Chapter 428

The meeting concluded at 3:30 sharp.

Design department employees filed back to their workspaces, resuming their tasks.

Evelyn Sinclair opened her work inbox and spotted an email from Christopher Prescott.

The retired statesman had left detailed feedback on her architectural design.

He wrote that encountering a talent like hers was rare, and invited her to visit his residence. Several sheepish emojis followed, making him seem almost childlike.

Evelyn chuckled. The notoriously demanding old man had an unexpectedly endearing side.

As she closed her mailbox, a notification popped up—a friend request from "ElegantDuchess."

Her fingers hovered over the screen. Then she remembered Genevieve Prescott asking for her contact details earlier.

She'd assumed it was just politeness, but here was the actual request.

Evelyn accepted. She waited, but no message appeared. Probably offline.

She resisted sending a greeting first. No need to seem like she was currying favor. Socializing with strangers wasn't her forte anyway.

Curious, she browsed Genevieve's profile.

No selfies. Just philosophical musings, wellness articles, and elegant event photos showing her profile.

The tasteful posts painted a portrait of a sophisticated woman who appreciated painting, flower arrangement, piano, and yoga. There were even shots of her completing endurance races.

Evelyn was impressed. Mrs. Prescott might be the most remarkable woman she'd ever encountered.

A thick stack of documents slammed onto her desk.

"Bold of you to scroll through social media during work hours," Bernadette Worthing snapped.

Evelyn calmly locked her phone and slid it away.

She turned with practiced neutrality. "How may I assist you, Madam?"

Bernadette jabbed a manicured finger at the papers. "I need these reports and spreadsheets copied."

"Of course." Evelyn gathered the documents.

This had been routine since she joined T Group—endless menial tasks outside her job description. But they took little time or effort, so she never complained.

Olivia Kensington caught her arm as she passed. "You're too accommodating! You've been here six months and Granny Worthing still treats you like an errand girl. You're a certified designer now—why tolerate this?"

Evelyn smiled. "It's nothing demanding. I'll finish quickly."

Olivia huffed. "You're letting her walk all over you! No one else gets assigned this nonsense. She's got it out for you!"

"It's fine. Focus on your work." Evelyn walked away.

Olivia shook her head. Evelyn's kindness made her an easy target.

If Olivia had the CEO in her corner like Evelyn did, she'd never let Bernadette act so high-handed!

Near the copy room, Evelyn spotted Dominic Blackwood speaking with Sebastian Whitmore.

"Mr. Blackwood." She nodded politely.

His top shirt buttons were undone—likely due to the building's aggressive heating. The glimpse of toned chest reminded Evelyn of last night, when she'd drowsily nuzzled against that warmth.

A faint blush rose as she recalled the heat of their entangled bodies.

Dominic noted her flushed cheeks with a slight nod. His gaze dropped to the financial reports in her hands—far outside her usual responsibilities. His brow furrowed.

Sebastian greeted her. "Making copies, Ms. Sinclair?"

"Yes."

"Machine one's down—technician's en route. Use number three."

"Thank you, Mr. Whitmore."

They parted ways. Inside, Evelyn efficiently copied the documents.

Returning to the office, she found Yvonne Blackwell from Vivi Group with her team, including a new member—a mixed-race man she hadn't met.

"Ladies and gentlemen, pleased to meet you. I'm Alistair Montgomery!"

His Indian heritage lent striking features to his handsome face. His cheerful demeanor instantly charmed the room.

Then his bright blue eyes landed on Evelyn.

She was tall and slender, skin so flawless it begged to be touched. Delicate features contrasted with her sharp business suit. Her gaze held an otherworldly clarity, like some ethereal being who'd wandered into the mortal world.

Alistair stared, transfixed...

Evelyn tensed as she passed him.

Back at her desk, she checked her reflection. Was there something on her face?

Why else would the new hire be staring so intensely?

It was unnerving.