Evelyn, You'd Better Brace Yourself

Evelyn's mind raced.

Yet, she followed Nathanial into his private office.

The door clicked shut softly behind them.

He picked up a file from his desk.

He handed it to her.

"This is a significant client order," Nathanial stated. His voice was firm. It held clear expectation. "It's yours now. I expect you to maintain our department's reputation."

Evelyn was stunned.

Her eyes widened. A thrill shot through her. It was mixed with sharp anxiety.

"Truly?" she asked, her voice full of doubt. "But I'm still on probation."

She took the file. Her fingers trembled slightly against the cool paper.

Nathanial's gaze was steady. His expression gave nothing away.

"Precisely, Evelyn. View this as the key test of your probation." His tone was serious. "Fail here, and your position will be reviewed. I advise you to give it your absolute best."

The initial excitement vanished. Nerves took over.

This was her first real responsibility since joining Aethelgard Industries.

"Nathanial, I'm nervous," she admitted. Her eyes sought his, searching for support. "I lack real-world experience. What if I'm not good enough? If I encounter problems, may I come to you for guidance?"

A slight shift occurred in Nathanial's demeanor.

He noted her sincerity. A flicker of approval crossed his features.

Feeling agreeable, he offered advice. "Naturally. The responsibility is yours, but utilize your team. Consult your colleagues. Engage directly with the client. Clear communication is essential."

"Understood. Thank you, Nathanial." Evelyn left the office. She held the file tightly against her chest.

Her words weren't empty flattery. They were genuine.

Though she knew fashion design theory, this was different.

This was a live client project. She was solely accountable.

Her inexperience was a heavy weight. She knew she needed help from senior designers.

Nathanial's cold exterior was one obstacle. Her own initiative was another.

Success here would boost her confidence. It would also reflect well on Nathanial, her supervisor.

She had to find her own path. She had to use every resource available.

She was determined to succeed. She would use all her strength to excel.

As she walked back to her desk, a sharp voice cut the air.

"Look who finally got an assignment. Took long enough." Genevieve's tone was dripping with scorn.

Evelyn kept her posture straight. She continued walking. She ignored the comment.

Genevieve wasn't finished. "Evelyn, you'd better brace yourself." She stepped closer. "I hear this client is notoriously difficult. She's personally acquainted with the company founder. Previous designers she worked with were driven to despair."

She clicked her tongue mockingly. "You'll be following them out the door soon. What a shame. We started on the same day, after all."

Evelyn stopped. She turned to face Genevieve. A smug smile played on Genevieve's lips.

Evelyn understood now. This was the gossip Genevieve and her friends were sharing earlier.

They were waiting for her to fail. They wanted to see her humiliated.

The words stung, but Evelyn didn't flinch. Her voice was calm and strong. "Save your concern. I will handle this."

She turned away. She walked back to her desk with purpose.

She opened the file. Her focus was absolute. She was determined to prove herself.

Genevieve watched her go. Rage simmered inside her.

Her plan to shake Evelyn had failed.

She gritted her teeth. A new, cunning idea began to form in her mind.

This wasn't over. She was determined to ruin Evelyn. She would see her thrown out of Aethelgard Industries.