Chapter 433

Evelyn stepped onto the podium, her eyes instinctively seeking out Dominic in the crowd.

She caught his encouraging gaze, which steadied her nerves slightly.

Distributing copies to the executives from both companies, she inserted the flash drive into the laptop.

Adjusting the microphone, she prepared to begin her presentation.

Quentin Prescott flipped through the documents, his expression darkening instantly. "Ms. Sinclair, are you confused about today's agenda?"

Evelyn checked her copy and froze. This wasn't her prepared presentation - just last week's department report.

The Vivi Group chairman slammed the documents on the table.

Quentin's voice turned icy. "How could a professional designer make such an elementary mistake? Even an intern wouldn't be this careless! Is this really the caliber of talent we're working with?"

His accusatory glare shifted to Dominic. "This is your company's standard? Remarkable."

Evelyn's cheeks burned with humiliation.

She frantically searched her flash drive for the project files, but they'd vanished.

Her face paled. She'd triple-checked everything yesterday. How could this happen?

Vivienne Laurent watched with a cold smirk. This was the woman the CEO favored? Crumbling under basic pressure.

Such weakness would never match Vivienne's own capabilities.

Murmurs spread through the conference room.

Executives shook their heads as they watched the cursor dart between empty folders.

The organizational structure showed competence - which made this failure more baffling.

Olivia Kensington clenched her fists, wanting to rush forward and comfort her friend.

Only Dominic remained composed.

Though he saw Evelyn's distress, he didn't intervene. In personal matters, he'd shield her completely. Professionally, she needed to learn crisis management.

He signaled Sebastian Whitmore, who approached Evelyn. "Ms. Sinclair, could the files be elsewhere? Perhaps you forgot to print them?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I stored everything in my unlocked drawer yesterday. This morning I grabbed the stack without checking..."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed at the mention of the unlocked drawer.

"Absolutely certain you didn't take them home?"

"Positive," Evelyn confirmed.

Quentin checked his watch sharply. "Enough excuses! Fifteen minutes to rectify this or you're off the project. I don't tolerate incompetence!"

Dominic's gaze turned glacial at Quentin's tone, though he remained motionless.

Evelyn swallowed her tears. She wouldn't break down here.

Bowing deeply, she apologized. "I'll retrieve the correct documents immediately."

Her hurried footsteps echoed as she left.

Returning empty-handed minutes later, Evelyn faced the room again. "I've searched everywhere. The files are gone."

Quentin's expression darkened further. "Results matter, not excuses! Safeguarding critical data is basic professionalism. Mr. Blackwood, surely you agree she's unfit for this project?"

The weight of collective judgment pressed on Evelyn's shoulders.

Meeting Dominic's gaze, she expected disappointment. Instead, she found quiet encouragement.

Her spine straightened.

She wouldn't let the company - or him - down.

Taking a steadying breath, she addressed the room. "While I've lost the physical documents, I remember every detail. With your permission, I'll recreate the presentation from memory."

Gasps rippled through the audience.