EVELYN
I knew men like him, men who had everything at their disposal and would still demand for more. Handsome, young, intelligent and wealthy—no better recipe for making arrogant twats.
He was born in wealth, pampered from birth and groomed to be the heartless CEO he was today. He never lacked anything, from love to respect, to fame—he had everything and more.
One didn't even have to dig deep to know pretty much everything about Nolan Walter. There was always so much hype around Nolan that it never failed to make me cringe whenever I heard people talk about the ‘young golden business mogul’.
I wasn't raised that way. My parents had always been wealthy but they didn't exactly make things easy on me. I had always been told that I had to be more this, I had to be more that.
Yeah, Nolan and I both had the responsibility of running our parents' respective businesses. But unlike Nolan, I didn't have it thrown at me like a toy I could pick whenever I liked. Whether it sounded absurd or not, I had to prove myself to my parents. I had to fight for it.
On that note, there was no way on this bloody earth I would allow Nolan Walter get the win here. Not this time.
“Mr Rowland, you came to us first and I assure you that there couldn't be a better decision," Nolan said, maintaining eye contact with David.
“Of course there is a better decision, David, and that's going with Lotte Corps." I said, going further to tell him why Lotte Corps was the better choice. For perhaps, the eleventh million time.
It wasn't easy convincing David. It wasn't just because Nolan couldn't allow me to make two sentences without cutting in. The issue was that both Lotte Corps and Walter Corporation would offer similar services, and David would be fine either way. Well, I couldn't possibly tell him that.
“Mr Walter, I do not wish to appear boastful, but it's well known that my works and accolades are unmatched. When I get into a project, it is always a success. Always." Nolan stated.
Nolan kept speaking and it began to become clear that the tables were turning in Nolan's favour. David, of course, had a thing for women but like every businessman, business was always the top priority.
If he got convinced that Walter Corporation was better for him, he would go for it. As much as I loved to praise my networking skills, it was nothing close to Nolan's. Every word the man said was smooth, calm and witty. It was only a matter of time before David went Nolan's way. And like I said, that wasn't going to happen this time. I won't allow it!
I was desperate now. Like the cliche says, desperate times call for desperate measures.
“Mr Rowland, as I have said before, Lotte Corps has more to offer you but I understand if you don't feel a woman can offer a good deal." I said, deliberately making my usually clear voice tremble as I spoke.
No one expected that from me. Hell, I didn't expect it either.
“It is nothing of that sort, I only think Walter. . .”
I cut in. “It is okay, I have lived my whole life knowing I would always be seen as inferior to men, it's the cross we carry as women”
Then I broke into a sob. Jeez, I didn't know my acting skills were this good.
Nolan chuckled. “This is ridiculous.”
“Oh, I'm sorry I don't mean to be a cry baby, my emotions seemed to have imploded." I stood, pretending I didn't know David would call me back. “I will be on my way now, nice having dinner with you.”
“Miss Bennett, I have a very firm stance against discrimination of any sort and I will never be a part of it. As proof of my words, I hand over the deal to Lotte Corps."
Wait, was this really happening?
His words were sweeter than music to my ears. Even sweeter, was the look of disappointment on the face of the cute devil who almost stole the deal from me.
“Mr Rowland, you can't be serious, you do know you are missing a lot by not going with Walter Corp."
David, clearly, had made up his mind. “This doesn't mean I won't work with your company in the future, but I have decided to go with Lotte Corp this time."
Luckily, before Nolan could utter another word, David's phone rang.
“I'm sorry I have to leave, I will leave you two now." David said, leaving the table and then the restaurant.
For a minute or two, neither of us said a word. I enjoyed the silence, my mind still finding it difficult to believe that I just cut a major deal, winning it over Nolan Walter. Winning the deal was great on its own but that I got it right in the presence of Nolan, added spice to it.
When Nolan spoke, he almost took away the happiness that bubbled tempestuously in me.
“At the party, I told you that you were just sex on legs with nothing going on in your head, but now I know there is one more thing you are."
“What is that?" I asked, half expecting him to say something rude.
“Pathetic. You are pathetic.” Nolan shook his head as he uttered every word he spoke, looking at me in a way I didn't appreciate at all.
“Talk about a sore loser." I shot at him.
He laughed, digging his hands into his thick hair. “Crying? You snuck into an invite-only party, you tried to seduce a man to get your way with him, and now crying? Is there anything beneath you at all?"
I picked my handbag and stood. “Have a nice evening."
I was barely six feet away before I heard him yell out a question.
“What will you do when next you have to compete to cut a deal? Shed some more tears?" He asked, knowing I was offended already.
Without turning, I said, “whatever the hell I have to.”
