Chapter 172: Rule No. Four! Rule No. Four!

"I just have a bad feeling."

"I understand, Eve, but we can't act without evidence," Avery said over the phone. "Ambryan wouldn't like it either if there's no concrete proof. Right now, he's facing an opportunity that is too good to pass. It would be a waste if we turned out to be wrong."

"Right."

Eve took a deep breath, sealing her lips. It was just a feeling—maybe even an irrational fear. That thought didn't make it easier to shake off. She bit her inner cheek and checked the time. There was still two minutes before Wen searched for her.

She was surprised that Avery understood her in such a short explanation.

"How about this?" The madam suddenly said. "If the meeting already reaches 2 hours, we'll interrupt it. It should be a good time for you to head back into the restroom."

"How would we do that?" 

"I was thinking I could but…" 

"But…?"

"I think Evangeline would have greater success."

"..."

Eve cleaned out her ears. 

Did she hear that right? Evangeline would interrupt the meeting? Between her and Avery, the latter held more power. The madam could suddenly show up at the office and look for her son. It might not succeed but it was feasible.

"What would she even say?" Eve hissed, lowering her volume. Time seemed to have sped back up again with how little they have left. "She can't possibly meet him now!"

"True." Avery thought for a moment. "Hmmmm."

Meanwhile, Eve scowled at the door. She placed a foot next to it. The lock was secure but someone could still barge in. She preferred to be certain. This ominous feeling was getting worse. There could be a person on the other side waiting for her to come out right now.

"I just think he'd more likely listen to Evangeline than to me."

"Well, is there news about Elias Walker perhaps?" Eve asked, trying to find an urgent topic that would require Ambryan's attention. "He couldn't have stopped with a slowgram account. It won't work if there's no face behind it.

"Oh, people have seen him around." Avery snorted. The timing was impeccable. He was suddenly everywhere in broad daylight, participating in outdoor projects. "Even media outlets had tried to get interviews but with no success."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Damn."

"His excuse is that if it's not part of his job, he won't talk. The thing is though there are articles coming up from multiple 'reliable sources' about his statements on Evangeline." Avery continued. Then, she breathed out a sigh. That was far as it was now. They'll continue to monitor him until he makes his next move. "Anyway, maybe Luna can help. They could reschedule Mikael's time on set to today. The sudden change would need Ambryans's intervention so there won't be an argument."

Eve clicked her tongue, licking her bottom lip. 'Define Love' did belong in Ambryan's top priorities. "It could work but Evangeline can't be the one to call."

"Right. We'll save that for another day. Luna will call him. Just keep an eye on things."

Knocks came thundering on the door. Eve jumped at the sudden interruption. Her heart matched the beat and threatened to spring out of her chest. 

"Eve? Eve, are you there?" 

"I-I gotta go," she stammered, checking herself in the mirror. Her hair stuck out in different directions. She quickly patted them down into a groomed look.

"I'll keep you posted." 

The call ended and Eve splattered tap water around the edge of her face. The residue trickled down her neck. Then, she grabbed a few tissues and dabbed them on the same areas, starting with her chest.

"Wen!" She greeted in surprise while opening the door.

The bodyguard regarded her with contempt. Wen moved out of the way, big enough for her to step out of the bathroom. They lingered around the area—away from the crowd. The restroom was at the end of a hallway, giving them plenty of space.

"You sure took your time."

"Yeah, I…. I washed my face. Felt a bit drowsy," Eve lied. She tried to act nonchalant but the attempt failed. Beads of sweat formed at the back of her neck. "I was drying off when you came."

"I see." Wen replied at once. Her teal eyes never left the secretary. Taking a step, she leaned her head forward until their cheeks almost touched. "I hope you remember that you have a camera lens and mic in your eyeglasses."

Eve paled.

"I won't tell the boss but if he finds out, I will not help you," Wen continued. She twisted her neck to side, facing the wall. Her hands clenched and unclenched. This wasn't any easier on her part. They had worked together for five years.

