Chapter 55

"Alright, you've cleared the first hurdle," Victoria declared, crossing her arms.

Evelyn had anticipated this, yet she tilted her head slightly. "The first?"

Victoria smirked, her lips curling in amusement. "Did you honestly think it would be that simple? If you want a spot on my team, you play by my rules. Getting into DR Holdings isn't a walk in the park." Her tone sharpened as she leveled Evelyn with a piercing stare. "Every single person here fought tooth and nail through written exams and grueling interviews. What makes you think you can waltz in without proving yourself?"

That was the root of Victoria’s irritation. She had clawed her way up from the bottom—studying late into the night, surviving round after round of scrutiny before finally earning her place at Phoenix Labs. Now, as a senior manager, she prided herself on meritocracy. No shortcuts. No favors.

And then Evelyn Carter appeared, an anomaly wrapped in mystery.

Victoria didn’t care who Evelyn was or what strings she’d pulled with upper management. What mattered was competence. She refused to let an unqualified stranger drag her team down.

"I never claimed to be an exception," Evelyn replied smoothly, her voice calm, her smile unshaken. "Isn’t that why you’re testing me?"

There was no defensiveness, no insecurity—just quiet confidence. It was infuriating.

"Exactly. And passing one test doesn’t mean you’ve won me over," Victoria snapped.

The first challenge had been impulsive, a quick assessment. But Evelyn had handled it effortlessly, forcing Victoria to reconsider. Maybe she wasn’t just some entitled outsider.

Which meant Victoria needed to up the stakes.

"Ms. Sterling, feel free to make it harder. If I back down, consider it my loss." Evelyn’s gaze never wavered. Then, with deliberate grace, she stepped closer.

Victoria stiffened. There was something unsettling about that smile—not threatening, but… calculating. "What now?"

"Just curious," Evelyn mused. "How many rounds are we playing?"

Victoria bristled. "Suddenly having second thoughts? Weren’t you just boasting about taking on anything?"

"It’s not fear," Evelyn clarified. "But if this is a wager, shouldn’t we agree on the terms? I don’t mind challenges—as long as they’re fair. What I do mind is an endless gauntlet with no finish line."

Victoria’s hands clenched into fists. "Are you implying I’d rig this against you?"

Evelyn’s smile deepened. "Not at all. I trust you’re a woman of integrity. So, how many tests stand between me and your approval?"

The question hung in the air, sharp as a blade.

Victoria’s jaw tightened. She wouldn’t lose her composure. Not here. Not to her.

But damn if Evelyn Carter didn’t know how to push her buttons.