he was, even if I wanted to trust him.

A mysterious figure emerged from the alleyway as I was turning the corner to go home.

Daniel's voice returned, low and demanding, "Evelyn."

"Are you keeping up with me?" I glared at him as I asked.

He raised his hands and whispered, "Calm down." "This is all I wanted to give you."

I took a little folder from him.

"What is this?" I hesitated before asking.

"Verify," he said. "You'll understand everything if you read it."

I stood with the folder in my hands as he vanished into the darkness before I could ask him any more questions.

With trembling hands, I opened the folder back in my apartment. There were bank accounts, old contracts, and emails that all pointed to Peter's role in Richard Elmont's demise.

As I read the incriminating evidence, my heart fell.

Is this possible? Was my father truly harmed by Peter's actions?

However, suspicions started to surface as I went through the documents. Although the documents seemed compelling, there was a strange feeling.

Then I recalled what Daniel had said earlier: "My friend is my enemy's enemy."

Was he someone I could truly trust? Or was this only another ploy?

The next morning, as I walked into the office, I heard voices coming from around the corner.

"I'll handle her," Peter's cold voice said.

My heart stopped. Was he talking about me?

I took a step closer, trying to listen.

"Evelyn doesn't know yet," he continued, his tone low and tense. "But she's starting to ask questions."

My blood ran cold. What did Peter know? And what was he planning to do about it?