Chapter 58

The phone rang, and Sebastian Valdemar's voice came through the receiver, deep and restrained.

"Valdemar Group is hosting the Shattered Stars Collection launch tomorrow night. Top designers in the industry will be there."

He paused, fingers lightly tapping the desk.

"I've already sent an invitation to Evelyn Roland from the design department."

Adrienne Klein tightened her grip on the phone. She caught the implication—the CEO was clearly hinting for Evelyn to attend.

"Don't worry, Mr. Valdemar. I'll handle it."

After hanging up, Adrienne immediately dialed the internal line. Within five minutes, Evelyn stood before her desk.

"Did you receive the invitation from Valdemar Group?"

Evelyn's lashes fluttered slightly as she nodded.

"You must attend tomorrow night," Adrienne said firmly. "It's a prime opportunity to network with industry leaders."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. She despised these superficial social events, but she had no choice. "Understood, Director."

News spread like wildfire through the design department.

In the break room, Isabella Langley crushed her paper cup in her hand. She glared at the news image of Valdemar Group on her screen, nails digging into her palm.

Why Evelyn again?

The sharp click of her heels echoed on the marble floor as she stormed into the CEO's office without knocking.

"Brother!"

Alexander Roland looked up from his documents, brows furrowed. "This is a workplace."

"Mr. Roland," Isabella corrected, though her tone remained defiant. "I want to attend Valdemar's event tomorrow night."

"Reason?"

"To learn!" She crossed her arms. "With so many master designers present, shouldn't I seize the chance to gain insights?"

Alexander closed the folder, his gaze sharp behind his glasses. He knew his sister too well.

"The invitations have already been sent."

"Then get another one!" She slammed her hands on his desk. "I'm a Langley heiress. Are you saying I can't even attend a gala?"

The air in the office turned icy.