Chapter 4

The atmosphere in the staff cafeteria instantly became eerie. Everyone secretly glanced at the two people at the door, with murmurs of conversation rising and falling, though no one dared speak too loudly for fear of being overheard.

Justin Bloom lowered his voice, trembling with excitement: “Look! It’s Xing Gang! And the Crown Prince too! They’re actually together! This is so amazing!”

Leola Kent also came over, her eyes full of curiosity. “Look at the Crown Prince’s attitude toward Xing Gang. It’s clearly different from how he treats us. He’s usually cold and distant to us, but he’s so gentle with Xing Gang. There must be something going on!”

Evan Thorn had no interest in listening to their gossip. His eyes were fixed on that cold-looking man—who was dressed in a custom-made black suit. He had a tall and imposing figure, and his presence was undeniable. Standing next to Xing Gang, he didn’t seem inferior at all. Xing Gang wore casual clothes and looked handsome and sunny. The two of them walking side by side created a truly striking sight.

“Who on earth is he?” Evan Thorn couldn’t help but ask Wu Na in a low voice.

Wu Na glanced toward the door and lowered her voice. “That’s Sela Wash, the crown prince of the NK Group. He’s also our company’s new president. He’s back to take over the company.”

“President?!” Evan Thorne’s eyes widened in shock. She almost choked on her food—she had bumped into the president in the elevator, and to top it off, she had even cursed his entire family in her mind? If Sela Wash recognized her, wouldn’t she have to pack up and leave?

At the thought of Sela Vosh’s sinister, icy eyes, Evan Thorne felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly lowered his head, pretending to focus on his food, wishing he could hide in some hole.

“Don’t worry, he probably didn’t recognize you.” Wu Na noticed her nervousness and spoke softly to reassure her. “There were many people in the elevator, and you looked quite disheveled at that time. He probably didn’t pay any attention. Besides, although President Lin seems cold-hearted, he’s not the kind of person who cares about such things.”

Evan Thorn nodded reluctantly, though he was still very uneasy inside. Being so petty? She didn’t think so. That man seemed extremely stingy. It was possible he already resented her.

On the other side, Sela Wash and Xing Gang found a seat by the window. Their bodyguards stood nearby, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.

“You’re quite the boss, aren’t you?” Xing Gang joked with a smile. “Just now, when we entered the restaurant, everyone was scared of you, as if they were facing a tiger.”

Sela Wash took a sip of water, her tone calm. “I don’t want to be disturbed. By the way, have you settled things on your end?”

“Almost there. I just came by to say hi and get a free meal along the way.” Xing Gang picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of braised pork. “NK’s staff cafeteria really lives up to its reputation. The food here is much better than what we have at my company.”

Sela Wash said nothing. Her gaze wandered casually through the restaurant, until it accidentally landed on Evan Thorn in the corner. Upon seeing that familiar figure, Rowley Reeves, his expression turned cold instantly—it was that stupid woman who had bumped into him!

He watched Evan Thorn with his head bowed, shoulders trembling slightly, clearly afraid of being recognized. A cold smirk appeared on his lips. Good. Still trying to hide? He would settle this account sooner or later.

Xing Gang noticed his gaze and followed his line of sight. He saw Evan Thorn and asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Do you know that girl?”

“I don’t know her.” Sela Wash turned her gaze away, her tone returning to its usual calmness. “I just thought she looked somewhat familiar.”

Xing Gang smiled and didn’t ask any further questions. He continued to eat in silence. He knew Sierra Wash too well—there was no point in asking about things she didn’t want to talk about.

Evan Thorne kept her head down until she heard the footsteps of Sela Wash and Xing Gang leaving. Only then did she dare to look up and take a deep breath of relief. She touched her chest; her heart was beating wildly. It had been terrifying. Thankfully, she hadn’t been recognized!

“It’s okay now, they’ve gone,” Wu Na said with a smile. “You’re being too nervous. President Lin isn’t that scary at all.”

Evan Thorn shook his head and said with a bitter smile, “I hope so. I always feel like bad things are going to happen to me in the future.”

After lunch, Evan Thorn and Wu Na went back to the office together to continue translating the tender documents. With the notebook provided by Wu Na, Evan made much faster progress. Although there were still many things she didn’t understand, Wu Na would patiently explain everything to her whenever she asked questions.

Before she knew it, the afternoon had passed. Evan Thorne rubbed her sore eyes and looked at the pages that had been translated. She felt a sense of accomplishment. She yawned and got ready to pack up and leave for the day. Suddenly, the door to Zhang Jingran’s office opened.

“Evan Thorn, come here for a moment.” Zhang Jingran’s voice came through, still in a calm tone.

Evan Thorn felt a pang of anxiety, thinking he might have translated poorly. He quickly stood up and entered Zhang Jingran’s office. “Minister Zhang, did you call for me?”

Zhang Jingran pointed at the documents on the table and said, “This is an English contract that will be needed tomorrow. You need to work overtime tonight to translate it. Hand it to me tomorrow morning.”

Evan Thorn was stunned. “Overtime? But… I’ve spent the entire afternoon translating the tender documents. And this contract seems quite complicated as well.”

“What? You can’t do it?” Zhang Jingran raised his glasses, his gaze sharp with scrutiny. “If you can’t do it, just say so. I’ll find someone else.”

Evan Thorn gritted his teeth and said, “I can do it! Minister Zhang, I’ll work overtime to finish the translation tonight and deliver it to you on time tomorrow morning.”

She can’t give up. This job wasn’t easy to get, and she still needs to earn money to pay the down payment. Even if she has to work overtime, she must complete her tasks.

