Chapter 428

The click of high heels echoed through the laboratory corridor as Scarlett Galatea walked with practiced grace.

"Miss Galatea looks stunning today!"

"I heard she pulled all-nighters for this project."

A group of female employees huddled together, whispering while stealing glances at Scarlett.

A gentle smile played on her lips as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Good morning, everyone."

Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze skimming across a lake.

"Good morning, Mrs. Valdemar!"

Someone called out first, and soon the entire lab erupted in greetings.

Scarlett's cheeks flushed pink as she feigned embarrassment. "Don't say that."

But inside, her heart swelled with sweetness.

Her calculated efforts had paid off. Every day, she dressed meticulously, timing her appearances in the corridors Sebastian Valdemar frequented. Though the man remained ice-cold, the entire company now acknowledged her unofficial status.

"Miss Galatea and Mr. Valdemar are a match made in heaven."

"Absolutely. He's never had another woman by his side."

Scarlett's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she absorbed their flattery.

Just then, the glass doors slid open.

"Good morning, Mrs. Valdemar!"

The receptionist's chirpy voice cut through the quiet space like a needle.

Evelyn Roland froze mid-step.

Her sharp gaze zeroed in on the source.

A cluster of employees fawned over a woman in a lab coat. The woman's delicate profile and carefully curated elegance reeked of affectation.

"Please, don't call me that." Scarlett pretended to shy away. "Mr. Valdemar wouldn't like it."

"Nonsense! You're the one he personally invited to lead this project."

"We're all waiting for wedding invitations!"

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile as she pulled out her phone and hit record.

The screen lit up with Sebastian's message:

"At the office yet?"

"Just arrived," she typed swiftly. "Watching your fiancée's performance."

After sending it, she leaned against the wall, arms crossed, observing the farce with icy detachment.

Scarlett was in her element now. "Once the project wraps up, dinner's on me."

"Make sure Mr. Valdemar foots the bill!"

"When will you introduce him to us, Miss Galatea?"

Scarlett opened her mouth to respond when she spotted the figure by the doorway. Her face drained of color.

"M-Miss Roland?"

The lab plunged into silence.

The employees turned to see Evelyn, their expressions shifting like a kaleidoscope of horror.

Evelyn pocketed her phone with deliberate slowness.

"Don't stop on my account," she purred. "I'm enjoying the show."