Chapter 391

Abigail Thornton had spent years navigating office politics, but Evelyn Sinclair was a rare find—a colleague who stayed clear of workplace drama. That alone earned Evelyn Abigail's respect.

Their conversation was interrupted when Vivienne Laurent, the design department head, approached.

Vivienne's eyes locked onto Evelyn's with unreadable amusement. "Abigail, given your...condition, it's best you remain in the office. Evelyn, you'll be taking Abigail's place on the Vivi Group collaboration. Let's work well together," she declared, satisfaction dripping from every word.

After Abigail voluntarily stepped back from the project, Vivienne had seized the opportunity to insert herself.

Evelyn forced a polite smile. "It's an honor to collaborate with the department head."

The truth? She'd rather work with a nest of vipers. But some battles weren't hers to fight.

Vivienne sniffed. "Where's the proposal and budget report? I expect them in my inbox by end of day."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "The report covers executive summaries, blueprints, equipment lists, capital estimates, material costs, and construction timelines. Rushing it risks errors—and potential accidents. Are you prepared to shoulder that responsibility?"

Vivienne's glare could have melted steel. "Just get it done. Unless you enjoy being the office mascot?"

Once Vivienne stalked off, Abigail wheeled her chair closer. "This is your moment, Evelyn. Nail this project, and you're looking at a promotion. That woman's drunk on power—time to cut her down to size." She lowered her voice. "Rumor has it the project bonus pool hits seven figures. Top performer bags half a million."

"Half a million?" Evelyn barely stifled her gasp.

"Finance department gossip. Keep it quiet." Abigail winked. "Consider it motivation."

The number lit a fire in Evelyn's veins.

Dominic Blackwood was wealthy, but she refused to be dependent. She wasn't some clinging vine—she'd stand tall as his equal, roots entwined but branches reaching equally for the sun.

The thought sent determination coursing through her.

Abigail excused herself to the restroom, where she collided with a solid chest outside the men's room.

Strong hands steadied her as she stumbled back, instinctively cradling her stomach.

Sebastian Whitmore's gold-rimmed glasses glinted as he smirked. "Running from ghosts, Ms. Thornton?"

Something about her tugged at his memory—the scent of her perfume, maybe. It reminded him of that hazy night with a woman whose face he'd never seen, only to wake to stained sheets and an empty bed.

His search had turned up nothing. Until now.

"Release me, Mr. Whitmore." Abigail's voice was ice.

Sebastian blinked at her hostility but let go. She shoved past him, shoulder-checking him for good measure.

Infuriating woman, he thought. All that fire wrapped in silk.

——

After work, Evelyn collected Alexander and Isabella from kindergarten.

Isabella launched into her arms like a jubilant firework. "Mommy! Guess what? I made the city art finals!"

Evelyn kissed her forehead. "My brilliant girl! But remember—stay humble."

Isabella pouted. "Alexander's in three finals! Art, speech, and piano. Oliver Kensington made it too. Ugh—he's the worst."

She omitted that Oliver and Alexander had tied in every preliminary. In her eyes, the braid-pulling menace couldn't hold a candle to her brother.

Evelyn smoothed her daughter's flyaway curls. "Oliver's talented too. Play fair, sweetheart."

Alexander stood straighter under his mother's gaze, the sunset gilding his proud silhouette. Parents whispered as they passed—this boy was destined for greatness.

Evelyn kissed his cheek. "You're both my pride. Whatever place you take, trying your best is what matters."

Alexander's jaw set. "First prize is cash. I'll buy gifts for you and Dad. The rest can help so you don't work so hard."

Her heart clenched. At six, he shouldn't bear such burdens.

"Let's both work hard—you on your competitions, me on my project. Deal?"

Isabella pumped her fist. "I'll crush Oliver! Or Alexander will!"

——

Weeks passed in a blur of deadlines and competition prep.

Olivia Kensington returned to work, gaunt but determined. Abigail battled morning sickness while colleagues whispered about her mysterious pregnancy.

Evelyn's rapport with Dominic deepened.

Then catastrophe struck T Corporation—shattering Evelyn's hard-won peace.