Chapter 351

Julian Blackwood felt like crying. He had essentially dug his own grave.

He had assumed his future sister-in-law was a meek lamb, but she turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"I thought I knew you well, Evelyn. How could you do this to me?" Julian grumbled bitterly.

Dominic Blackwood strode toward the CEO's office with an icy tone. "Seems you have too much free time on your hands. If you're not busy here, I can arrange for you to leave for South Africa immediately. Mr. Whitmore will book the earliest flight."

Julian dramatically clutched his chest. "Brother! Must you be so cruel? The world needs kind-hearted younger brothers like me! I idolize you—"

Evelyn Sinclair nearly facepalmed.

This was her first time witnessing such childish banter between the two brothers.

Julian shot Dominic a resentful glare before slinking back to his office.

He had mountains of tedious paperwork waiting—anything to avoid being shipped off to South Africa.

When Evelyn returned to the design department, whispers immediately followed her.

Colleagues exchanged knowing glances while murmuring behind her back. They kept their voices low, careful not to be overheard.

Though not officially married yet, her status as the boss's woman was undeniable.

While some resented Evelyn, they were seasoned professionals who knew better than to provoke her openly.

Bernadette Worthing, the department head, seethed with resentment.

During the recent design meeting, Evelyn's stellar performance had completely overshadowed Bernadette's embarrassing blunder. She'd nearly become the department laughingstock.

She couldn't stomach being outshone by a newcomer.

Even knowing Evelyn was the boss's woman, Bernadette was determined to retaliate.

In her eyes, only the beautiful, talented Vivienne Laurent deserved Dominic.

Vivienne had worked alongside Dominic for years. Their solid bond couldn't possibly be broken by some unremarkable newcomer.

Bernadette convinced herself Dominic's infatuation with Evelyn was temporary. Once the novelty wore off, he'd see reason.

She believed Dominic was too intelligent to be ruled by primal instincts like other men.

What did Evelyn have besides a pretty face?

Women like her were a dime a dozen. How could she compare to Vivienne's brilliance and creativity?

As Vivienne's loyal subordinate, Bernadette knew her career would skyrocket if Vivienne became Mrs. Blackwood.

The moment Evelyn sat down, Bernadette marched over and snapped, "Do you think T Corporation is your personal playground, Evelyn? I warned you about taking excessive leave, yet you've ignored me! Your attendance record this month is atrocious—absent half the time! Don't think you can flout rules just because you're sleeping with the boss!"

Gasps rippled through the office.

No one could tell if Bernadette was brave or suicidal.

Openly berating the boss's woman? Was she trying to get fired?

Evelyn remained unfazed by the gossip or Bernadette's outburst. She stood her ground.

Meeting Bernadette's glare head-on, she replied calmly, "Ms. Worthing, T Corporation's policies don't restrict employee leave duration. Despite my absences, I've completed every assignment you emailed me—all submissions are in your inbox."

Having chosen to be with Dominic, she anticipated workplace rumors. If she couldn't withstand this pressure, how could she stand beside him?

Bernadette was momentarily speechless.

Evelyn powered up her computer and began working, leaving Bernadette fuming with ineffective rage.

Abigail Thornton muffled a giggle behind her hand.

Bernadette shot her a venomous look before stomping back to her desk in defeat.

She immediately texted Vivienne, currently in Western Europe. If Vivienne didn't return soon, Evelyn might cement her position as Dominic's favorite.

Without Vivienne's backing, Bernadette feared Evelyn might retaliate.

Meanwhile, Evelyn, Abigail, and Gregory Peterson huddled together, reviewing the Vivi Group collaboration project.

Evelyn studied the documents intently.

She knew veteran designers resented her—a newcomer—leading such a major project when they hadn't gotten the chance.

She'd only joined months ago without any notable achievements. Of course they'd envy her sudden rise.

While no one dared challenge Dominic's decision, Evelyn refused to decline. Pressure might yield unexpected results!

She understood this perfectly. Hard work was her only path to changing perceptions.

The Vivi Group project could make or break her career.

From the documents and discussions with Abigail and Gregory, she grasped the project's magnitude.

T Corporation and Vivi Group had jointly purchased prime downtown real estate in A City. Their plan? Rapid development featuring commercial stores, hotels, a shopping mall, luxury serviced apartments, and an exclusive gated community.

Evelyn was stunned.

Only Dominic possessed the resources to acquire and transform such premium urban land.