I'll Choose Her

Evelyn was completely caught off guard.

She hadn't anticipated that Cassandra Sterling would single her out so directly in front of everyone.

For a moment, she froze, her mind racing.

Instinct took over. "I work here," she answered.

A subtle smile played on Cassandra's lips, one eyebrow arching slightly. "So you're a designer at Aethelgard Industries, Evelyn? Impressive."

Her tone was a blend of genuine surprise and sharp curiosity.

Nearby, Nathanial Reed looked utterly stunned.

His eyes darted between Evelyn and Cassandra, his confusion plain. "Miss Sterling, do you... know Evelyn?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to respond, but Cassandra was faster.

Her bright, practiced smile returned instantly. "Of course. Evelyn and I are good friends."

There was a brief, heavy pause.

Then Cassandra's expression shifted. She turned her gaze decisively to Nathanial. "Since Evelyn is one of your designers, this simplifies things. I'll choose her."

Her declaration sent a shockwave through the room.

A stunned silence fell.

Whispers broke out almost immediately.

"What? Just like that?"

"I thought the selection was based on the design drafts?"

"Shh, not so loud."

Colleagues exchanged wide-eyed glances, the same disbelief mirrored on every face.

Cassandra Sterling had chosen Evelyn.

Just like that.

And she claimed they were close.

This was major news. Why had Evelyn never mentioned it?

Anyone else with a connection to a celebrity of Cassandra's caliber would have boasted about it constantly.

But Evelyn had kept it entirely secret.

"Cassandra..." Evelyn began, struggling to regain her composure. She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "You haven't even reviewed our designs yet. Choosing me this way... it doesn't seem fair."

Cassandra offered her a radiant smile. She stepped closer and took Evelyn's hand gently. "Oh, Evelyn, I told you before. If you ever need anything, you only have to ask."

A whirlwind of emotions churned inside Evelyn. The warmth in Cassandra's smile was flawless, leaving no room for argument.

"But..."

"Enough," Cassandra interrupted, her voice firm yet gentle. "There's nothing unfair about it. I trust your talent. And given our connection, it's the most logical choice."

She released Evelyn's hand and addressed the room with a final, charming smile. "Well, I have other engagements. I must be going."

The moment Cassandra left, the office atmosphere crackled with a new energy.

Nathanial walked over, his expression unreadable. He looked at Evelyn with newfound appraisal.

"Evelyn," he said slowly, the surprise still evident in his voice. "I always pegged you as a newcomer with no powerful backing. It seems I was mistaken. You've been hiding your cards close to your chest."

He let out a short, dry chuckle and patted her shoulder. "Miss Sterling said to finalize the draft quickly. And congratulations. Landing a client like her so effortlessly? You're certainly the rising star now."

Events had unfolded too rapidly. Evelyn didn't know how to respond.

She simply steadied herself and returned to her desk, determined to focus on the design work.

But the way her colleagues looked at her had fundamentally changed.

Around noon, she went to the break room for water.

As she entered, she overheard the buzzing voices of a heated discussion.