Chapter 120

The office whispers followed Evelyn Hartley like a persistent shadow, a mix of curiosity and judgment lingering in every glance. Yet she walked through the corridors of Triumph Consortium with an air of unshakable indifference, her chin lifted just slightly—enough to make it clear she couldn’t care less about the rumors swirling around her.

Her colleagues exchanged uncertain looks. Was she truly unaffected, or was she just that good at hiding it?

Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office, Serena Cole stepped inside, clutching a carefully packed lunchbox. The scent of home-cooked food filled the space as she placed it on Nathan Black’s desk with practiced ease.

"Nathan," she murmured, her voice soft with concern. "You’ve been working nonstop. You should eat."

Nathan barely glanced up from the contract in front of him, his expression unreadable. "Serena," he said, his tone firm but not unkind, "you don’t need to bring me lunch anymore."

The smile on Serena’s lips froze. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the desk. "Did I… do something wrong?"

"No," Nathan replied, still not meeting her eyes. "But this isn’t necessary. It’s too much trouble for you."

Serena shook her head quickly, her dark eyes shimmering with something desperate. "It’s no trouble at all. I want to do this for you."

She bit her lip, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know you and Evelyn aren’t divorced yet. I know how this looks. But I can’t help it, Nathan. I miss you. I just want to see you, even if it’s only for a little while."

A beat of silence.

Nathan exhaled, his jaw tightening. He didn’t respond to her confession, didn’t react at all. Instead, he simply said, "Let’s just eat."

Serena’s breath hitched. She had expected something—gratitude, warmth, even guilt. But this? This was worse than indifference. It was like she hadn’t spoken at all.

Before she could say another word, a sharp knock interrupted them.

"Come in," Nathan called.

Sophie Bennett, his secretary, stepped inside. "Mr. Black, Damian Grant is here to see you."

Nathan’s gaze flickered with something unreadable. "Let him in."

Sophie nodded and left, but not before casting a discreet glance at Serena.

Serena stood abruptly, her face pale. "I should go," she said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’ll bring lunch again tomorrow, okay?"

Nathan opened his mouth—perhaps to refuse—but Serena was already walking toward the door, her steps just a little too quick.