Chapter 52

Evelyn Carter knew rejection was inevitable, but she hadn’t anticipated it would come so swiftly. The door to Victoria Sterling’s office was firmly shut, and her assistant blocked Evelyn’s path, informing her that only permanent staff were permitted inside. Thirty minutes of waiting made it clear—Victoria’s meeting wasn’t ending anytime soon.

Instead of lingering outside like a shadow, Evelyn pushed past the assistant and strode into the room.

The assistant gasped, scrambling after her. “Ms. Sterling, she—”

Victoria’s sharp gaze cut through the air. “Who gave you permission to enter?” Her voice was ice. “This is a private meeting. Get out.”

Evelyn didn’t flinch. “I’m permanent staff at Phoenix Labs now. That means I have every right to be here as part of this project.” She walked to an empty chair and sat, chin lifted.

Victoria’s lips curled in disdain. “Permanent or not, if I say you’re not fit for my team, you’re out.”

The tension thickened. Around the table, heads bowed, fingers fidgeting with papers—anything to avoid the brewing storm. They all knew the rumors about Evelyn Carter. Knew their boss despised her. Yet, by order of the director, she was here.

Why?

The unspoken question hung in the air.

Evelyn leaned forward. “Then tell me what I need to do to earn your approval. I’ll take any challenge.”

Victoria scoffed, amusement glinting in her eyes. “Words are easy. Can you back them up?”

Theo Montgomery had warned Evelyn—Victoria was blunt, quick-tempered, but not cruel. Better to face her head-on than dance around hidden daggers. Unlike Dominic Reeves and Vanessa Blake, who smiled while plotting, Victoria’s hostility was refreshingly honest.

Evelyn met her gaze. “Name your terms. If I succeed, I’m on the team. Deal?”

A slow, mocking smile spread across Victoria’s face. “And if you fail, you resign. Leave Phoenix Labs for good.”

Silence swallowed the room.

Evelyn didn’t hesitate. “Deal.”