Chapter 27

Evelyn walked back into the design department.

She'd shaken Nathan off downstairs, but she'd still have to face him at their workstations.

At least their desks were far apart.

Abigail Thornton watched Evelyn sit down and immediately checked her reflection, sighing. "We both pulled an all-nighter on that business trip. How come you look flawless while I've got these dark circles?"

One of their female colleagues leaned over anxiously. "What eye cream do you use, Evelyn?"

Evelyn blinked awkwardly. "I... don't use any."

"Seriously?!" The colleague gasped. "Are you some kind of goddess? No dark circles after staying up all night? We should just dump all the overtime on you!"

Abigail set her mirror down with a teasing smirk. "Don't bully Evelyn. Her boyfriend Nathan's right here to protect her!"

The office buzzed with envy.

But Abigail noticed something off—both Evelyn and Nathan seemed tense.

Later, exhausted, Evelyn grabbed her mug for coffee. Abigail followed.

Once they were alone in the pantry, Abigail checked the hallway before whispering, "Did you and Nathan fight?"

They'd bonded during their H City trip. To Evelyn, Abigail wasn't just a senior colleague—she actually cared about the new hires.

"We broke up."

Abigail froze. "But you were fine on the drive back! What happened?"

Evelyn stirred her coffee silently.

"Okay, you don't have to talk about it." Abigail backtracked, feeling awkward. "Couples fight. Give it a few days—"

Evelyn shook her head sharply.

Abigail didn't push further. They weren't close enough for deep personal talks.

At lunch, Abigail wanted to invite Evelyn out, but Olivia Kensington got there first. Fine—Olivia was Nathan's sister. Maybe family could help.

Walking to the cafeteria, Olivia groaned. "I don't know what's wrong with my idiot brother. Why would he believe that witch Sophia?"

Evelyn forced a laugh. "It doesn't matter."

The strained sound made Olivia bristle. "Don't give up so easily! If that bitch wants to play games, we'll play dirtier."

Evelyn's phone rang—Vivienne Laurent, head of design.

"Gotta take this," Evelyn whispered.

Olivia nodded, heading to order food. She knew Evelyn's favorites by heart. When Evelyn returned, two lunches waited.

Evelyn sat and picked up her chopsticks. "I have to eat fast. Vivienne's sending me on another assignment."

"Another trip?!" Olivia shrieked.

"Not this time." Evelyn swallowed a bite. "Some director's daughter is visiting. Higher-ups want her well entertained. Abigail and I are on welcoming duty."

Olivia stabbed her rice. "Newbies get all the grunt work. Abigail loves sucking up, but why drag you into it? If she gets promoted, do you get a cut?"

She tapped Evelyn's bowl warningly. "Don't take any crap. If she's rude, call me. I'll tear her apart."

Evelyn wolfed down her food. "Gotta run." She vanished before Olivia could protest.

The company sent a car to fetch Penelope Worthington from the airport.

Penelope emerged—petite but towering in 20cm heels. Her Chanel ensemble and limited-edition Hermès bag screamed wealth. With her jewelry, her outfit cost over a million.

Abigail muttered, "Her dad's a government official. Isn't she worried about corruption scandals?"

Penelope approached the car.

Evelyn greeted her politely. "Good afternoon, Miss Worthington."

Penelope's flippant "Afternoon!" dripped with disdain as she eyed their professional attire. Peasants.

Sebastian Whitmore was driving, but Penelope treated him differently—probably because she'd researched Dominic Blackwood's inner circle.

She insisted on sitting upfront to chat with Sebastian. Evelyn and Abigail sat silently in back.

Penelope leaned toward Sebastian. "Mr. Whitmore, does Mr. Blackwood have a girlfriend? I never see women around him."

Sebastian smiled tightly. "I wouldn't know about Mr. Blackwood's private life. You should ask him directly."

Penelope huffed but dropped it.

Evelyn stared out the window until Sebastian added casually, "Men like Mr. Blackwood are... intense. They don't fall easily, but when they do, it's for life. If his woman betrays him?" He chuckled darkly. "She'd better pick out a graveyard plot and urn in advance."

Evelyn couldn't see Penelope's reaction.

But her own blood ran cold. Love or death? What kind of twisted obsession was that?