Evelyn, We're Cousins.

Who could have guessed?

Evelyn kept that secret so well.

She even knows the famous Cassandra.

She should have told us sooner.

I put so much effort into my design for nothing.

That explains why Evelyn didn't even blink when Genevieve mentioned her connection to Cassandra.

Evelyn had this planned all along.

Forget it.

I never had high hopes anyway.

But Genevieve-she must be utterly humiliated right now.

She was so certain she'd secure Cassandra's order.

This is a real slap in the face.

Evelyn and Genevieve?

They're two of a kind.

Neither is particularly impressive.

Let them fight it out.

Wait, did you see?

When Cassandra announced she'd chosen Evelyn, why didn't Genevieve say a word?

Maybe she was too ashamed.

If I were Genevieve, I'd be furious with Evelyn.

I would have run away in embarrassment.

The group continued, their voices laced with scorn, unaware of the figure standing just outside the break room.

Then, a cool, clear voice cut through their chatter.

"Evelyn, why are you standing at the door?"

Their words died instantly.

They turned as one, faces paling.

It took only a second to realize Evelyn had been there, silently hearing every word.

A heavy, uncomfortable silence fell over the room.

They had been caught red-handed-badmouthing the person standing right before them.

Panic seized them.

They feared Evelyn might use this chance to point out their flaws.

After all, Genevieve had learned that lesson the hard way after speaking ill of Evelyn in public.

But as the tension peaked, Evelyn walked into the break room.

Her expression was unreadable.

She filled her cup with water.

Then she left without a single word, acting as if she had heard nothing.

Once she was gone, someone finally broke the silence.

"What just happened? Why was she so calm? She didn't react at all."

"Maybe she didn't hear us?"

"That doesn't make sense. If she didn't hear, she would have at least greeted us, right?"

"You're right. So she must have overheard."

"How unlucky. We were just chatting during work, and now we're in this mess. Damn."

"Let's just drop it and get back to work."

Evelyn returned to her desk.

The water glass was steady in her hand.

Her expression revealed nothing.

But inside, a quiet irritation simmered.

Yet, she remained silent.

What her colleagues said wasn't entirely wrong.

Cassandra had chosen her without even glancing at the designs.

All Evelyn could do now was focus on perfecting her design.

She would prove, through her work, that Cassandra's choice was correct.

What Evelyn didn't know was that, at that very moment, Cassandra was relaxing in a cozy café, enjoying coffee with Genevieve.

With a strained smile, Genevieve gently slid a plate of desserts toward Cassandra.

Her voice was syrupy sweet.

"Cassandra, please, enjoy."

Cassandra took a delicate sip of her coffee.

Her eyes tracked Genevieve's every move, clearly noting the attempt at flattery.

She curved her lips into a small smile.

"Genevieve, we're cousins. There's no need for such formality."

Genevieve's face lit up at the mention of their familial bond.

Her excitement was obvious.

Thinking this meeting was a personal invitation from Cassandra, she couldn't help but ask, "So, Cassandra, did you ask me here for something specific?"