Chapter 219: Web of Presumptions

"Now, you're doing an ad together. What does that imply to you?"

Eve resisted her urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. He still didn't let that go? How could he not be frustrated about them going in circles? 

She slowly breathed into her nose and spoke her words carefully as if talking to a child. "Sir Hathaway, please listen to me. I don't have romantic interests in Mr. Davis. Never had. We merely work together when it calls for it. That is all."

Ambryan chose to stay silent. Eve never broke eye contact. She hoped he could see that it was the truth. Even if he didn't know about her identity, this misunderstanding needed to be gone.

And for good. 

Because this was getting tiresome.

The twins watched their exchange. 

"Eve also likes someone else," Eri butted in.

Both Eve and Ambryan snapped their gazes towards her. She widened her eyes. He arched a brow and said, "Really?"

"Head over heels," Ede backed up, caressing the tail of her new cat plushie.

Eri gave him a look that in a I-told-you-so manner. Then, she continued by adding, "Practices her signature with his last name all over her notebook."

"I do not," her older sister denied.

"It's a figure of speech."

"Yan, you're here!" Avery called out as soon as she spotted him. Hand on Gin's wrist, she bolted to close the remaining distance. The teenager yelped and attempted to break free.

He finally got his wish when the madam let go to hug her son. Then, she turned to the rest. "Wow, everyone has prizes. Why don't I have one? Gin, why not take a shot for a lady?"

Her gaze sparkled into pleading puppy eyes. 

"Um…, okay."

"Yay!" She handed him the change from her recent food purchases. "I'm cheering for you."

Gin shook his head. His curly rust-colored hair brushed his forehead. Only one thought echoed in his head throughout the day, 'Females are troublesome.'

"Mother," Ambryan said.

"Yes?" She blinked up at him.

"You've been here all day."

"Yes…?"

He glanced at the ground for a second before looking back at her. "Have you noticed anything weird between Eve and Mr. Davis?"

"Why? Are you jealous?" The madam asked. The question came out so fast that it seemed like an automatic response.

Her son shook his head. "No, of course not." 

She clicked her tongue, not buying it for a second. Her attention shifted towards Eve. The poor girl was at a loss for words. Her heart went out to the secretary, silently apologizing for her son's ignorance.

That hope for a grandchild was moving further and further away. 

"I don't think there's anything," Avery started to say. "Last time I checked, Eve likes someone else."

"We told you!" the twins supported in unison. They frowned at the CEO. Disappointmet didn't begin to describe how they feel.

"You did?" The madam reacted to them. Then, she scoffed at her son. "And you didn't believe them? Why would kids lie?"

"Just skeptical, mother."

"Might as well as Mikael while you're at it then!"

"Ask me what?" Mikael inquired, rejoining the group. He had his hands on his hips. His eyes flickered across their face in search for answers.

"Mr. Davis." 

"Mr. Hathaway."

"I'd like to ask you something."

Eve's jaw dropped. "You're not seriou—"

"Do you have any romantic interest in my secretary?" Ambryan interrogated. His mother was right. It was better to be straightforward and to have it out in the open. 

Mikael was speechless. Was he serious? He looked in the madam's direction. She merely shrugged. A short sigh exhaled out of his nose.

He thought about the best way to answer. "Hold on a minute. Let me ask my empty abyss of feelings… Uh-huh. They said that I don't. Sorry, Ms. Hart. Nothing personal."

Rolling her eyes, Eve felt relieved that he handled it well. "I'd like to rebut that romantic interests are personal but no offense taken."

Avery looped hands with the male model. "Hey, Mikael. Have you tried the potato skewers? They are to die for. Do you want some too, kids?"

Eri and Ede perked up at the sound of free food. "Yes, please."

"Want me to carry you again, Eri?" Mikael offered as the four of them walked away. 

She shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm good."

"How about your stuff then? It's like having a bodyguard." 

"Sure."

Mikael and Avery held their hands while the sisters held each other.

"Uh, Mrs. Hathaway. Wait for me." Gin called out. He held a bag of candies in one hand and jogged up to them. One look at the CEO caused him to fear his life. 