It would be disappointing if something bad were to happen.

Her gaze flickered back to Eve. "I'll be watching you closely as well. For a secretary that shouldn't meddle, you seem to know quite a lot about Elias Walker. I don't want to be suspicious of your intentions but don't give me a reason to act on it."

Eve opened her mouth.

Then, she closed it.

What was she supposed to say? She had been caught red-handed. It was stupid of her. In her haste, she had forgotten about the spy gear that she wore. She had even consented to how they would be operated. 

"Also," Wen added, breaking her out of her thoughts. "We don't normally peek into footage taken in places such as the restroom. I checked on it when you didn't answer and found you in a call. That's how it happened."

Eve shook her head. "I was just paranoid."

"Paranoid that there could be hidden intentions going on around here?" Wen elaborated. Her head tilted from side to side. She fixed her stance to be firm. "Yes, I know that. But asking inside information on Elias Walker was not. That was supposed to be between the boss and the security team. Never had he mentioned that he shared it with you."

She shifted in the direction of the crowd. "Please don't step out of line more than you have."

Eve followed behind her quietly. Was it luck that Wen decided not to rat her out? The hours passed by in a blur. Eve hadn't spoken a word since. She did work on the tablet, answering emails and providing reports.

Her gaze unconsciously landed on the time every now and then.

Ambryan and the others stepped out of the private room. The former bid his farewells. The interaction was short but Eve could tell that they wanted him to stay. That meant the meeting wasn't truly over yet. 

Avery had proceeded with the plan.

Hopefully, it went well enough for them to discuss negotiations again soon.

Eve avoided Wen's line of sight. The bodyguard probably guessed the same as her. They stood at the ready by the door. Ambryan spotted them easily. Stuart escorted him towards the exit, talking by his ear. 

"It really couldn't be helped, could it?" Mr. Wilson sighed, clamping his hand on Ambryan's shoulder. "Well, I'm glad things went well among the three of you. If you ever need anyone else in this room, call me, huh?"

Ambryan patted the hold on him before stepping away. "I appreciate the invitation for today, Mr. Wilson. I had a fulfilling time despite taking a break from my usual work."

"Anytime, anytime! Take care on your way."

"We will."

Wen led the way out. The vehicle waited in front, driven by a different bodyguard. She opened the door to the backseat and let Eve slide in first. The latter still didn't look at her. She suppressed a sigh. Had she been too harsh? But she had been more lenient, it would only welcome the meddling behavior more.

Ambryan went inside, already relaying instructions. "I managed to schedule a meeting with Calvin Knoc. He's free tomorrow afternoon. Organize my tasks according to urgency. I will handle them after it ends."

"Day after that will be with the broadcasting company," he said next as he pulled the seatbelt over him. "Their office is in another city. I won't be coming into the office. Wen, double check security for the trip. Eve, take over Eros for the day. Madison will be there to help."

"Understood, Sir Hathaway," Eve mumbled in reply. She noted them down on the tablet. "Will we be expecting the details from their end?"

The car rolled down the driveway, heading for the gates. The sun was halfway on its way down. Its rays pierced through the windshield and directly at their eyes. 

"Yes." Ambryan nodded. Then, he turned towards the rearview mirror. "Wen, we'll be visiting the studios. There was a call from set about the product placement with Athon Luxury. They requested a reschedule. It will be happening now."

Eve felt a pair of eyes on her. Her neck felt like it was on fire. The screen on her phone lit up, indicating that the madam had sent her a message. She immediately relocked it before Ambryan could see. 

Her eyes closed as she concentrated on regulating her breathing.

"Eve? Are you alright?" Ambryan asked suddenly.

Her spine straightened. "Huh? Yeah, I'm fine."

She set to work. As long as she's busy, he wouldn't disturb her. 

That was the idea, at least.

"If you feel faint, we can drop you off at the office."

"No, no, no. I'm really okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Ambryan placed the back of his hand on the side of her neck. 

"Hmmm."