Chapter 122

Evelyn was just settling in for some well-deserved rest when the sharp click of Cassandra's designer heels pierced through the quiet room.

Without preamble, Cassandra thrust a thick folder into Evelyn's hands. "Make sure this gets delivered properly. If the client has any complaints, you'll handle the revisions personally."

Evelyn flipped through the documents, frowning. "Isn't this your responsibility?"

Cassandra smirked. "Technically, yes. But I have more pressing matters to attend to."

She leaned in, her voice dripping with condescension. "Besides, since you've been clocking in all weekend, it's only fair you take this one. We can't have dead weight on the payroll, can we?"

With that, she spun on her heel and strode out.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. Once this was done, she could finally go home and collapse into bed.

She took a sip of steaming chamomile tea, letting the warmth soothe her frayed nerves.

Outside, she hailed a cab and gave the driver an address to one of the most exclusive penthouses in the city.

A uniformed maid answered the door.

"Hello, I'm from Prestige Designs," Evelyn said, forcing professionalism into her voice. "I'm here to follow up on the client's satisfaction with our recent interior work."

"Right this way," the maid murmured.

Evelyn followed her into an opulent living space—and froze.

At the center of the room, displayed like a priceless artifact, was a breathtaking ivory wedding gown.

"Is that—?" Evelyn's breath caught. "That's the legendary Lulu Vuitton bridal collection piece. The only one in existence."

Penelope appeared with a smug smile. "This is the engagement gown Victoria picked out."

She ran a possessive hand over the delicate beading. "Stunning, isn't it? You'd have to work three lifetimes just to afford the thread holding these diamonds."

When Victoria descended the staircase, everything clicked into place.

"Penelope, don't be dramatic," Victoria chided lightly. "It's just a placeholder. I'm having a custom piece made for the actual ceremony."

Evelyn straightened her blazer. "Ms. Sinclair, are you satisfied with the renovations so far?"

Victoria and Penelope exchanged a look dripping with unspoken superiority.

A prickle of unease ran down Evelyn's spine. She needed to get this over with quickly.

Victoria took the documents with a practiced smile. "Nathaniel and I decided a fresh start was necessary. Hence the new property."

Evelyn kept her expression carefully blank, gaze fixed just past Victoria's shoulder.

Victoria's smile tightened. She'd expected at least some reaction after finally securing Nathaniel's commitment.

Every obstacle in her path—she was certain Evelyn was behind them. Yet now, the woman stood there like a stone wall.

"While your firm's work is... adequate," Victoria continued, "there are adjustments needed."

"The memory wall for wedding photos isn't to our taste. And the master bedroom mattress is unacceptable." She arched a brow. "You'll arrange replacements immediately?"

"Of course. I'll have our team address it first thing," Evelyn replied.

Penelope stepped forward. "We're settling this today, Evelyn. You're coming with us to select a new bed."

Her smile was razor-sharp. "A little manual labor might justify that salary of yours."

Evelyn suppressed a sigh. This was going to be a long afternoon.

She trailed behind them into the city's most luxurious home furnishings emporium.

Soothing classical music floated through the upscale mall, but the aggressive air conditioning made Evelyn shiver. Her head throbbed—she'd been fighting a cold all week.

"Keep up," Penelope snapped over her shoulder.

Evelyn quickened her pace despite the dizziness creeping in.

As they approached the flagship bedding boutique, a familiar broad-shouldered silhouette made her breath hitch.