Zhang Jingran nodded, said nothing more, and waved his hand. “Go ahead.”

Evan Thorn stepped out of the office. Although he felt a bit resentful, he immediately returned to his seat, picked up the contract, and began translating. His colleagues left one after another, and soon, she was the only one left in the office. The only sound was the tapping of her keyboard, creating a very quiet atmosphere.

Before she knew it, it had gotten dark outside. The streetlights came on. Evan Thorne rubbed her sore shoulders and glanced at the translated contract. She let out a long sigh of relief. She gathered her things, turned off the computer, and got ready to leave for the day.

Stepping out of the office, the entire 39th floor was pitch dark. Only the emergency lights in the hallway were on, their dim glow creating a somewhat eerie atmosphere. Evan Thorne felt a little scared and quickened his pace toward the elevator.

Just as she reached the elevator and pressed the button, a cold voice came from behind her: “It’s so late. Still not off work?”

Evan Thorn froze in terror. Slowly, he turned around. There, not far away, stood Sela Wash, dressed in a black suit. Rowvi Reeves appeared especially tall under the dim light, her gaze cold as ice as she stared intently at him.

Damn it, I was recognized again!

Evan Thorn’s heart rate instantly accelerated. He forced a stiff smile on his face. “Mr. Lin… hello. I was working overtime translating documents. I just finished.”

Sela Vosh stepped forward toward her, looking down at her with a cold tone. “Evan Thorn? The newcomer from the translation department?”

Evan Thorn was shocked—how did he know her name? Had he recognized her all along?

She quickly nodded and said respectfully, “It’s me, President Lin. I accidentally bumped into you in the elevator earlier. I’m truly sorry. It wasn’t intentional.”

Sela Wash watched her nervous and flustered behavior, a mocking smirk appearing on her lips. “By accident? I think you did it on purpose, didn’t you? You deliberately bumped into me and then kicked me with your heel. Evan Thorn, you’re quite bold.”

Evan Thorn’s face turned pale instantly. He quickly waved his hands. “No, President Lin, I really didn’t mean to. I lost my balance at that moment, and my heel accidentally touched you. I truly had no intention of doing that!”

She was so anxious that she almost cried. She regretted it deeply in her heart—had she only been more careful back then. Now, the president hated her, and it seemed unlikely she’d keep her job.

Sela Vosh watched her flustered expression, a barely noticeable smile flashing in her eyes before it was quickly concealed. Her tone remained icy: “Since it wasn’t intentional, forget it. But, Evan Thorne, let me remind you: at NK, strength is what matters most. Don’t think you can gain a foothold by using petty tricks.”

“I understand, President Lin. I’ll definitely work hard and not cause you any trouble!” Evan Thorn said quickly, feeling relieved. It seemed like he intended to let her go after all.

Just then, the elevator doors opened. Sela Wash glanced at her and stepped into the elevator first. “Come on in.”

Evan Thorn hesitated for a moment, but then carefully stepped into the elevator. He crouched in a corner, too scared to speak or even breathe loudly.

The atmosphere in the elevator became eerie once again, with only the sound of the elevator’s operation to be heard. Evan Thorn kept his head down, staring at his shoes, praying silently: “Please, let the elevator get here soon!”

But fate wasn’t on their side. The elevator suddenly stopped with a “ding” in the middle, and the lights went out, plunging everything into darkness.

“Ah!” Evan Thorn screamed in fright. Instinctively, he moved to the side, but accidentally bumped into Sela Wash’s chest.

This time, Sela Wash didn’t push her away. Instead, she said in a cold tone, “Why panic? It’s just an elevator malfunction.”

Evan Thorn stood frozen in place, clearly feeling the warmth of his chest and the steady beat of his heart. His cheeks turned red instantly. He stepped back quickly and said softly, “I’m sorry, President Lin.”

In the darkness, Sera Wash watched her panicked expression, with a growing smile in his eyes. He took out his phone, turned on the flashlight, and the faint light illuminated the small elevator shaft.

“Don’t move around. I’ve already contacted the maintenance staff. They’ll be here soon.” Sela Wash’s voice was a little softer now.

Evan Thorne nodded, standing still, not daring to move. She looked at Sela Wash’s profile. In the dim light, her features appeared more delicate, and her gaze was less cold. There was even a hint of tenderness in her eyes, barely noticeable.

She wondered to herself: What kind of person is this Mr. Lin, really? Cold and stingy one moment, yet he didn’t blame her for being panicked during the elevator malfunction.

Just then, the elevator shook slightly, the lights came back on, and the elevator resumed operation. Evan Thorn let out a long sigh of relief. The weight in his heart finally disappeared.

The elevator arrived on the first floor, and the doors slowly opened. Sela Wash stepped out first. When she reached the door, she stopped and glanced back at Evan Thorn. In a calm tone, she said, “Be at work on time tomorrow. No more tardiness.”

Evan Thorn paused for a moment, then quickly nodded. “Understood, President Lin. Thank you!”

Sela Wash said nothing more and turned to leave. Evan Thorn watched his back, while Rowie Reeves felt a mix of emotions—this Lin Zong was becoming increasingly unpredictable.

As she stepped out of NK Company, the evening breeze blew across her face, and she realized her palms were covered in sweat. She looked up at the lights in the buildings above and swore to herself: From now on, I must be more careful. I can’t afford to offend Sela Wash again. I need to work hard to keep this job, which wasn’t easy to obtain.

But what she didn’t know was that this was merely the beginning of her interactions with Sela Wash. In the future, many more surprises—and perhaps shocks—as well—would await her. And behind that seemingly ordinary tender document, there was a secret that no one knew about…