Cassandra set her coffee cup down with deliberate slowness.

She took her time before formulating a response.

She glanced at Genevieve, then picked up her fork with practiced elegance.

She sampled a small piece of the dessert.

A moment passed before she wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"This is rather mediocre," she remarked. "It doesn't compare to the patisseries I frequented abroad."

Genevieve's face immediately lit up with eager enthusiasm.

"Cassandra, there are several other exclusive cafes in Crestwood. I'd be delighted to take you, whenever you have a moment. I'm certain we can find something more to your liking."

Cassandra's expression softened noticeably.

She clearly appreciated Genevieve's attentiveness.

She dabbed the corners of her mouth delicately with a napkin.

Then, she spoke casually, almost offhandedly. "I've heard you and Evelyn don't see eye to eye. Is that accurate?"

Genevieve froze, completely caught off guard.

She hadn't anticipated Cassandra bringing up Evelyn so directly.

Considering Cassandra had just chosen Evelyn for the important commission, Genevieve hesitated.

She was unsure how much she should reveal.

Cassandra detected the hesitation and offered a reassuring, knowing smile.

"Genevieve, don't overcomplicate it. To be perfectly frank, I share your sentiment. I have no desire for Evelyn to remain at Aethelgard Industries much longer."

After being left by Alexander yesterday, Cassandra had taken it upon herself to investigate Evelyn more thoroughly.

Her discoveries were startling.

Evelyn wasn't just married to Alexander; she was now employed within the very company he founded.

Even though Evelyn remained ignorant of Alexander's true identity, Cassandra was now fully alert.

Understanding the depth of Alexander's regard for Evelyn, Cassandra knew she had to act swiftly.

If she delayed, she might lose her chance to secure his affections permanently.

Her objective was clear.

Since Alexander hadn't yet revealed the truth to Evelyn, she would exploit that vulnerability.

She would plant enough doubt to shatter his faith in Evelyn completely.

Genevieve stared at Cassandra, disbelief etched on her face. "But... you specifically requested Evelyn's designs."

A cold, mocking smile curled Cassandra's lips.

She made no attempt to conceal her profound disdain for Evelyn.

"That was merely a tactical move within my broader strategy. Keeping her close provides more opportunities to ensure her eventual downfall."

Genevieve required no further explanation.

One look at Cassandra confirmed the intensity of her contempt for Evelyn.

A wave of relief washed over Genevieve.

She began pouring out her own grievances, her voice thick with resentment.

"You have no idea, Cassandra. Evelyn is utterly manipulative. She only secured her position at Aethelgard through underhanded methods. Then she ingratiated herself with Beatrice Sterling. Her scheming has made her despised throughout our department."

Genevieve's jaw tightened, her anger boiling over.

She narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "I've had enough. One way or another, I will make sure she faces the consequences she deserves."

Cassandra's smile remained gentle, but her words were laced with sharp intent.

"Don't concern yourself. My desire to see Evelyn fall exceeds even yours. Simply follow my instructions precisely. I will orchestrate her ruin in one decisive blow. When it's done, the position of my personal designer will be yours."

Genevieve's heart leaped.

For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming. It seemed too good to be true.

Not only would she witness Evelyn's humiliation, but she would also become the exclusive designer for a superstar like Cassandra.

Her mind raced with the possibilities.

If the plan succeeded, her reputation in the design world would soar.

She could potentially become a household name.

The excitement built within her, impossible to contain.

Eagerly, she leaned forward. "Of course, Cassandra. Just tell me what you need me to do. I will follow your lead without question."

Cassandra inclined her head slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

She beckoned Genevieve closer.

In hushed tones, she began to unveil the next phase of her scheme.