"No! That's impossible!"

Genevieve's shriek of disbelief ripped through the silence of the room. She had been so utterly certain the position was hers. How could this be happening?

Against all reason, it was the arrogant newcomer—Evelyn—who had somehow snatched the victory.

Evelyn herself stood frozen, blinking rapidly. Had she heard correctly? The desire for this opportunity was so intense that her mind refused to accept the news as real.

Then, the lead interviewer stepped toward her, his smile genuine. "Evelyn, congratulations. You've passed the interview."

A wave of pure, unadulterated joy crashed over her, tightening her chest. It took a moment for her to find her voice. "Thank you... thank you so much!"

She had done it. She was in. Her dream company, Aethelgard Industries, was now within her grasp. This was her chance to finally help Alexander with his burdens.

The murmurs from the other designers swirled around her, thick with shock.

"How is this possible?"

"It's really her. I never thought her portfolio was that strong."

"A novice outscoring Genevieve Prescott? Unbelievable."

Genevieve, statue-still for several long seconds, finally erupted. She marched toward the interviewers, her face a mask of fury. "This has to be a mistake!"

Her venomous gaze snapped back to Evelyn, who was still glowing with her success. "She cheated! I demand you review the results immediately! There is no conceivable way my designs lost to... to hers!"

The lead interviewer's expression turned stormy, his patience visibly evaporating.

"Genevieve Prescott, are you questioning our professional judgment? Perhaps you believe you are better suited to my role?"

Genevieve flinched, her breath catching in her throat. She clamped her mouth shut, the intimidating authority in his voice silencing any further protest. This man was a pivotal figure in Aethelgard's Fashion Design Department, not someone to be challenged.

Inside, she seethed. I'll make you pay for this, Evelyn.

After the other candidates had filed out, the lead interviewer gestured for Evelyn to come closer. "You have no conflicting commitments, I assume? Report here tomorrow morning to complete the onboarding. Someone will show you around and get you settled."

"Of course. Thank you," Evelyn replied, a genuine smile finally breaking through. After a brief exchange, she left the room, her heart still fluttering like a trapped bird.

Landing this position at Aethelgard felt like the first truly happy event in the last six months.

Her thoughts immediately flew to Alexander. She hadn't seen him in a while. If he was home at Serenity Oaks, she couldn't wait to share her triumph.

Maybe this would make him trust her a little more. Maybe it would bridge the distance between them.

As she stepped out of the Aethelgard building, she found Genevieve waiting for her, fuming.

"Don't get too comfortable, Evelyn," Genevieve spat, her voice dripping with malice. "Just you wait. I'll make sure everyone sees you for what you really are."

With that final threat, Genevieve spun on her heel and stalked away, leaving Evelyn momentarily bewildered.

Evelyn simply shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her. She had no idea what Genevieve was implying, but her post-interview high was too powerful to be dampened by petty threats.

Soon, Evelyn arrived back at Serenity Oaks.

"Will Alexander be home for dinner?" she asked the butler, Samuel, as she slipped off her shoes.

Samuel offered a warm smile. "Mr. Blackwood did mention he would be home this evening."

He looked at her expectantly. "What would you prefer for dinner, Mrs. Blackwood? I'll instruct the kitchen to begin preparations."

Evelyn thought for a moment. "That won't be necessary. I'll cook. Please have two of the staff assist me."

With nothing else pressing on her mind, she decided preparing a meal herself would be a nice surprise for Alexander.

By the time dinner was ready, the sky outside had deepened to a velvety indigo, casting a tranquil stillness over the estate.

Evelyn washed her hands meticulously and then settled onto the living room sofa. Her eyes kept drifting toward the main entrance, anticipation humming through her.

But time stretched on, and there was no sign of Alexander. Noticing her vigilant wait, Samuel approached hesitantly. "Mrs. Blackwood, it's quite late. Perhaps you should eat something? Mr. Blackwood is likely detained by work."

Evelyn shook her head gently, her voice soft but resolute. "No, I'll wait. I want to eat with him."

Seeing her determination, Samuel simply nodded and withdrew.

As the night wore on, Evelyn's eyelids grew heavy. The exhaustion from the day's emotions finally overtook her, and she gradually drifted into sleep on the sofa.

It was well past midnight when Alexander finally returned home. He entered the living room and his gaze immediately landed on Evelyn, asleep on the sofa.

He stopped short, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. His brow furrowed as he turned to Samuel, his voice a low murmur.

"What happened? Why is she asleep here?"