"You're Always Fair"

"Alright," Evelyn replied.

As Nathanial stepped into his office, Genevieve's smirk returned in full force. "Well, Evelyn," she drawled. "Seems like you're about to be shown the door. I can't wait to witness this spectacular failure."

Having delivered her poisonous remark, Genevieve turned and sauntered back to her desk without another glance.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. She walked towards the manager's office.

Was Nathanial actually thinking of dismissing her over some baseless online gossip?

"Nathanial?" she said, shutting the door softly behind her. A tight knot of anxiety twisted in her gut.

She stood before his large desk. "You asked to see me?"

As expected, Nathanial went straight to the point. "I wanted to discuss these rumors circulating about you online," he stated flatly.

Evelyn's heart plummeted. Fear gripped her that he might actually believe that trash. "Nathanial, it's a complete fabrication," she rushed to explain. "Please, you must believe me. Nothing posted online is true."

Nathanial studied her intently for a long moment. "It's strange," he mused. "You're not a public figure. Why would anyone go to the trouble of spreading lies about you?"

He paused, his expression turning grave. "I suspect someone is orchestrating this, deliberately trying to sabotage you. Evelyn, you need to address this. Quickly."

Evelyn nodded vigorously. "I will."

She hesitated, then voiced her deepest fear. "Nathanial, is the company... will I be fired because of this?"

Nathanial raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What kind of establishment do you think we are?" he asked, his voice firm and clear. "We don't terminate employees for being targeted by malicious gossip. You've been here long enough. You know my principles better than that, surely?"

Evelyn managed a weak, relieved smile. "Of course, Nathanial. You're always fair."

Nathanial seemed satisfied with her response. A low chuckle escaped him. "Don't worry about it. I'll manage the situation. Your only focus should be on finalizing Beatrice's design. Don't let this distraction interfere with your actual work."

Evelyn was genuinely stunned. She had not expected such unequivocal support from him. It was an immense relief.

Nathanial then added casually, almost offhandedly, "Don't thank me too profusely. With Beatrice praising your work so highly, keeping our clients happy is simply good business."

He then gave her a playful, conspiratorial nudge. "Seriously though, Evelyn, why on earth didn't you mention you were so well-connected with Beatrice Sterling?"

Still somewhat bewildered, Evelyn answered truthfully, "I've only met Beatrice once, honestly. Our conversation was purely professional, focused on the design. We aren't close friends."

Nathanial nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. So, Beatrice must have been genuinely impressed by your talent. That makes perfect sense. Alright, you can go now. Just ensure you deliver an exceptional design for Beatrice, understood?"

"Understood, Nathanial," Evelyn replied, still processing the unexpected turn of events, but feeling profoundly relieved.

After their conversation concluded, Nathanial, in an uncharacteristically cordial and upbeat mood, personally walked Evelyn to his office door.

"Oh, one more thing," he said, as they reached the exit. "You mentioned you sprained your ankle yesterday. How is it feeling now?" His concern seemed genuine.

The other employees in the open-plan office exchanged startled glances, visibly shocked by Nathanial's sudden display of consideration. This kind of personal attention was decidedly not his usual style.