Chapter 18

"This design draft must be delivered to Valdemar Group in person—straight into Sebastian Valdemar's hands." Adrienne Klein slammed the kraft paper envelope onto the desk. "Find a way to make him approve it, or kiss your paycheck goodbye."

Evelyn Roland's fingers twitched.

Sebastian again.

That man was like a persistent ghost.

"Problem?" Adrienne narrowed her eyes.

"None." Evelyn picked up the file briskly.

Adrienne watched her retreating back, lips curling into a smirk. Everyone in the design department knew Sebastian was notoriously difficult. For three months, the third design team's proposals had been rejected repeatedly.

"Newbies always think they can handle anything," she muttered under her breath.

Whispers rippled through the office.

"She actually took on Mr. Valdemar's project?"

"Let's see how long before she comes back crying."

"I give her ten minutes."

Only Hannah Clementson chased after her, worried. "Evelyn, I heard Mr. Valdemar is terrifying..."

"Relax." Evelyn patted her shoulder and stepped into the elevator without looking back.

——

Top floor of Valdemar Group.

Evelyn stood before the CEO's office, taking a deep breath. If not for hiding her true identity, she'd never want to lay eyes on that scumbag again.

"Enter." A deep voice resonated from inside.

Sebastian was bent over his desk, his gaze razor-sharp behind gold-rimmed glasses. When he recognized the visitor, his pen skidded across the document, leaving an ugly ink stain.

"You?"

His eyes dropped to the ID badge on her chest, brows knitting. "A designer from KL?"

Evelyn placed the file on his desk. "For your review, Mr. Valdemar."

Instead of opening it, he studied her, slowly enunciating her name. "Evelyn... Roland?"

"Is there a problem?" She met his gaze head-on.

"Nothing." He smirked. "Just reminded me of someone I used to know."

"What a coincidence." Her expression didn't flicker. "My colleagues often say I share a surname with the big boss."

Sebastian finally flipped open the file—only to snap it shut after a glance. "Unacceptable."

Expected.

Evelyn reached for the file. "I'll revise it."

"Wait." His hand pressed down on the corner. "I'm more curious why someone with medical expertise would switch to design."

"That's personal." Her voice turned icy. "Since you're unsatisfied, no point wasting time."

"In a hurry?" His lips curved. "I wasn't finished. This draft is inadequate, but I'll give you a chance—come back tonight at seven to discuss revisions."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"

"Then KL's collaboration with Valdemar ends here." He removed his glasses leisurely. "I doubt your supervisor would appreciate that news."