Chapter 419

Vivienne Laurent stared at Evelyn Sinclair with icy detachment. The sight of Evelyn's delicate features and gentle gaze made her fists clench involuntarily. A flicker of envy twisted her otherwise composed expression.

"Can I help you, Ms. Laurent?" Evelyn greeted her with a soft, polite smile.

Vivienne remained silent, her chin tilted slightly upward in quiet arrogance.

Her sharp eyes studied Evelyn with unnerving stillness. This woman unsettled her in ways no other had.

She had never felt threatened by the countless women who threw themselves at Dominic Blackwood. She knew better—Dominic had built an impenetrable wall around himself, and every woman who tried to breach it had failed spectacularly.

For years, Vivienne had stood by his side, watching as he remained indifferent to every advance. Yet Evelyn was the exception.

Her instincts screamed that Evelyn was different.

The realization sent a chill down her spine. The fear of losing Dominic’s attention to another woman was paralyzing.

Bernadette Worthing, the design department lead, was her informant within T Corporation. While Vivienne had been stationed at another branch, Bernadette kept her updated on Dominic’s interactions. She needed to know if any woman dared to make a move in her absence.

None had ever concerned her—not even Lillian Prescott or Seraphina Prescott, despite their wealthy backgrounds.

But Evelyn was unlike any of them.

According to Bernadette, the usually unshakable Dominic had bent his own rules repeatedly for Evelyn. That alone was enough to put Vivienne on high alert.

Vivienne rose from the revolving chair, her fitted skirt accentuating her slender waist and curves.

She stepped closer to Evelyn, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper, her expression darkening where no one else could see.

"Ms. Sinclair, T Corporation is a global enterprise. As an employee, you should know your place. Focus on your work and stay away from what doesn’t belong to you. Office romances are strictly prohibited here—do I make myself clear?"

Her smile remained, but it was cold enough to freeze the air between them.

Evelyn barely blinked.

Since when did a supervisor have the right to dictate her personal life?

True, T Corporation had a policy against workplace relationships. The reasoning was sound—emotional entanglements could cloud judgment, compromise confidentiality, and create conflicts of interest.

But Dominic had already confided in Evelyn that he planned to abolish the rule after the 15th. Not even Sebastian Whitmore knew yet.

The irony of Vivienne’s threat almost made her laugh.

Evelyn’s lips curved into a serene smile. "Ms. Laurent, if there are any issues with my work, I welcome your guidance. But my personal affairs are none of your concern. Everyone has their own path. I’ve never crossed any lines, so I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re implying."

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed at Evelyn’s feigned innocence. "You’re smarter than this, Ms. Sinclair. At your age, you should be settling down. I could introduce you to some eligible bachelors. A woman’s place isn’t in the corporate grind—it’s at home, raising children."

Evelyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile sweet but razor-sharp. "How kind of you to worry, Ms. Laurent. But I thrive in my career—it gives me purpose. A woman shouldn’t be defined by love or a man. Financial independence is freedom. Besides, I’m only 24. You, however, must be… what, 29? If you have such excellent bachelors in mind, shouldn’t you be prioritizing your own love life first?"

Vivienne’s expression frosted over.

She hadn’t expected Evelyn—this seemingly fragile woman—to retaliate with such precision.

"Work hard, Ms. Sinclair. I hope you have a bright future here." Vivienne raised her voice deliberately, ensuring nearby eavesdroppers heard only professionalism.

As a supervisor, she couldn’t afford to let petty conflicts tarnish her reputation.

With one last icy glare, she turned on her heel and strode away.

She had underestimated Evelyn. This wasn’t some meek pushover—this was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and the realization left her deeply unsettled.

Once Vivienne was gone, Evelyn sank into her chair, exhaustion weighing on her.

Vivienne’s words echoed in her mind, making her temples throb.

First, there was Lillian Prescott, still circling Dominic like a vulture. Now, Vivienne Laurent had entered the fray—far more cunning and dangerous.

Unlike Lillian’s blatant hostility, Vivienne was calculated, her threats wrapped in false concern.

How exhausting it must be to wear a mask every single day.

Olivia Kensington sidled up to Evelyn, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "What did Ms. Laurent say to you?"

She knew Vivienne wasn’t the type to offer encouragement. The woman rarely acknowledged junior employees unless it served her.

Evelyn shook her head, organizing the files on her desk. "Nothing important. Just work matters. Speaking of which, the Vivi Group project is underway. I’ve added you to the design team. Let’s make this a success."

Olivia grabbed Evelyn’s hand, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Evie."

She knew her skills weren’t the strongest in the department. This opportunity had Evelyn’s fingerprints all over it.