Chapter 308

Evelyn walked into T Corporation on Monday morning to find her coworkers staring at her with mixed expressions. Some looked sympathetic, others pitied her, while a few barely concealed their smirks. Whispers followed her as she moved through the office.

Only Abigail showed genuine concern.

Unable to bear it any longer, Abigail pulled Evelyn aside near the copy room. "I saw that Xeddit post," she said in a hushed tone. "It's obviously fake. I know you'd never do those things. Just focus on your work and ignore the gossip."

Evelyn felt a lump form in her throat.

In this sea of judgment, having one person believe in her meant everything.

She assured Abigail she was fine, then asked about Olivia.

"Not good," Abigail admitted. "Her illness seems serious this time. She barely speaks." This was unusual for the normally vibrant Olivia.

Guilt twisted Evelyn's stomach. "This is all my fault..."

Abigail gave her shoulder a playful nudge. "Don't be ridiculous. People get sick. Her mother's taking care of her at home."

Before Evelyn could respond, Vivienne Laurent, the design department head, strode in wearing a deep V-neck sweater that accentuated her cleavage. "Have you finished the design, Evelyn?" she demanded.

Evelyn blinked. "What design?"

Abigail jumped in. "She just returned from leave yesterday. Can you give her—"

"You think this is your family business?" Vivienne cut her off sharply. "That you can come and go as you please? I emailed your assignments days ago. Did you even check your inbox?"

Evelyn's stomach dropped. She hadn't.

"I apologize, Ms. Laurent," she said evenly. "I'll complete it immediately."

"Apologies won't cut it. The client expects the designs tomorrow. Any delays will be on your head." Vivienne's smirk was barely concealed.

As the department head strutted away, Abigail peeked at Evelyn's screen. "She gave you the Sterling account? That's impossible! Six senior designers already tried—all rejected. What does she expect from a junior designer?"

Evelyn studied the brief silently. Difficult or not, she'd give it her best shot.

"Ladies!" A smooth male voice interrupted. Julian Blackwood, the company's charming vice president, leaned against the doorway. "Who'll make me coffee this fine morning?"

Vivienne immediately straightened, batting her lashes. "I'd be delighted, Mr. Blackwood."

But Julian's gaze slid past her, landing on Evelyn in her yellow coat. "You there," he said with feigned casualness. "My brother mentioned your excellent coffee skills."

Every female eye in the room turned to Evelyn with varying degrees of envy.

Vivienne's face darkened as Evelyn stood. The department head's nails dug into her palms. First the CEO's attention, now the VP's? This newcomer was becoming a serious problem.