Chapter 64

"Don't mention it. We're family, after all. Just don't push yourself too hard, alright?" Alexander said to Evelyn before ending the call. Then, his expression hardened as he turned back to the executives in the boardroom. "What are you all gaping at? If next month's reports are as dismal as this one, consider your positions terminated."

The upper management exchanged uneasy glances, curiosity burning in their eyes. Who had called Alexander just now? His wife, perhaps? One moment, he was the embodiment of ruthless authority, and the next, his voice had softened with warmth.

Meanwhile, Evelyn hung up and immediately noted down the amount she owed Alexander. Recalling Beverly’s advice, she realized she could leverage her prize money to secure a loan for a better apartment. Margaret’s rheumatism would benefit from a drier environment.

Determined, Evelyn went to Margaret’s room to share her plan.

Touched, Margaret squeezed her hand. "Evelyn, I think it’s a wonderful idea. Having your own place gives you security. And if you ever remarry, you won’t be entirely dependent on your husband."

"Aunt Margaret, I don’t plan on remarrying."

"Don’t be silly, dear. You have your brothers now. You can find someone worthy of you. Don’t close that door just yet. I’ll keep an eye out for suitable matches."

Evelyn smiled faintly, her hand drifting to her stomach. The moment she decided to keep the baby, she had already resolved never to marry again.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at work.

No sooner had she settled at her desk than Cassandra stormed over in a flurry of designer heels. "Evelyn, you did this on purpose!"

Evelyn took a deliberate bite of her breakfast croissant. "Did what?"

"Stop playing innocent! You tricked me into overseeing that project yesterday just to humiliate me!" Cassandra’s voice trembled with indignation, recalling the scolding she’d received.

All that effort dressing up for nothing.

Evelyn blinked innocently. "You volunteered. What exactly did I do?"

Cassandra’s face contorted, but she couldn’t form a retort. With a huff, she spun on her heel and marched away.

Evelyn finished her breakfast in peace. She knew Cassandra was the one who had betrayed her to Penelope, which led to Beatrice and Penelope publicly shaming her.

But Evelyn wasn’t a doormat anymore. She had learned to fight back.

That afternoon, uniformed officers entered the studio. "Who owns this company?"

Cassandra stepped forward, eager to deflect blame. "The owner isn’t here. How may I assist?"

"We’re here regarding a complaint about fraudulent advertising practices."

"That’s absurd! Our reputation is impeccable. Who filed this complaint?"

"Did you provide services for a certain estate? The owner lodged a formal grievance."

Estate? Evelyn’s mind raced. Then it clicked.

That bastard Nathaniel reported her?

Cassandra smirked and pointed at Evelyn. "Oh, that was her project. You can question her."

Evelyn stood as the officers approached. "Yes, I handled that client."

"Please come with us, ma’am."

Evelyn nodded, silently cursing Nathaniel as she followed them out.

After a brief discussion, the officers sighed. "Look, disagreements happen in projects like these. But you should communicate better. He paid the deposit, didn’t he?"

"You’re right, Officer. I’ll speak with him."

The moment she stepped outside, Evelyn dialed Nathaniel’s number, demanding an explanation.