Chapter 9

Evelyn noticed Olivia's optimism, while she herself had already braced for the worst.

Accepting that the project she'd poured a month into was beyond saving was disheartening. But dwelling on it wouldn’t change a thing.

With a sigh, Evelyn headed to the pantry. "Do your best, Olivia. I’ll make you some coffee to help you focus."

"Thanks!" Olivia replied. At the same moment, a red progress bar flashed on the computer screen.

The moment it filled, Evelyn cracked the password. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she accessed a hidden dialog box. A final keystroke sent her message.

[What’s your grudge?]

The hacker’s stunned reply came instantly. [Who are you? How did you bypass the AJ League’s encryption?]

Evelyn’s fingers danced. [That’s not the point. The real question is—why target Alpha Enterprises? If you have a problem, take it up with the person who wronged you. Don’t drag innocent people into it.]

The hacker retaliated, but every attack was intercepted by Evelyn’s defenses. Frustration turned to reluctant admiration. Whoever was on the other side was better than him.

—

By the time Olivia returned with coffee, Evelyn had restored the system—files and all.

"It’s fixed! You’re incredible! How did you do it?"

Evelyn spun the USB drive between her fingers, leaning back in her chair. "Bought this antivirus online for a dollar during a flash sale. Claims to work against all viruses. Guess they weren’t lying. I’ll leave them a glowing review."

Olivia frowned. "Wait—you fixed it with antivirus? The tech team said that wouldn’t work. Maybe they’re the useless ones."

Evelyn took the coffee with a nod. "You should probably grab that file and show it to Mr. Kingsley now."

"Oh! Right!" Olivia blew her a kiss and rushed off.

Colleagues swarmed Evelyn, demanding the antivirus link.

"Later," she dismissed, sipping her coffee. Her gaze flicked toward Nathaniel’s office. He probably hasn’t finished his coffee yet.

—

Inside, Rachel had been striking suggestive poses near Nathaniel, showcasing her legs. But his attention never wavered from his cup. Her legs were cramping by the time Olivia knocked.

"Mr. Kingsley, the file’s ready. The meeting can proceed as planned."

Frederick’s relief was palpable. "The system’s repaired?"

"Yes! Evelyn restored everything."

"Impressive." Frederick stood, gesturing toward the meeting room. "Mr. Grayson, we’re ready."

Nathaniel set down his cup, his sharp eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Every movement exuded power as he rose.

Rachel seethed. How did Evelyn pull that off?

—

Fifteen minutes later, Nathaniel exited the meeting room, his expression unreadable. Frederick trailed behind, shoulders slumped.

As Nathaniel passed Evelyn’s desk, he paused. His cold gaze settled on her, lips curling in a humorless smile. "Bravo, Mr. Kingsley. Your talented employee just wasted an hour of my time."

Frederick flushed. "I—I apologize, Mr. Grayson."

Nathaniel turned away without another glance.

Evelyn frowned as Rachel sauntered over, smirking. "All that effort, and he still hated your plan. Pathetic."

Ignoring her, Evelyn turned to Olivia, who emerged from the meeting room in tears.

"What happened?"

Olivia choked out, "The key data was full of errors. Mr. Grayson called our proposal garbage."

Frederick stormed back, lashing out at Olivia. "Is this the quality of your work? Basic mistakes everywhere! Maybe you should find another job!"

Olivia bowed her head. "I’m sorry, I—"

Evelyn caught Rachel’s smug grin. "Mr. Kingsley, the errors aren’t Olivia’s fault. The virus corrupted the data. I should’ve checked before sending her in. I’ll resign."

Frederick hesitated, but Edward cut in. "Resign? You’re fired. Pack your things and get out."

—

At the elevator, Olivia caught up, guilt-stricken. "Evelyn, I should quit—"

Evelyn shook her head. "Edward wanted me gone anyway. Don’t throw yourself under the bus."

"But Rachel’s getting promoted now! She doesn’t deserve it!"

Evelyn shrugged. "Doesn’t matter." She waved and stepped into the elevator.

As the doors opened downstairs, Rachel appeared, dumping a box of Evelyn’s belongings at her feet. "Forgot your things. Manager said your desk is mine now."

Evelyn calmly gathered her stuff. "Let me give you some advice."

Rachel crossed her arms. "Make it quick."

Evelyn leaned in, whispering, "Karma’s a bitch."

Rachel scoffed. "Whatever."

—

Evelyn stepped outside, arms full, when a sleek black Mercedes pulled up beside her.

Lucas stepped out. "Mr. Grayson wants to see you."

Evelyn brushed past him. "Not interested."

He blocked her path. "Get in the car."

After a brief struggle, she relented, sliding into the backseat.

Rachel gaped from the entrance. A limited-edition Mercedes? How does Evelyn rate that?