'He still doesn't know?' Mikael mouthed at Avery. 'He's blind.'

The madam shook her head, hiding her amused smile. Then, she snorted and replied in the same manner. 'I agree.'

Alone, Eve leaned back on the counter and played with her new stuffed animal. Her thumbs pushed on the monkey's heart-shaped eyes.

"Seems like everyone is claiming that you like someone else," Ambryan said, breaking the silence and standing next to her. That piece of information caught his attention the most. 

Eve looked up and paused. Her eyes gradually stared off into space. "I do like someone. Very much. And it's not Mikael Davis. I feel so strongly for this person that no man can compare in my eyes."

Her words squeezed his chest. He opened his mouth but nothing came in nor out. His hands balled into fists at the crooks of his elbows. What was this feeling? Was it because others knew about it but he didn't?

Was this because he felt left out?

"Well?" Ambryan croaked. He cleared his throat, averting his eyes. It was easier to talk when he didn't see her.

"Well, what?" Eve asked. 

"Won't you tell me who it is?"

Frown lines creased between her eyebrows. "Excuse me, Sir Hathaway, but why are you asking these questions? I thought we're not supposed to share our private lives. I apologize but I think this is going a little too far."

"I see." Ambryan gritted his teeth. 

Children intruded their space. They pointed at the prizes and coaxed their guardians to let them play. The stall keeper explained the rules, answering any questions that has been raised.

"I didn't mean it to be—" Eve attempted to explain. This wasn't the silence she had gotten used to. Brick by brick, the wall that was once there slowly pieced itself back together. "I'll go check on the others."

She walked two steps before he spoke again.

"You're right. That was something I decided on before hiring a secretary. Thank you for following it all these years."

Eve closed her eyes. Her heart broke at his indifference. She found it difficult to breathe. This wasn't how she imagined things would become.

Turning around, she bowed low and held it for five seconds. "And I thank you for looking after me all this time. I will be going now."

Then, she dashed for the nearest restroom. The park was a regular destination. Its caretakers had restrooms built instead of using portable ones. They had people looking after the vegetation anyway. The same ones could keep the toilets clean.

The place was empty when Eve entered it.

Removing her glasses, she turned on the faucet and splashed water onto her face. Her lungs panted for air. She thought that she would cry but no tears filled her eyes. It would have been easier to handle than this… this…

… this whatever it was!

"That was quite the scene," a voice echoed off the tiled floor and walls.

Eve put her glasses back on and pulled her guard up. Tap water trickled down her chin. "Who are you?"

Rose pink lips smiled at her. "Me? Just a spectator."

"Really? You look familiar." Eve squinted. Pale skin, light blonde hair, amber eyes and designer clothing? She must be from a family of donors like the Hathaways. 

"That person you mean must be beautiful then," the mysterious woman teased. She propped her shoulder against the doorframe of the entrance. "I'm flattered."

"Please excuse me."

Eve strode towards her, intending to exit.

"I overheard your conversation," the woman finally revealed. Her eyes drooped at the corners. "The man you like… it's him, isn't it? But he can't see your feelings."

Flabbergasted, Eve crossed her arms over her chest. The last thing she needed was someone's pity—especially from a person who believed they knew everything just from one conversation.

"I fail to see how this involves you," she spat. 

"No need to be rude." The woman chuckled. She combed her fingers through her hair and checked on her acrylic nails. "I can help you."

"Thank you for the thought but I decline."

Eve stepped forward. 

A slim arm shot out to block her way. "I don't think you understand. Unless I help you, he'd never see you as a woman."

"I'd rather keep my job, Miss. You heard everything, didn't you? That's a line I cannot cross if I want to stay by his side. Now, if you excuse me, I have my family to look for."

Eve shoved the arm away and stomped out of the restroom, forgetting that the woman had wealth, power and influence. Whatever. They seemed to be in the same age. She guessed that the woman's fortune came from old money.

The woman clawed at the doorframe. Hostility simmered in her amber eyes. "That's exactly the issue. I want you away from him."