Chapter 25

Jessica Rubinstein's nails dug deep into her palms as she glared at Evelyn Roland's retreating figure. Beneath that flawless makeup, the corners of her mouth twisted into a grotesque sneer.

"Who does she think she is?" she muttered under her breath.

The glass office door swung open abruptly.

Adrienne Klein strode in on ten-centimeter stilettos, her black blazer radiating authority. The entire design department fell silent.

Jessica's expression froze.

"Third Design Department dinner tonight," Adrienne announced, scanning the room before letting her gaze linger on Evelyn. "To celebrate Evelyn securing the Valdemar Group collaboration."

Hannah Clementson's folder hit the floor with a sharp slap.

"That's impossible!" Jessica blurted out.

Adrienne shot her an icy look. "Do you have a problem with that?"

Jessica's lips trembled, but no words came out.

Applause erupted like a tidal wave. Colleagues clapped while stealing glances at Jessica's ashen face.

Hannah sidled up to Evelyn with saccharine sweetness. "You're amazing, Evelyn~"

"Absolutely!"

"You've made our department proud!"

Amid the fawning chorus, Jessica's nails screeched across her desk. She shoved her chair back with a jarring scrape.

"I'm not feeling well. I'm leaving."

Hannah watched Jessica's retreating figure, her eyes crinkling with glee.

"Serves her right," she whispered.

Adrienne left after finalizing dinner arrangements. Hannah immediately latched onto Evelyn. "You knew this would happen, didn't you? You were waiting to humiliate her!"

Evelyn sorted through design drafts without looking up. "You're imagining things."

"Bullshit!" Hannah gesticulated excitedly. "You should've seen Jessica's face!"

Evening lights illuminated Grand Bliss Hotel as design team members gathered in the lobby.

Evelyn stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, fingertips lightly tapping the glass. Crystal chandelier light fractured across her profile.

"Well, well. If it isn't our 'hero'?"

A shrill female voice cut through the air behind her.