Chapter 24

Evelyn Roland's fingers trembled slightly as she handed the design draft to Adrienne Klein.

The blueprint had undergone a complete transformation, bearing no resemblance to the initial version submitted to Mr. Roland. Every detail had been meticulously refined, as if the most brilliant summer sunlight had been crystallized onto paper.

Adrienne studied the design for a long moment.

"Is this your work?" Her fingertip tapped the centerpiece necklace on the drawing.

Evelyn pressed her lips together and nodded.

"Impressive." Adrienne rarely showed approval. "Securing the partnership with Valdemar Group is largely thanks to you."

The office air conditioning hummed loudly, yet a thin layer of sweat formed on Evelyn's back.

She understood the subtext—this unqualified hire with only a vocational degree actually had real talent.

"However—" Adrienne's tone shifted abruptly. "Young people must guard against arrogance. The Third Design Department doesn't tolerate slackers."

She stood and walked to Evelyn's side, giving her shoulder a firm pat. The gesture wasn't harsh, but it made Evelyn's heart tighten.

"I understand." Evelyn met Adrienne's scrutinizing gaze.

She knew Adrienne's prejudice wouldn't vanish overnight. But time would tell.

As she exited the office, dozens of eyes locked onto her.

Hannah Clementson rushed over first. "Did the director give you trouble?"

Her voice was hushed but laced with concern.

Evelyn shook her head. "It's fine."

Her peripheral vision caught the colleague whose design had been replaced, sitting in the corner. She chose silence.

"Who do you think you are?" Jessica Rubinstein's shrill voice cut through the air. "Someone like Sebastian Valdemar—do you really think you can handle him?"

Hannah's face flushed with anger. "Weren't you the one who got kicked out of his office?"

The room fell dead silent.

Jessica's face darkened. "Hannah! Are you looking for death?"

She raised her hand as if to charge forward but was restrained by other colleagues.

Evelyn grasped Hannah's wrist. "Let's go."

Her calm tone only infuriated Jessica further.

"Evelyn Roland! What gives you the right?" Jessica shrieked behind them. "You're just a useless backdoor hire!"

Evelyn walked away without looking back.

In the hallway, Hannah still fumed. "How dare she speak to you like that?"

"It doesn't matter." Evelyn paused. "What matters is we secured Valdemar."

Hannah's eyes widened. "Really?"

Evelyn gave a slight nod.

The sound of shattering glass echoed behind them. Without turning, Evelyn knew Jessica had been eavesdropping.

Now, the real show would begin.