I'll Learn From My Colleagues

Nathanial's face clouded over.

He was visibly angered by Evelyn's defiance.

After stating his position, he turned to Genevieve, his voice cool.

"Genevieve has an extensive portfolio from numerous design competitions."

"Her experience far surpasses yours."

"Instead of wasting time arguing with a superior, you should focus on learning from your colleagues."

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak.

But Nathanial's voice cut sharply through the air before she could utter a word.

"Evelyn, if you continue to challenge my authority, I will have to reconsider your suitability for this role during your probation."

The threat was direct and potent.

It forced Evelyn into immediate silence.

Her continuation at Aethelgard Industries hinged entirely on Nathanial's evaluation.

If he deemed her unfit, she would be dismissed before proving her worth.

She had fought too hard for this position to lose it so easily.

Swallowing her pride, she forced a compliant tone.

"Understood. I will learn from my colleagues."

"I trust you will assign me appropriate tasks soon."

Nathanial ignored the latter part of her statement.

He let out a dismissive scoff and stormed out of the conference room.

The remaining staff exchanged uneasy glances.

No one was sure if they should intervene.

Defending Evelyn meant opposing both Nathanial and Genevieve—a risk no one was willing to take.

Genevieve, however, was reveling in Evelyn's humiliation.

She sighed dramatically, addressing the group.

"A coffee run does sound perfect right now, doesn't it?"

Her colleagues shifted uncomfortably.

"Perhaps another time, Genevieve. You've already been so generous with your gifts."

Without hesitation, Genevieve pulled cash from her wallet.

She tossed it onto the desk in front of Evelyn.

"Evelyn, you heard the request. Get everyone's coffee."

"Don't make any mistakes. If you can't handle a simple task like this, how can Nathanial ever trust you with real work?"

She linked arms with a few coworkers and strolled out, laughing.

Evelyn sat still for a moment.

Then, calmly, she picked up the money.

She returned to her desk, collected a notepad and pen, and methodically took each colleague's order.

Genevieve smirked at Evelyn's passive compliance.

"Ensure the barista follows my instructions precisely," she said arrogantly.

"One-third milk. Exactly six ice cubes. No sugar."

"If the taste is imperfect, you will go back and get another."

Evelyn wrote it down without expression.

"Understood."

She moved to the next colleague without another glance at Genevieve.

Fortunately, the others gave simple, reasonable orders, showing no desire to torment her further.

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn returned with a carrier of drinks.

She distributed them one by one.

"Thank you."

"Appreciate it, Evelyn."

"No problem," she replied politely to each.

When she reached Genevieve, the woman tilted her cup slightly.

Dark coffee cascaded over the rim, splashing across Evelyn's blouse.

The lid popped off and clattered to the floor.

The office fell into a stunned silence.

Genevieve gasped theatrically, a hand flying to her chest.

"Oh! A complete accident! My hand slipped."

"Are you alright, Evelyn? I can buy you a new outfit."

"Honestly, that blouse looks rather worn. Why are you still wearing it?"

Evelyn met her gaze, her expression unreadable.

Her voice was eerily calm.

"It's fine."

Everyone assumed she would let it go.

Genevieve's connections made her untouchable.

But in one fluid motion, Evelyn grabbed the remaining coffee cups from her carrier.

She upended them directly over Genevieve's head.

A collective gasp echoed through the office.

Iced coffee streamed through Genevieve's hair, drenching her completely.