Don't Take It Personally

Genevieve opened her mouth to retort.

A few colleagues quickly stepped forward and pulled at her sleeve.

"Genevieve, stop," one whispered urgently. "Nathanial could arrive any minute. If this escalates, none of us can handle the fallout."

"Look how confident Evelyn is," another added. "What if that man really is her husband? Pushing this could backfire on us."

Genevieve's frown deepened.

She despised Evelyn's smug expression.

But her colleagues were right.

If Evelyn's connections truly surpassed her own, this could end badly.

Her priority now was discovering the truth.

Who was that man?

Only then could she finally put Evelyn in her place.

She forced her anger down, clenching her fists.

"Fine," she muttered stiffly. "Evelyn, I was wrong earlier. I spoke carelessly. Don't take it personally."

Evelyn saw through the insincere apology immediately.

She had no interest in prolonging this confrontation.

"Very well," she replied coolly. "Just mind your words next time."

Genevieve gritted her teeth in frustration.

She stomped her foot and stormed back to her desk.

"Damn you, Evelyn!" she seethed silently. "You'll pay for this. Sooner or later."

Her nails dug into her palms.

A malicious idea formed.

Even if the man in the luxury car was Evelyn's husband, she was clearly hiding him.

That meant he must be someone embarrassing.

Perhaps an old, balding man on death's doorstep.

She needed to uncover his identity.

And when she did, she would ensure the entire company knew.

Then Evelyn would never dare show her face at Aethelgard Industries again.

Work ended for the day.

Evelyn didn't linger.

She headed straight back to Serenity Oaks.

Strangely, after the day's events, she found herself anticipating seeing Alexander.

But as she approached the estate's entrance, a wave of nervousness hit her.

She pressed her lips together.

The small misunderstanding in the car replayed in her mind.

The thought of facing Alexander made her cheeks warm.

What was she supposed to say to him?

She let out a soft sigh.

Cupping her face, she gave herself a silent reminder.

Don't overthink it. Just act normal.

She took a steadying breath and stepped inside.

She walked into the living room and stopped abruptly.

Alexander was nowhere to be seen.

His usual subordinates were also absent.

After a moment's hesitation, she turned to the butler.

"Samuel, has Alexander not returned yet?"

The butler offered a polite smile. "Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood mentioned he is occupied tonight. He will not be returning home."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard.

A pang of disappointment settled in her chest before she could suppress it.

She had told Alexander she would see him tonight.

But after a pause, a soft, self-deprecating laugh escaped her.

That was her saying it. Alexander never promised he would be back.

She had no right to feel upset.

Alexander was always busy. It was common for him to work late or not come home.

Knowing that didn't stop the foolish feeling.

She had worked herself up on the journey, only to find an empty house.

She kept her composure in front of Samuel.

Offering a faint smile, she simply nodded and headed upstairs to freshen up.

Samuel, however, was perceptive.

He noticed the slight shift in her mood.

He smiled knowingly.

This was excellent news. Evelyn was beginning to care.

He wasted no time reporting the matter to Alexander.

He vowed to continue doing his part to bring Alexander and Evelyn closer together.