She's So Bloody Full Of Herself

Genevieve let out a soft, condescending laugh. "What's the hurry?" she mocked.

Her entire demeanor screamed superiority. "My skills are more than enough to secure this contract easily. Why would I need to exert myself like everyone else?"

Her gaze drifted pointedly toward Evelyn, the insult clear. "Some people," she continued, her voice laced with scorn, "might have gotten by with mediocre work and deceived clients before. But that won't fly now."

A smug smile played on Genevieve's lips as she lifted her coffee cup and strode confidently from the office, leaving behind a palpable wave of irritation.

Evelyn frowned slightly, watching the self-satisfied expression on Genevieve's face.

Why was Genevieve so utterly sure of herself? It felt as if she already knew Cassandra would select her design.

Genevieve's haughty attitude didn't sit well with the rest of the team either.

One colleague rolled her eyes expressively. "God, she's unbearable," she whispered harshly. "The arrogance is staggering. Does being the pampered Prescott heiress make her think she's above us all?"

"Quiet! She might hear you!"

"Just ignore her and focus," another added. "She has advantages we don't. There's no point comparing."

A tense quiet settled over the room, broken only by the sound of typing and shifting papers.

Suddenly, a sharp intake of breath broke the silence. "Oh my god, I just realized something!"

"What is it?" others leaned closer, intrigued.

"The Prescott family and the Sterling family are connected!" the woman exclaimed. "Cassandra comes from old money. If you think about it, she's probably Genevieve's cousin!"

"Seriously?!" another gasped in shock. "They're related? So that's her game! Does she honestly believe Cassandra will just gift her the project because they're family?"

"This is unbelievable!"

"It's a farce. Why are we even competing? The outcome is predetermined."

A collective sense of defeat washed through the group.

"Does Nathanial know about this connection?" someone asked.

"He must," came the resigned reply. "But then why would he have us all compete if it's already decided?"

"What a colossal waste of effort. I really thought I had a chance, but now..."

But not everyone was ready to concede. Skepticism remained.

"I'm not so sure. I follow Cassandra closely, and I've never heard her mention any link to the Prescott family."

"Are you saying... Cassandra might not even know Genevieve?"

"Exactly! It could be a very distant connection. They're certainly not close friends."

"That gives me a little hope. What if Cassandra doesn't care about Genevieve at all? The competition might still be fair!"

Evelyn tuned out the surrounding gossip and speculation. It didn't concern her.

She believed that being chosen wasn't the ultimate goal. What mattered was delivering her absolute best work.

Evelyn buried herself in her research, working diligently until the end of the day. When it was finally time to leave, she headed back to Serenity Oaks as usual.

As she approached the estate's entrance, a sleek, unfamiliar luxury car caught her attention.

Evelyn knew immediately it wasn't Alexander's.

If she remembered correctly, it was an exclusive model favored by the elite.

Clearly, Alexander had a significant visitor.

Evelyn was about to ask about the guest when a sharp, imperious voice cut through the air.

"Just who do you think you are, walking into Alexander's home as if you belong here?"

Evelyn spun around, her eyes widening in surprise.

Standing before her, radiating pure entitlement, was the famous actress, Cassandra Sterling.