Chapter 56

Evelyn Carter might have seemed soft-spoken and easy to push around, but every word she had just uttered carried a sharp edge. Vanessa Blake had intended to make her life difficult, but after being called out so bluntly, she couldn’t follow through.

"Three challenges!" Vanessa bit her lip, her voice rising. "Everyone who joined my project had to go through three trials. You’re no exception."

Evelyn straightened her posture and nodded firmly. "Fine. If everyone else did it, I will too. But I’d like to know—what’s the second challenge? Or was the first one just a warm-up?"

Her tone was innocent, as if she genuinely wanted to understand the rules. In reality, she was ensuring Vanessa couldn’t suddenly change them. Vanessa had considered labeling the previous test as a trial run, but Evelyn’s pointed remark forced her to abandon the idea.

"I already said you passed the first challenge. No one would call it a warm-up. What kind of company do you think we are?" Vanessa snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes.

"Of course, I believe in our company’s integrity!" Evelyn replied brightly.

"Enough with the flattery. It won’t work on me," Vanessa cut in sharply. "Don’t forget—you still have two challenges left, and they’ll only get harder. Don’t come crying to me when you fail."

Evelyn smirked. "Don’t worry. Unlike some people, I honor my word."

The deliberate emphasis on honor made Vanessa’s expression darken.

"Meeting adjourned!" Vanessa declared, and the room emptied instantly as everyone scrambled to leave.

Evelyn knew this wasn’t over. She waited outside the door.

The moment the last person disappeared, Vanessa stood and strode toward her. "You got lucky today. The next two challenges won’t be so easy. And don’t think you can outsmart me."

"So they’re not happening today?" Evelyn asked, reading between the lines.

Vanessa scoffed. "Do I look like I have nothing better to do than design challenges for you? I need time to prepare."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Then when will the next one be?" If Vanessa dragged this out indefinitely, it would be the same as refusing her entry.

Vanessa smirked. "Worried I’ll delay forever?"

"Absolutely," Evelyn shot back without hesitation.

Vanessa blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her honesty. Then she chuckled. "Fine. Since you’re being direct, I’ll return the favor. I’d love to drag this out, but I’m not that petty. Give me three days. I’ll have the next challenge ready."

Evelyn nodded. "And what do I do in the meantime?"