Chapter 259

Evelyn remembered that sequence of numbers vividly.

During one particularly heated moment between them, she'd asked Dominic about his birthday.

He'd whispered those digits against her skin, making her repeat them until they were seared into her memory.

"Something wrong, Evelyn?" Olivia looked puzzled.

Few knew the details of Dominic's private life.

Most employees remained unaware of his birthday, and it certainly wasn't information available online.

"Nothing. Why was the password changed?" She kept her tone casual.

"No idea. It happened when the new supervisor arrived. That woman's impossible to read. Between us? I can't stand her. All that humility she shows in interviews? Pure act." Olivia didn't hold back.

"Well, she's earned the right to be difficult. Let's discuss this later." Evelyn returned to her sketches.

Olivia had always been blunt, a trait that often got her into trouble.

But she'd been working on tempering her honesty since joining the company.

Noticing Evelyn studying various designs, Olivia offered, "I've got some senior designers' work you could reference. To really fit in here, you'll need to understand our signature styles. I'll email you our most notable projects."

Evelyn nodded her thanks.

Though she'd secured her place at T Corporation, staying required constant growth. To carve out her own niche, she needed to outshine the competition through sheer talent.

Meanwhile, in Vivienne's impeccably decorated office...

Vivienne sat before her computer, clutching a design document.

One corner bore the marks of repeated handling - crumpled and folded.

Her brief overseas trip had been interrupted by disturbing reports from her informant: Dominic was growing close to a new employee.

Rumors swirled about his protectiveness toward his cousin's wife. Whispers of physical altercations on her behalf.

He'd rejected Seraphina Prescott, his mother's chosen bride, for this woman...

The stories seemed outrageous, yet Vivienne couldn't shake her unease.

She'd coveted that man for years. How dare some newcomer threaten her position?

Other women's advances had never concerned her. Dominic always rejected them outright.

But Evelyn felt different. Dangerous.

Every instinct screamed that this woman was more than she appeared.

"Ms. Laurent." The design lead entered with steaming coffee.

This woman served as Vivienne's eyes within T Corporation, though even she could only gather scraps about Dominic's private life.

Vivienne massaged her temples, gesturing toward the desk. "Tell me about this Evelyn."

The lead recalled her clashes with Evelyn and spilled every detail.

"You may not know, Ms. Laurent, but the boss personally brought her in. No real skills, comes and goes as she pleases, yet no one dares question her... Last month during our town visit, colleagues saw Dominic enter her room. He didn't leave until morning. Next day? The little slut looked thoroughly ravished. Hickeys everywhere. Disgusting..." She embellished freely.

The lead watched with satisfaction as Vivienne's expression darkened.

She'd aligned with Yvette, bullying Evelyn based on Beatrice's preference. But Yvette had disappeared...

Now she feared retaliation.

Vivienne's return offered protection.

The lead had risen by currying Vivienne's favor, becoming her trusted spy.

Eager to continue her tirade, she was cut off by Vivienne's dismissive wave.

Left alone, Vivienne gripped the document, struggling to contain her rage.

Then she schooled her features into calm indifference.

Rising, she took the elevator to the top floor.

Her knock was answered by that crisp baritone: "Enter."

Dominic commanded attention effortlessly.

His custom suit accentuated his striking features - handsome yet dangerous.

More magnetic than when Vivienne had left six months prior.

She presented the design document. "The Nimbus International proposal."

Dominic set aside his pen, accepting the file while massaging his brow.

Vivienne recognized his tired gesture.

Evelyn festered in her mind, but she revealed nothing.

As he reviewed the designs, Dominic remarked, "Your style's changed, Ms. Laurent. Something troubling you?"

Her pulse jumped.

True, distracted, she'd overlooked details. Normally meticulous, she hadn't expected him to notice.

His perception unnerved her...