144 I Trust My Instincts

Evelyn’s fingertips traced the delicate embroidery on the gown’s hem. A genuine smile lit up her face. "It’s been such a long time since I’ve felt this content," she murmured.

"I knew my choice in designer was correct."

Seeing Evelyn’s evident pleasure, Beatrice felt a surge of satisfaction. "Mrs. Sterling, please, if you ever require anything else in the future, do not hesitate to contact me," she offered warmly.

Beatrice gave a gracious nod. "I have a significant banquet overseas the day after tomorrow. My departure is scheduled for this afternoon to allow for adequate preparation," she explained.

She turned her gaze fully toward Evelyn. "I shall express my full appreciation upon my return. For now, however, I must begin packing. I won't keep you any longer."

"Of course," Evelyn replied. After a brief moment, she added with deep sincerity, "Mrs. Sterling, thank you for selecting me. Without your patronage, I am uncertain I would still hold my position at Aethelgard Industries."

Beatrice chuckled softly, taking Evelyn's hand in hers. "Well, I do pride myself on recognizing exceptional talent," she said with a hint of pride. "I saw your potential from the very beginning."

Then, her expression turned knowing. "And your husband clearly possesses impeccable judgment. Anyone who doubts you is simply a fool. Pay their opinions no mind."

Evelyn was both deeply moved and surprised by this unwavering support.

She realized Beatrice must have seen the vicious rumors circulating online.

Evelyn hadn't anticipated such immediate and complete trust. Most people would have questioned her character based on the scandalous claims.

"Even after seeing those rumors... you still believe in me?" Evelyn asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Beatrice let out a soft, dismissive sound and patted Evelyn's shoulder reassuringly. "I trust my instincts," she stated firmly. "You are not that sort of person."

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Sterling," she whispered.

After saying her goodbyes to Beatrice, Evelyn descended the stairs, ready to depart.

"Let's go," Evelyn said to Genevieve.

Genevieve's eyes flashed with disbelief and irritation. She remained stubbornly seated. "We just got here! I haven't even finished my coffee. Leaving so abruptly is terribly rude!" she protested.

Evelyn regarded Genevieve with cool detachment. "Then by all means, stay and finish it. I am returning to the office."

Genevieve bit her lip sharply and grabbed Evelyn's wrist, pulling her closer. "Did you poison Mrs. Sterling against me?" she hissed in a low whisper. "Why else would she treat me with such disregard?"

Evelyn found the accusation utterly ridiculous.

She looked at Genevieve with an impassive expression. "Genevieve, let us be perfectly clear. I am the lead designer for Mrs. Sterling's gown, collaborating with the other designers in our office. You have no official role in this project. You insisted on accompanying me today; the invitation did not originate from me."

She continued, her tone flat. "Furthermore, Mrs. Sterling's opinion of you is of no concern to me. Please, cease attributing your own insecurities to my actions."

With that final statement, Evelyn disengaged her wrist and walked away without a backward glance.

?

Genevieve stood frozen, consumed by a burning mix of anger and humiliation, her gaze locked on Evelyn's retreating figure.

Beatrice's butler approached Genevieve politely. "Mrs. Sterling is presently occupied and unable to receive further guests."

Genevieve was effectively ushered out.

Damn her! That Evelyn!

Her face twisted into a mask of pure rage, her eyes blazing with bitter jealousy and resentment.

She had gone to all this trouble to accompany Evelyn, only to be treated like an insignificant nuisance.

"Evelyn, you shameless witch!" Genevieve seethed under her breath, her voice dripping with venom.

The online rumors about Evelyn were spreading like wildfire. How dare she still carry herself with such arrogance?

Did Evelyn truly believe that avoiding immediate dismissal meant she was untouchable?

Genevieve's fists clenched so tightly her nails left crescent marks on her palms. She was determined not to let Evelyn win.

She would show Evelyn exactly how ruthless she could be.

Her decision made, Genevieve pulled out her phone and placed a call.

Perfect. She would escalate the situation dramatically.

She was determined to watch Evelyn crumble under the pressure!