Chapter 309

Evelyn quickly prepared a cup of coffee and handed it to Julian. "Your coffee, Vice President Blackwood."

She returned to her workstation, immediately immersing herself in her designs.

Julian took a sip. The rich aroma and perfect temperature surprised him. This wasn't your average office brew.

"Impressive skills," Julian remarked, giving Evelyn an approving nod. "Were you professionally trained?"

His admiration was genuine. Not only was Evelyn stunningly beautiful, but her coffee-making skills were exceptional.

"Just some part-time experience," Evelyn answered without looking up from her screen.

Those memories surfaced - the difficult years abroad after giving birth, working at that tiny café while battling postpartum depression. Five years had passed in a blink.

Julian stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about cooking? Are you any good in the kitchen?"

He was fishing for information to help his older brother.

Evelyn barely glanced up, wondering why the vice president was wasting her time with small talk when deadlines loomed.

As department head, Vivienne interrupted, "Modern girls like Evelyn don't bother with domestic skills, Vice President Blackwood. But I trained under my father, a Michelin-starred chef—"

Julian had already moved behind Evelyn, studying her design work with interest, completely ignoring Vivienne.

The other female designers stifled giggles at Vivienne's humiliation.

Scarlet-faced, Vivienne stormed back to her office in fury.

Julian observed Evelyn's focused profile - the soft features that hardened with concentration, making her even more captivating. Then his brow furrowed at what he saw on her screen.

"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood!" Abigail's loud greeting snapped everyone to attention.

Dominic strode into the design department, his tailored suit accentuating his powerful frame. The usual icy aura around him seemed even colder today, making employees shrink back.

After acknowledging the greetings with a curt nod, he commanded, "Evelyn, make me a coffee."

Noticing Julian hovering behind Evelyn, his expression darkened. He ordered his brother to meet him upstairs, then turned sharply toward the executive elevator.

Had the CEO really come down just for coffee? Or to fetch his brother? Both possibilities seemed absurd.

"Wait up, Brother! No wonder they call you the Ice King!" Julian called after him, earning shocked looks from the staff.

In the CEO's office, Julian lounged on the sofa. "Not bad taste in women, Brother. Skilled barista too. I'd pursue her myself if she wasn't already yours."

Dominic's expression remained glacial. "If you have time to flirt in Design, you clearly need more work. You'll leave for the East Africa negotiations the day after tomorrow."

Julian groaned dramatically. "You can't be serious! Business isn't my strength! What if I botch it?"

"Then stay there and learn from the regional team."

Julian slumped. "You're definitely not my real brother."

Meanwhile, Evelyn prepared Dominic's coffee with practiced efficiency.

Entering the CEO's office, she overheard Julian say, "Can I get her to make my coffee daily?"

"Make your own. Evelyn only brews for me," Dominic stated possessively.

Julian smirked. "Getting territorial over your fiancée?"

"Enough," Dominic cut him off.

"Your coffee, Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn set down the cup and turned to leave.

Dominic's voice softened unexpectedly. "Have you adjusted to the department?"

"I'm adapting. I'll work hard to meet expectations," Evelyn replied professionally.

A barely perceptible warmth entered Dominic's eyes as he dismissed her. Julian watched in astonishment.

"My robot brother actually showing human emotions? Evelyn must be special."

Then his expression turned serious. "Brother, the department head assigned Evelyn a senior-level project. It's clearly sabotage. A junior designer can't handle that workload."

Julian might play the playboy, but he read people well. Vivienne's blatant flirting had nearly made him nauseous.

"Evelyn needs to prove herself," Dominic stated. "She's talented but lacks confidence. This challenge will force her to grow. If she can't handle it, she won't survive in Design long-term anyway."

His gaze turned toward the window. He wanted to see Evelyn thrive...

At that same moment, an explosive article by Everett Kingsley, CEO of JK Media, was sending shockwaves through the city's elite circles.