NolanWhat a joke!That woman. That infuriating, arrogant woman thinks she can outrank me. Oh please...I would like to see her try!I went home with a bad taste in my mouth as I recalled the event that happened back at the restaurant. She may have won this round, but I will be ahead of the game next time.You just watch Evelyn Bennett!Things weren't always this bitter between us. I first met her at a charity auction hosted by my friend Frank Duncan Jr. He was one of the city's well-known artists at the time, and I was there to support him. Frank introduced me to Evelyn, thinking we were the perfect match."This is Evelyn Bennett. She is the daughter of a great client of mine," Frank had said.I looked her up and down. She was tall, slender with long legs that went on forever. There was a spark in her big brown eyes that intrigued me. She
Evelyn I looked up as a waitress placed my order, a vegetarian pizza, and salad on the table. I nodded with a light smile and the waitress walked away. "It's good to hear you were able to get the contract with Silver Lining studio," Edward says with a proud smile that made me happy. I loved being able to make my father proud. I've always worked my ass up my entire life so I could prove to him that I was capable of handling his businesses. Unlike Nolan fucking Walters who has always had everything handed to him so easily. Why the hell am I thinking about that ass here? I placed the napkin on my thigh and cutlery on the table, gently cutting my way through the pizza. I held a small piece to my mouth and gently munched on it. "Yes," I put the knife on the pizza, "and I beat Walter Corporation to it," I a
EVELYNEric was just one of 'those guys.' Nothing about him stood out. I wouldn't say he was handsome, but he had a good body—and he knew it. He was my date and I felt like killing Jessica for matching me up with a guy who stared at me like he wanted to eat me up.For some reason, I kept looking at Nolan, who seemed to be having a lot of fun with Jessica. They just couldn't keep their damn hands to themselves.Why didn't Jessica tell me she was on a date with Nolan? Jeez! This was annoying. The most annoying part was how Nolan acted when he saw me. He literally just walked past me. One would think we had never met."You know, you have very pretty legs," Eric said, smiling widely at me."I know," I responded nonchalantly."You seem stiff. Let me buy a drink." He offered, drawing closer to me.I seem stiff? What does that even mean?
NOLANI could still be out there at the club, having fun.I could've taken Jessica back to my place and banged her brains out.Instead, here I was, taking care of this unruly, spoiled princess while she had her head stuck in the toilet bowl.I had her hair twisted around my hand so I could hold her hair back while she threw up."There, there. You are alright," I said, patting her back. I rolled my eyes. How did I get stuck in this situation?But I couldn't just leave her there with Eric. I've known Eric since college, and the things he does with women are sometimes...how do I put it, unorthodox. I tried to reason with him and warned him about being a better person on several occasions but couldn't get it through his thick skull."I threw up on my new dress," Evelyn looked up from the toilet and said.
Evelyn.There was an awkward silence in the car as Nolan drove me home. I tap my fingers on the chair in impatience, I couldn't wait to reach home and be about a thousand metres away from Nolan.The jerk made me so agitated and angry earlier. When he lied about us having sex, I felt so devastated and my world felt like it had come to an end.I was super relieved when he confessed it was a lie. Such an ass.On the other hand, I was happy that he didn't do anything in my vulnerable state. He didn't take advantage of me, despite the silly acts I put up in my drunken state. I didn't expect to be safe in his hands.Thank goodness he was a disciplined man.I looked sideways to steal a glance at him and he also happened to face me at the same time. Our eyes met and Nolan's lips curled up into a cocky smile.
NOLANI didn't have anything against art sculptures or even how ridiculously expensive they were. Even as a little kid, I had attended many art sculptures sales events with my Dad and I had always found them quite boring. Just people spending loads of money on ancient-looking artworks.I would rather spend my money on sports cars.The auction began and for reasons I will never understand, a lot of the people present were so excited. They just couldn't wait to spend a chunk of their money on some artwork that will be hung on the walls in their home. And then they will get bored of it when something else catches their attention.Eve liked Robbie and not just as a friend. I noticed it the very moment I saw both of them together. The funny thing was Robbie was clueless, he probably would never know unless she tells him directly.Before the first sale b
EVELYNI walked away with the painting feeling triumphant.It always felt great when I won something against Nolan Walters. That cocky bastard can kiss my beautiful ass.I looked at the painting and scoffed. What did he mean this painting would remind me of him? Just because he wanted his grubby hands all over it? God, he is so damn self-centered.I put the painting down and headed to my car. My parents were expecting me for lunch, and I didn't want to be late. I still couldn't believe my father when he said Nolan and I were childhood friends. That's impossible. I must've been an idiot to associate with the likes of him."Evelyn, darling! I am glad you could make it. I made your favorite, Meatloaf," mom gushed as soon as I walked in."Mom, for the last time. It's Alisha's favorite meal. Not mine," I said irritably. Mom always put Alisha first because sh
Nolan. I picked up my jacket and my briefcase as my driver pulled over in the garage. "Take those art pieces in the boot inside, make sure nothing happens to them," I instructed the driver and opened the door. "I'll have them arranged later." I climbed down from the car and handed my briefcase to my Valet.....Henry. I finally remembered his name. My right hand found it's way to my neck and I sighed as I loosened my tie. I walked into the building and sighed loudly this time as I threw myself on a couch. I glanced at the stairs as the housekeeper, Mrs. Ellison climbed down, holding a vacuum cleaner. "Mrs. Ellison, have you seen Nathaniel," I asked as he hadn't showed up since I got back. "I think he's out at the back," she replied and I nodded. "Okay, can you please tell the cook to make me some tea," I stated as she walked in the direction of the Kitchen. I was so tired. There was no other person who could have made a simple art exhibition tiring except Evelyn Bennett. Who w