Page 62 of His Son's Ex

CHAPTER 17

EVA

Iknow they say time heals all wounds, but so far, all time has done is sharpen the ache I’m carrying around.

I throw myself into my job, living up to everyone’s expectations—no,exceedingthem—if the buzz around the office is anything to go by.

Executives smile when they see me, managers nod in approval, and my small cybersecurity team practically worships the ground I walk on. It’s both satisfying and draining, because each success reminds me who I’m not sharing it with anymore.

I demanded that Dante and I keep our distance, and he’s honored that demand. I see him in the corridors sometimes—a flash of his suit disappearing around the corner, or I’ll catch a glimpse of him in a meeting through the glass window of a conference room.

Every time, my heart tightens.

I can sense the tension in his posture, the barely contained storm in his eyes when they chance upon me. It’s mutual. When I feel his gaze from across the hall, my pulse hammers so fiercelyI can hardly think. But we stay away from one another, an unwanted necessity that weighs on both of us.

Because it’s what I asked for, what I need.

I cling to the solace of being busy and good at my job. With each passing week, I refine the company’s cybersecurity—plugging holes, upgrading firewalls, and implementing advanced threat detection.

It’s exhilarating, in a way, like playing a massive game of high-stakes chess against the world’s hackers. My victories pile up, bringing me accolades and fueling the office gossip mill.

Meanwhile, Luca is thrilled about my split with Dante. It’s painfully obvious, from the smug curve of his mouth whenever we cross paths to the little remarks he drops in meetings about how ‘some people need to understand their place in the company.’

Usually, I ignore him or shut him down with a snide comment of my own. He’s not worth a confrontation.

This morning, however, I feel too queasy to spare him the mental energy.

I slip into the lounge with a carefully curated smile, hugging a steaming cup of ginger tea. My stomach has been acting up since dawn, churning with a mix of anxiety and something else I can’t quite name. I’m half-convinced it’s just stress, but a tiny, niggling fear in the back of my mind suggests otherwise.

“Morning, Ms. Smith,” Ethan, one of the junior analysts greets me, giving a shy wave. “You feeling okay? You look a little pale.”

I force a reassuring nod. “I’m fine. Just super busy.”

He gives a sympathetic smile and goes back to his conversation with a colleague, leaving me to my seat by the window. I breathe deeply, hoping the tea will soothe my roiling stomach.

Luca saunters in, all self-important swagger. The atmosphere instantly changes, people suddenly remembering they have somewhere else to be. Luca’s arrogance has that effect. He spots me immediately and makes a beeline in my direction, wearing a grin that sets my entire body on edge.

“Well, good morning,” he says with mock cheer. “How’s life treating you these days?” He grabs the coffee pot and fills a mug, not bothering to hide his smirk.

I lift my teacup to my lips. “Busy. Some of us have real work to do.”

“Ouch.” He presses a hand against his chest in mock offense. “You know, my schedule’s packed too. Just finished a meeting with Dad about a potential newpartnership.” He turns, letting his emphasis on the word partnership dangle like a taunt.

I roll my eyes then take another sip of tea. “Good for you.”

He shrugs, stepping close enough to make me feel claustrophobic. “The office rumor mill says you’ve been killing it lately. Cyber queen status. Congratulations.”

I eye him warily. “Thank you.”

He leans in, voice dropping an octave. “But let’s be honest. All the success in the world doesn’t change the fact that Dad’s lost interest, does it?” His tone is light, but the jab is vicious. “You had your little fling, but he’s moved on. That has to burn.”

My pulse spikes with anger and a pang of hurt I refuse to show. I set my cup down slowly, rising to face him.

“You’re right about one thing. Your dad has moved on—fromyou,Luca. Because let’s be real, you’re irrelevant in this company. Everyone knows he only keeps you on the payroll out of familial pity, not because you’ve earned a damn thing.”

His smirk drops, jaw tightening, but he tries to laugh it off. “I wouldn’t talk about earning anything, considering you?—”

“Considering I’m running circles around you,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “At least my position isn’t based on nepotism. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I pivot on my heel, leaving him standing there, speechless.

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