Chapter 360

Evelyn didn't even glance at Benjamin. She simply stretched, walked right past him, and headed upstairs. Only one thought occupied her mind—getting back to sleep.

Benjamin stood frozen in shock. He hurried after her with a scowl. "Hey! Evelyn! Aren't you going to punish me? Hello?"

She kept climbing the stairs without acknowledging him.

Frustration bubbled up inside Benjamin. Being ignored wasn't something he tolerated. He moved to follow her upstairs when Theodore intercepted him firmly. "Mr. Rivers, Madam wishes to rest now. Perhaps you could wait until she wakes before requesting punishment?"

Benjamin frowned. "Why's she so exhausted? It's practically noon already!"

Theodore's polite demeanor hardened. He didn't appreciate anyone from the Rivers family speaking disrespectfully about his employer. "Regardless, you will not disturb Madam. You'll wait quietly until she chooses to come down."

He signaled the staff to monitor Benjamin, ensuring no disturbances would reach Evelyn.

Left with no options, Benjamin complied. He wasn't in his own home, and he'd been raised to respect household rules elsewhere.

Watching Evelyn disappear upstairs, he slumped onto the sofa and pulled out his phone. Scrolling through news feeds, he found no trace of the scandalous video—a relief.

Lucas worked efficiently. Though tasked with escorting Amelia home by Nathaniel, he'd simultaneously directed his team to release both the original and debunking videos online. Media outlets were promptly notified, creating instant buzz.

Public opinion shifted dramatically.

Netizens who'd participated in Evelyn's cyberbullying now felt profound shame. Some issued public apologies. Others deleted hateful comments. A surprising number became instant fans.

The incident turned into an unexpected boon. Evelyn's striking beauty and compassionate nature attracted loyal followers. When details emerged about her humble origins—how she'd fought her way from rural poverty to attend the city's most prestigious school—admiration skyrocketed. Her previous discretion about these struggles only intensified public fascination.

Had Evelyn possessed a VeeTube account, she'd have gained a million followers overnight. For Benjamin, the positive outcome brought immense relief.

Evelyn finally awoke late that afternoon.

She freshened up, changed clothes, and booted up her computer. Inspiration struck—she wanted to refine the design sketches she'd poured her soul into the previous night.

Finalizing the drawings after thorough review, she emailed them to Nathaniel from her work account, seeking his feedback. Now came the waiting game.

Originally a three-day project, she'd completed it in one marathon session. Mentally drained, she decided some fresh air might help. Shutting down her computer, she headed downstairs.

Benjamin was engrossed in a mobile game when Evelyn descended.

Theodore immediately approached. "Good afternoon, Madam. I allowed you to sleep through lunch. What would you like to eat? The kitchen can prepare anything immediately."

Evelyn noted Theodore's newfound respect with surprise.

She'd always considered him more decent than other staff members—unlike those who pretended respect while gossiping behind her back. Yet previously, Theodore had treated her merely as a guest, not the lady of the house.