Chapter 178: Through the Looking Glass

"Wen, report."

Ambryan sat in his office. He rushed to finish the documents left. His afternoon would be spent with other businessmen—like the day before. He craned his head from side to side. His sleeping schedule had lessened from his already short resting hours.

He expected this to stay this way for another week or so.

After negotiations for 'Define Love,' he had to look into another project. This one would need filming locations overseas. The budget amount needed the approval of the board. Other than potential investors, he would also need to look into sponsors or collaborators in other countries. 

It was a tedious task. 

But nothing he couldn't handle—especially if he could convince his father to do part of it.

His phone laid on the table. He left the call on speaker while he worked. 

"No activity, Mr Hathaway," Wen replied, looking out of a window. She found a spot from a building across the apartment complex. "It��s as the others said. Ms. Evangeline's bodyguards haven't moved from their positions."

The plan was to monitor the female model from afar. 

Based on previous experience, it wasn't any different from trying to work closely. But this way would lower the guard of the other security team. If they had something to hide, they would be able to witness it happening.

Wen pulled her sunglasses over her blonde hair and peeked through a pair of binoculars.

Her teal eyes remained sharp, not overlooking a single place.

Back in his office, Ambryan placed a hand over his lips. The report about Evangeline's lack of activities had raised his suspicions. A number of possible scenarios ran in his head. He eliminated the health-related reasons based on the call he and her had. 

She had a job as an online English tutor so it made sense for her to be indoors most of the time. 

But the lack of food… they had looked into deliveries from shops within a kilometer radius but none were addressed to her. Was there something she wasn't telling him about? Could it be the reason why she refused for extra security from him?

Ambryan shook his head.

He couldn't afford to be distracted.

His fingers went back to work. Emails flooded his inbox. It irked him. Acting on a whim, he set an automatic response and directed them to a folder by adding common keywords for the least priority ones. It decreased the movement in his main inbox.

He would review them after a few minutes.

Right now, he had to finish the contract proposal for Calvin Knoc and send it to the legal team.

"Mr. Hathaway."

"What is it?"

"Ms. Evangeline just walked out of the building."

Ambryan snapped his head towards his mobile phone.

"State her movements," he instructed at once. 

"She is holding a large tote bag and stepped inside her vehicle. Plate number is MEI 6923. It's driving out of the perimeter. Someone, follow that vehicle. We can't let it out of our sight. I'll be on my down, Mr. Hathaway."

"Call again once you're on its trail."

"Yes, sir."

Ambryan increased his typing speed. If she was there, that meant she was alright. He could erase the theory of her being kidnapped. His temples ached from scowling too much. This scenario caused even more headaches than stubborn businessmen.

His ringtone pierced through the air.

"Wen," he greeted, accepting the call.

"The vehicle has stopped."

"And?"

"It's parked in a large grocery store and Ms. Evangeline had gone inside with Nanzie."

Ambryan breathed a sigh of relief. That solved their current suspicions. His shoulders visibly relaxed. She was doing well. That was what mattered the most. "If you notice anything else unusual, inform me right away. Continue tailing her for the rest of the day and report it tomorrow morning."

"Understood."

A knock came from his office door.

���Sir Hathaway, here are the documents from the legal team. They informed me that there hasn't been any problem," Eve stated as she walked up to his desk. She set the folder down along with a tray. The latter contained a filled teapot, a cup and a plate of chicken enchilada roll ups for a quick lunch.

Ambryan didn't spare her a glance. "Thank you, Eve."

"Also, I would like to ask for a leave."

"File it."

Eve arched an eyebrow. "I haven't even said what it's for."

"You can do whatever you want. The year is almost ending and you haven't used a single one. At this time of the year though, it's usually for one reason."

'But I'm not the only one who hasn't taken a leave of absence…' Eve mused to herself. 

"Thank you for your understanding, Sir Hathaway." She smiled and bowed her head before making her way back to her own work space. Her files had been organized in one row. The closest to her computer were the ones she'd accomplish next. They had to be done for Ambryan to sign before he left for the day.

Her mind wandered back to the night before. 

Just the thought of it sent her heart beating erratically.

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"A body double?" Eve blinked, her jaw hanging open. After sending the message, she had received a call in return. Her ears couldn't believe the news. She had been in the dark this whole time!

"Yes," Avery nodded. She sat in front of her vanity mirror. The empty room behind her reflected on it. "Ambryan's security has been trying to cooperate with you far earlier than you think. You both had been so busy, I decided not to tell you then. This is probably connected to your message. We believe they're getting skeptical about you."

Eve massaged her forehead. A stranger just had to claim he was her ex-boyfriend. None of this would have happened if it weren't for that. Ambryan must have been more restless than she thought—which would explain his behavior back in the studios.

"So... your solution is... to have another person pose as Evangeline?" She brought up again. It was the third time she heard it aloud. It wasn't as less ridiculous as the first. 

"Well, you can't be at two places at the same time."

"I am well aware of that."

"A double for Evangeline is far more feasible than a double for Everlee."

'She has a point.' Eve sighed. She uncrossed her legs and let her back fall on the bed. "But what if something happens to her? Like someone suddenly comes up to talk to her or Elias Walker does something dangerous?"

"She worked as a stunt double and trained as a bodyguard." Avery assured Eve. She rose to her feet and folded an arm over her chest. Her feet led her to the balcony doors. "If Elias falls for it then, we can finally lure him somewhere out of his own will and get to the bottom of this."

Eve considered the idea. It did open a lot more opportunities.

But, at the same time, it meant another lie on top of the others. Why had they ever thought this situation to be easy? Or was it just her? Avery seemed prepared from the start. The madam's assuredness had put her at ease about those troubles.

Both of them must have been too naive.

"Maybe you could have just asked someone to be a full-time Evangeline Reed." The words left Eve's mouth before she could process them. After a second thought, she realized how much easier it would have been for everyone if that were the case.

Oh, guilt, my old friend.

Shoo. Go away.

The madam snorted. "Evangeline Reed wouldn't even exist if not for you. By the way, have you gotten to know my son better in this arrangement? Not as cold as he seems, right?"

The positive gossip articles had brought her absolute joy. Her emotions bounced all over the place. Their latest public display of affection had sent her over the moon. If that hit her hard, she didn't know how she'd feel if they kissed. 

"Define 'better', Mrs. Hathaway."

"You've chatted a lot more than I expected."

"I believe that rises and falls as fast as a rollercoaster."

Avery chuckled. "I know this situation isn't ideal. I can't promise that it would get better but I thank you for agreeing to my antics. Sometimes I do think about reversing my impulse back then but, at the same time…, there are so many things I'm grateful for because of it."

This conversation described her emotions well. The arrangement had brought both joy and doubt. It was hard. She could hope for it to resolve with a happy ending but the chances of that seemed low. Reminding herself about it helped her focus in the moment and the positive.

"I can understand."

Eve meant it. She had gained unforgettable moments and irreplaceable allies. Hell, she even learned the basics of modelling and, boy, was it rough. It really wasn't as easy as the photos make them seem. She gained more respect for people in the profession.

"Get some rest. I'll handle it. Ambryan has been spoiled since he was a kid but he can't have everything his way." Avery ended the call and checked on the progress. They found a possible candidate days ago. They just needed the finishing touches.

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'How did a person impersonate another?' Eve thought at the present time. She hadn't met the body double but she knew Avery already started the plan. For it to be convincing, the person had to both look the part and act like it.