Evelyn, I Miss You.

Genevieve found it impossible to accept that Evelyn had secured a contract with Beatrice.

If Evelyn used this connection to climb higher within the company, she would undoubtedly overshadow Genevieve in their department.

That was an unacceptable outcome.

A fierce, resolute light flashed in Genevieve's eyes as she made a silent vow.

She would sabotage this deal.

Meanwhile, Evelyn was entirely absorbed in her work, hunched over her desk meticulously preparing design proposals to meet Beatrice's exacting standards.

Standard practice involved a designer presenting multiple options after grasping a client's vision, offering a range of choices.

This process often sparked new ideas or additional requests, demanding flexibility and quick adaptation from the designer.

Given the significantpensation Beatrice offered, her expectation of perfection was understandable.

Evelyn was leaving no stone unturned, obsessed with every minute detail to ensure the project's ultimate sess.

Once immersed, Evelyn lost all sense of time. After the afternoon tea Nathanial had arranged, she felt no hunger and failed to notice the workday had ended more than an hour ago.

Her phone vibrated abruptly.

Startled from her concentration, Evelyn instinctively rubbed her stiff neck, a consequence of hours bent over her work.

She checked her phone. A message from Alexander. "When are youing home?"

She glanced around the silent, empty office. She was the last one left, working far beyond her scheduled hours.

A dry smile touched her lips. Aethelgard Industries must be thrilled to have an employee this dedicated.

Only now, stopping her work, did a profound weariness crash over her. Too tired to type a reply, she decided to call him instead.

The line connected instantly. "What is it? Something urgent?" she asked, her eyes still fixed on herputer screen.

"Hm." Alexander's voice was warm yet carried a serious undertone. "Yes. It's very urgent."

Evelyn froze, a thread of anxiety tightening in her chest. "What's wrong? I'll leave now. Just wait for me."

She began hastily gathering her things when Alexander spoke again, his tone serious yet gentle. "Evelyn, I miss you. There's something important I need to discuss with you face-to-face."

Evelyn stopped moving, her cheeks suddenly warming. His directness caught herpletely off guard.

Since when had Alexander be so blunt? She wasn't prepared for this.

"Alright. I'll see you soon," Evelyn managed to reply.

After ending the call, Alexander looked at his phone, a soft smile gracing his lips.

He couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it started, but his emotions were now inextricably tied to Evelyn.

Just the sound of her voice was enough to lift his spirits.

At that moment, the butler entered, his demeanor cheerful. "Mr. Blackwood, the candlelit dinner is prepared. I've personally verified the roses and the record yer—everything is flawless."

Alexander was jolted back to the present. He smiled warmly at the butler. "Samuel, thank you."

"You're wee, Mr. Blackwood. It is my pleasure." Samuel returned the smile, adding, "I have ensured you and Mrs. Blackwood will have apletely uninterrupted evening."