Chapter 319

The design meeting commenced.

Dominic Blackwood occupied the head seat, his tailored Armani suit accentuating his commanding presence. His piercing gaze swept across the conference room as he delivered concise opening remarks before listening to departmental reports.

The agenda focused on "Enhancing Design Efficiency."

Designers from various divisions exchanged insights about emerging industry trends. Though specializing in different fields, they found common ground in discussing the prestigious Finishing Touch Atelier and Visionary Concepts Studio - two globally acclaimed design houses that had revolutionized aesthetics in recent years.

As a multinational powerhouse, T Corporation employed top-tier designers who not only anticipated trends but actively shaped them. The spirited discussion lasted ninety minutes.

Next came monthly performance reviews.

Department heads highlighted achievements while singling out both exemplary and underperforming staff. Those receiving praise beamed with pride - recognition from the CEO often meant promotions and bonuses.

Underperformers shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Losing a position at T Corporation meant forfeiting the industry's most generous compensation package.

When Vivienne Laurent, head of architectural design, took the floor, she cast a meaningful glance at Evelyn before beginning. "This month, two team members deserve special mention - Gregory Peterson for completing the most profitable projects, and Abigail Thornton for consistently exceeding client expectations."

Her tone darkened. "However, we must address certain... disappointing elements."

All eyes followed Vivienne's venomous stare to Evelyn Sinclair.

Evelyn's stomach dropped as the department head continued. "Ms. Sinclair, as a design assistant, you should be striving for promotion rather than slacking. Your absenteeism and lackluster output are unacceptable. T Corporation rewards excellence - we don't tolerate dead weight."

The room erupted in murmurs.

Every designer turned to scrutinize Evelyn, ignoring Dominic's thunderous expression.

Company policy clearly stated only senior designers could attend A606 meetings. Why was an assistant present? This couldn't be accidental - someone must have informed her.

Was the CEO showing favoritism?

The famously private Dominic Blackwood had never been linked to any woman except in that JK Media scandal. Could this plain assistant be the mystery woman?

Speculative whispers swirled as dozens of eyes raked over Evelyn's slender frame.

Though visibly uncomfortable under the scrutiny, Evelyn's delicate features and luminous eyes couldn't be hidden. She shrunk into her chair, wishing to disappear.

Vivienne smirked internally.

'Let's see if Mr. Blackwood defends his little mistress publicly.'

She'd deliberately shamed Evelyn, confident Dominic wouldn't intervene. The CEO valued fairness above all - he wouldn't risk his reputation for an illicit affair.

Dominic's fingers stilled around his Montblanc pen. His glacial gaze could freeze molten steel.

Vivienne hastily looked away, a chill running down her spine.

'Have I miscalculated?'

She reassured herself Dominic wouldn't openly protect Evelyn before the entire design team. The girl would have to face this humiliation alone.

How wrong she was.

Dominic's inscrutable expression concealed volcanic fury. His gaze lingered on Evelyn's bowed head.

The woman possessed remarkable talent but lacked workplace resilience. This public shaming would either break her - or forge her into something stronger.