Chapter 229

Evelyn's lips curved into a radiant smile. "The honor is mine, Professor Whitaker. Your word is my command."

The room buzzed with activity as everyone assisted with the arrangements. Moments later, a staff member handed Evelyn a microphone.

She accepted it gracefully and approached the podium. After a respectful bow, she declared, "Effective immediately, I formally resign as Professor Whitaker's student. Henceforth, I shall address him simply as Mr. Whitaker."

Edmund's eyes twinkled as he produced a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. "For you, Evelyn."

"Thank you, Mr. Whitaker," she replied, accepting the gift with both hands.

The announcement sent Edmund into such delight that he immediately began texting every industry contact in his phone. It was as if he wanted the entire fashion world to know about his protégé's achievement.

As Evelyn exited Kingsley University, she noticed a familiar tall silhouette leaning against a lamppost.

Before she could approach, Adrian spotted her and closed the distance in long strides. "Evelyn! You're safe."

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Adrian? What brings you here?"

His gaze swept over her with visible concern. "I heard about the fire. Are you hurt? Is everything alright?"

"Perfectly fine," she assured him with a dismissive wave.

The tension visibly drained from Adrian's shoulders.

He'd been conducting business in Dunhill for weeks, completely cut off from Kingsley news. The fire reports had reached him only yesterday, prompting his immediate return.

Seeing Evelyn unharmed finally eased the knot in his stomach.

"Just arrived?" She gestured to the luggage at his feet.

Instead of answering, Adrian proudly produced a thick folder from his briefcase. "Look at these contracts. All sealed this month."

Evelyn's eyes widened at the impressive stack. "This many?"

His chest puffed with pride. "One month's work in Dunhill. What do you think, Evelyn? Am I outperforming Nathan Sterling yet?"

She gave him an approving thumbs-up. "Adrian, you're proving to be my most valuable player."

His grin turned wolfish. "If that's the case, perhaps you'll reconsider my other proposal? I excel at more than just business deals."

Evelyn playfully swatted his arm. "Enough boasting. Let's head to the office."

Chuckling, Adrian slid into Evelyn's sports car and they drove off together.

At Kingsley Industries, employees stood straighter as Evelyn passed through the lobby.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Carter."

"Welcome back, Ms. Carter."

She acknowledged each greeting with a nod before entering the elevator with Adrian.

The moment the doors closed, receptionists huddled together.

"Is that Adrian Prescott with Ms. Carter? There's definitely something between them."

"Don't you know? He's been pursuing her relentlessly."

"But wasn't Ms. Carter married before?"

"Not just married. Her ex-husband is Nathan Sterling - CEO of Sterling Enterprises!"

"Mr. Sterling? Wasn't he just in the lobby?"

Their whispers died as they glanced toward the seating area. There sat Nathan, immaculate in a three-piece suit, watching the elevator doors close.

Gasps rippled through the group.

"Why is Mr. Sterling here?"

"He's been coming daily. Rumor says he's waiting for Ms. Carter."

"A love triangle? Now that's corporate drama worth watching!"