Falling Into His Power

Chapter 2: An Unwanted Invitation

Evelyn’s POV

The morning following my late-night encounter with Peter Austin, I sat rigidly in my chair. I could still hear his ambiguous words: "Let's talk about your performance." I had hardly slept since I thought my desk would be awaiting a formal reprimand or possibly a letter of termination.

However, nothing appeared.

Rather, there was an extraordinary vibe about the office. The room was filled with whispers, louder than normal. Olivia's voice interrupted me as I was sending an email, trying to concentrate on my screen.

I was surprised to see you here this morning, Evelyn. She smiled and added, "I thought Mr. Austin might have finally sent you packing last night."

I kept my eyes on the keyboard and ignored her.

"Everyone, pay attention."

Every conversation in the room came to a halt when Peter's booming voice was heard. Mid-typing, my fingers froze. I was afraid to look up.

He declared, "This Friday night is our company gala." All top workers are required to attend. "My assistant," he said, looking across the room before settling on me, "will go with me to the event."

My head jerked up in surprise as I blinked. Me?

The office was filled with gasps and whispers. Olivia's astonished gaze swiftly turned into a fury as her jaw nearly fell to the ground.

Peter said, "You heard me," in a tone that made no space for disagreement. "Make the required preparations. That's all.

He turned and left the room in startled silence after saying that.

As the day wore on, the rumors only grew louder.

Behind me, someone whispered, "Why her?"

Olivia hissed, "She doesn't even know how to dress for something like that."

My cheeks were burning. She was not mistaken. I had absolutely nothing suitable for a gala. I had a few shabby blouses and skirts in my closet that I switched up for work. The thought of attending a glitzy gathering with well-to-do, well-dressed people made my stomach turn.

I was wallowing in self-doubt by midday.

"What would make him pick you?" Olivia's voice interrupted my train of thought. Her sharp nails tapped the surface of my desk as she bent over it. "Evelyn, don't get any notions. To him, you are merely a convenience. Avoid embarrassing yourself or the business.

I clenched my fists beneath the desk, keeping from her how painful her comments were.

I stood in front of my apartment's tiny mirror that night and gazed at my image. My expression was as drab as the light yellow walls behind me.

"What am I meant to do?" To myself, I mumbled.

I had no idea where to start. I was unable to buy a dress. And what difference would it make even if I could? In the world of Peter Austin, I was an outsider.

I avoided Peter as much as possible for the remainder of the week, living in a daze of anxiety and doubt.

The gala day came around far too soon.

In the end, I borrowed a dress from Mrs. Cooper, my neighbor. It was the best I could manage, but it was a plain navy gown that was a touch out of style and a little too big on me. In the hopes that no one would notice how worn out my black heels were, I wore them with them.

That night, my breath froze in my throat as I entered the opulent ballroom.

Overhead, crystal chandeliers glistened, bathing the sea of elegantly attired guests in a cozy glow. Men in fitted suits and women in designer dresses sipped champagne and joked with ease. In their world, I felt alienated.

Peter's voice came out behind me, "Evelyn."

I turned to see him coming closer, his authoritative presence emphasized by his sleek black suit. He didn't give me the same icy, menacing stare that he gave me at work. He seems to be... distracted tonight.

He looked at me from head to toe and remarked simply, "You're late."

I stumbled, fumbling with the hem of my garment, "Sorry."

"Avoid apologizing. Simply remain nearby and avoid causing any trouble. He didn't wait for my answer before leaving, and his tone was abrupt.

I wished I could vanish as I followed him, head down.

I felt totally out of place as the night went on. I tried to blend in by hovering at the fringes of the room while Peter hardly talked to me.

I noticed her at that point.

Whitmore, Lila. Her beautiful blonde hair fell in flawless waves, and she looked stunning in a sleek crimson gown. She blended in with the crowd with ease, and her laughter echoed.

Her smile turned into something ruthless as her piercing blue eyes met mine.

She strolled over and said, "Well, well." "Isn't it, Evelyn?"

"Yes," I said softly, trying to smile politely.

"Don't you work for Peter? His... assistant? With a tone full of derision, she spoke.

I nodded as my cheeks began to get hotter.

She looked at my clothing and laughed, saying, "How quaint." "Did your grandmother lend you that?"

My heart fell when I heard the tiny group around her chuckle.

I tried to speak steadily as I said, "I think it's nice."

"Nice" doesn't belong here, sweetheart," Lila smirked. "But well done. Isn't everyone in need of a little charity case?

I didn't want to acknowledge how deeply her remarks struck me. I glanced around in the hopes that Peter would defend me, but he was nowhere to be seen.

I crept behind a big marble column and into the ballroom's corner. I struggled to contain my emotions as my chest constricted.

"Why am I in this place?" I said to myself in a whisper.

From behind me came a suave voice that remarked, "Good question."

I turned in surprise and saw a man standing there. He had dark hair, was tall, and had a sweet grin that fell short of his piercing green eyes.

He held up his hands in a gesture of feigned surrender and apologized, saying, "I didn't mean to scare you."

I looked away and muttered, "It's okay."

He held out his hand and introduced himself as Daniel Kessler.

After a moment of hesitation, I shook it. "Evelyn."

"Evelyn," he said again, his smile widening. "I'm glad to have met you."

He seemed to know something I didn't, and something was unnerving about the way he gazed at me.

"Don't you work for Peter?" He leaned on the column and asked casually.

"Yes," I said hesitantly.

"Interesting," he commented in an intriguing tone.

I scowled. "What makes that intriguing?"

His mischievous eyes gleamed. "Oh, no cause. Simply... I have a long history with Peter. We have some knowledge of one another. Secrets.

"Secrets?" My gut tensing, I repeated.

His voice trailed off to a whisper as he moved closer. Indeed. And you, Evelyn, are involved in some of those secrets.

My heart stopped beating. "Me?"

He smiled mischievously and continued, "Let's just say your past isn't as simple as you think."

Before I could respond, Daniel slipped back into the crowd, leaving me frozen in place. What could he possibly know about my past? And why did I feel like my entire world was about to unravel?