Chapter 106: The Inner Turmoil
The revolving doors of the Omni Group headquarters spun, reflecting the busy street. Evelyn clutched her beige trench coat tighter, a thick envelope pressed in her hand. Sophie walked beside her, scanning the surroundings with caution.
They hadn't reached the front desk when a sharp click of heels echoed from the elevators.
“Well, look who it is.”
Sienna approached, flanked by two assistants. She wore the latest designer suit, held a steaming cup of coffee, and smiled with extreme arrogance. Evelyn tried to ignore her and walk past.
“Stop.” Sienna signaled her assistants, who immediately blocked Evelyn’s path.
Sienna slowly sauntered closer, her gaze dismissively sweeping over Evelyn’s inexpensive sweater before landing briefly on her lower abdomen. “What’s this? Can’t keep Damian’s heart, so you cause a scene at the company to get his attention?”
“Good dogs don’t block the way, Sienna,” Evelyn said calmly.
“Who are you calling a dog?” Sienna lunged forward, intentionally tilting her coffee cup.
“Oops!”
The scalding brown liquid splashed out, soaking Evelyn’s chest and coat. Evelyn instinctively recoiled, but a stifled gasp escaped her lips from the burn. Her beige trench coat was instantly ruined by the stain.
“My bad, Evelyn,” Sienna covered her mouth with feigned apology. “My hand slipped. But that outfit looks like a bargain bin purchase anyway. No loss. It suits your current status.” She then yelled at the security guards. “Security! Where are you? Can’t you see these vagrants causing trouble? Get these beggars out of here! You’ll be held responsible if they disturb a VIP!”
The guards hesitated, recognizing Evelyn as the former Mrs. Green, and didn't act.
“You have no shame!” Sophie finally exploded, pointing at Sienna. “You're trash who climbed into a man's bed and ruined a marriage. You dare to yell here? You can dress up all you want, but you can’t hide your sickening stench. Who’s the beggar? You are! Begging for another woman’s husband’s love makes you the filthiest one here!” Sophie's voice was loud, and employees and clients stopped to stare, murmurs spreading through the lobby.
Stung, Sienna raised her hand to slap Sophie. “You little bitch! Don’t cause a scene at Omni!”
“Stop it.” A low voice cut through the commotion from the elevator.
The chaotic scene instantly quieted. Damian, dressed in a dark grey suit, strode toward them. He was visibly annoyed by the spectacle. Sienna immediately adopted a tearful expression and threw herself at him. “Damian… they’re bullying me…”
Damian ignored her embrace. His eyes bypassed the crowd and locked onto Evelyn. Seeing her disheveled state, the coffee-stained coat, and her slightly red hand, his heart twinged with an unfamiliar pain. His eyes then fell on the thick, slightly crumpled envelope in Evelyn’s hand. The thickness screamed cash. Damian instantly understood her intention: she was returning the money for the gifts he had sent to St. Jude’s Orphanage.
“Evelyn…” He pushed Sienna aside and walked up to her. “You came to see me? Why didn’t you come straight up? Your coat is ruined. Let me buy you a new one.” He reached out to touch her arm.
Evelyn sidestepped, avoiding his touch. Her eyes held no anger or hurt, only icy detachment. This distance terrified Damian.
Evelyn walked straight to the marble front desk.
SLAP. She slammed the heavy envelope onto the desk with a dull thud. Every eye in the lobby fixed on it.
“This is the money for the items you sent to the orphanage,” Evelyn stated. “I calculated the market price. It’s all here, plus extra.”
Damian’s face went pale. “What does this mean? Those were for the children…”
“I don’t want it,” Evelyn cut him off, meeting his eyes. “I don’t want your possessions. I don’t want to owe you anything. I don’t want anything to do with you.”
“From now on, we owe each other nothing.”
With those words, the huge burden in Evelyn’s chest finally lifted. She grabbed Sophie’s arm. “Sophie, let’s go.”
“Evelyn!” Damian panicked. The fear of losing her completely surged through him, stronger than ever. He instinctively reached out to grab her wrist, to forcibly keep her there as he always had.
But this time, his hand grasped only air. Evelyn walked away with absolute determination. His fingertips only brushed the fabric of her coat, touching cold space. He stood frozen, watching her straight back pass through the revolving doors and disappear into the street.
She didn't look back. Not once.
“Damian…” A hand wrapped around his arm. Sienna pressed her body against him, rubbing her tearless eyes with the back of her hand. Her voice was syrupy sweet. “Is Evelyn still mad at me? I really didn't mean it… I just wanted to say hello. She’s so ungrateful. You went to all that trouble for the orphanage, and she insults you by throwing money back… embarrassing you in public. This kind of woman doesn’t deserve your kindness…”
“ENOUGH!” A furious roar erupted in the lobby.
Damian violently shoved Sienna away. Unprepared, she stumbled back several steps, nearly falling. She looked up at Damian in shock. It was the first time he had ever laid a hand on her. It was also the first time he had exploded with such rage at her in public.
Damian’s chest heaved, his eyes bloodshot, glaring at Sienna with raw disgust and fury.