Chapter 428

"If this isn't from that jerk Dominic, then..." Evelyn smirked meaningfully at Sophia.

She was the only one who knew the truth about Evelyn's mysterious boyfriend. Evelyn considered denying it but hesitated. If she kept refusing to acknowledge it, the others would only grow more curious—more interested in the man than the gift itself. She didn’t want endless questions, so she gave a vague response.

"Yeah."

"Wow, her boyfriend has serious creativity!"

"Right? I’ve seen flowers, chocolates, makeup, designer bags—but a hand-carved wooden sculpture? That’s a first."

"Shouldn’t he be gifting rare perfumes or essential oils instead? Something Evelyn would actually use?"

The office buzzed with chatter until Victoria cleared her throat sharply.

"Why don’t I see this much enthusiasm during meetings?"

The reminder snapped everyone back to reality. Work hours. Office rules. The gossip died instantly, replaced by the clatter of keyboards.

Victoria glanced around before turning to Evelyn.

"Why don’t..." She hesitated. "Why don’t you keep it in my office for now? You can take it home after work."

Evelyn considered it, then nodded. "Fine."

Unpacked, the sculpture was easier to move. The crane’s delicate wings required careful handling, but the real bulk had been the protective frame and padding. Thankfully, the movers hadn’t damaged it.

She placed it in the corner of Victoria’s office. The craftsmanship was breathtaking—so lifelike it almost seemed ready to take flight.

Victoria couldn’t stop staring.

"Ask your boyfriend where he got this. I want one."

Evelyn stayed silent.

"What, is it a secret? I won’t copy yours. I’ll get a different design." Victoria nudged her playfully. "Unless he only makes them for you?"

"I’ll ask him later."

The truth was, she had no idea how to contact him. He’d sent the gift without a word. And given his temperament, he might refuse commissions altogether.

A knock interrupted them.

"Ms. Sterling?" Sophia stood at the door, eyes wide.

Victoria waved her in. "What is it?"

Sophia locked eyes with Evelyn. "Dominic just issued a public apology."

"What?!" Evelyn froze, certain she’d misheard.

"He apologized?" Victoria’s fingers flew to her keyboard.

Sure enough, Dominic’s statement was already trending—a lengthy, carefully worded post that had gone viral within minutes.

"He admitted it?" Victoria’s brows shot up.

The three women exchanged glances, then huddled around the screen to read.