Chapter 53

"Did your design lack even the most basic protective measures?" A colleague pointed at the shattered gem fragments on the floor, her voice shrill. "If you'd included cushioning structures, the gem wouldn't have broken on impact!"

Evelyn Roland swept a cold gaze over the group.

"Why don't you just admit it was your design flaw to Mr. Valdemar?" Another colleague sidled closer, lowering her voice. "He dotes on you so much—he won't hold you accountable."

"Why should I take the blame for you?" Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Even if I tell him the truth, he still won't fault me."

"You're heartless!" someone snapped, eyes red with panic. "This is a team project! If things go south, we all suffer!"

"No," Evelyn took a step back, crossing her arms. "Only you will suffer. Whoever dropped it should take responsibility. Don't drag me into this."

"This gem is priceless! How could we possibly afford to compensate?"

"We're doomed. Will Valdemar Group sue us?"

"Maybe we should just quit and run..."

"You can run, but you can't hide!"

Chaos erupted as fear twisted their faces.

Evelyn watched them dispassionately. These same people had just tried to guilt-trip her. Now they were scared?

Still, the damaged necklace would delay the project. A solution was needed—fast.

"Enough!" Adrienne Klein strode in on stiletto heels. Her pupils constricted at the sight of the fragments. As a seasoned designer, she recognized the genuine article instantly, her face draining of color.

"Useless fools! Can't even hold a piece of jewelry properly? Maybe you belong in a kitchen scrubbing dishes!"

The group fell silent. "Adrienne, please help us... Get Evelyn to intervene..."

Adrienne's tone softened when she turned to Evelyn. "This won't end well for anyone if it escalates. They can't pay for this, but the project can't stall... Could you go to Valdemar Group?"

Evelyn's expression eased slightly.

She respected Adrienne. For her, she'd make an exception. Besides, the problem wasn't unsolvable—she just despised her colleagues' hypocrisy.

Seeing her hesitation, Adrienne signaled the others.

"Sorry, Evelyn! We were desperate!"

"Please, be the bigger person and help us!"

Evelyn ignored their hollow apologies. "I'll go to Valdemar Group. But whatever happens next is on you."

Carefully gathering the fragments and remnants, she left without a backward glance.

——

Valdemar Group, Top-floor Office.

"Trouble?" Sebastian Valdemar arched a brow at Evelyn's unexpected visit, his gaze dropping to the velvet box in her hands.