I Hope I'm Not Intruding

Evelyn entered the office the following morning, determined to face the day head-on.

She hadn't even reached her desk when Genevieve approached.

A smug smile played on Genevieve's lips. "Evelyn. I heard you worked very late last night. Frankly, I'm surprised you even showed up today."

Evelyn looked up from her computer.

The mockery in Genevieve's tone was unmistakable.

It was clear. Genevieve had already written her off. This fake concern was just a pretext for gloating.

Evelyn kept her face expressionless. She met Genevieve's gaze coolly. "Let's skip the pleasantries, Genevieve. We both know this act is pointless."

She tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her own voice. "If I hadn't come in, who would manage the client? You? Are you certain you could handle it?"

Annoyance flashed across Genevieve's features. How dare Evelyn question her competence?

Genevieve scoffed, crossing her arms. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Confidence doesn't guarantee success."

"But in this case, it does," Evelyn replied without a moment's hesitation.

A sharp, dismissive laugh escaped Genevieve. Her eyes glinted with contempt. "Dream on. Before Aethelgard Industries, your experience was negligible. You only beat me in the interview by a fluke. Do you think that luck will last forever?" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a steely whisper. "I'll be here to watch you fail."

With that final jab, she turned and walked away.

Having lost the verbal sparring match, Genevieve retreated to await developments.

After finishing her morning tasks, Evelyn picked up her phone. She dialed Beatrice Sterling's number. This client was crucial to her current deal. She hoped to schedule a meeting.

The phone rang. And rang.

No one answered.

Evelyn decided not to wait. After lunch, she would go to Beatrice's home directly. A personal visit might create an opportunity.

She was unaware that Beatrice already had a visitor.

Sitting in the elegant living room was Alexander Blackwood.

"Mrs. Sterling, I hope my visit isn't an imposition," Alexander said. His tone was polite, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Beatrice was visibly surprised.

Alexander's schedule was notoriously demanding. A personal visit like this was highly unusual.

"Alexander! This is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, her warmth genuine.

He offered a small, polite smile. "You've known my mother for decades. You watched me grow up. A visit is long overdue."

A soft chuckle escaped her. "In that case, must you still call me 'Mrs. Sterling'? Your mother and I were like sisters. Please, call me Beatrice."

"Beatrice," Alexander complied without hesitation.

A servant placed a steaming cup of coffee before him. Beatrice studied Alexander with a knowing look. "Few in this city know you're the real power behind Aethelgard Industries, but I've always known. You're a busy man. I doubt this is merely a social call. Please, speak freely."

He gave a subtle nod. "Beatrice, you and your husband have built a life together. Your wisdom is considerable. There are certain matters I would value your perspective on."