Chapter 12: Chapter 12

395 words

<html><head></head><body>The elevator doors slid open soundlessly. Benjamin stepped aside to make way. "Miss Roland, after you." Evelyn's gaze lingered on his face for half a second before she stepped in. As the doors closed, Benjamin loosened his tie. The boss had said she was just a greenhorn, so why did she carry herself like seasoned royalty? He rubbed his temples. Too much overtime lately—must be seeing things. "You should've called ahead," Alexander said, setting down his fountain pen to pour her a glass of water. Evelyn accepted it. "Didn't have your number." Alexander froze, then hastily pulled out his phone to exchange contacts. "My oversight." "No need to apologize." She took a sip. "Just stating facts." Alexander was speechless. This sister was nothing like the spoiled Isabella. Remembering his mother's instructions, he straightened. "You'll be in Design Team Three. Any issues, come to me or Benjamin." "Unnecessary." She set down the glass. "I prefer to remain an ordinary employee."  "But—" "Don't worry. I won't tattle to the family." Alexander choked back a laugh. This girl was something else. Noting the awkward silence, Evelyn added, "If real trouble arises, I'll find you." "Deal." Amused, he pressed the intercom. "Benjamin, escort her to Design." Watching her slender figure leave, admiration flickered in his eyes. Though her credentials were modest, her poise was extraordinary. In the design department hallway, Benjamin murmured, "You'll handle Vanity Jewelry's sapphire collection." "Adrienne, your new recruit," he called toward the workstations.  A woman buried in sketches didn't look up. "Far corner desk." It was a clutter-filled dead zone. Benjamin frowned. "But she's assigned to Vanity—" "And?" Adrienne smirked. "Here's fine." Evelyn strode to the corner. As she set down her bag, colleagues suddenly swarmed her. "Miss Roland, take my seat!" "Try my homemade cookies!"  "How are you related to Mr. Roland?" Evelyn's eyes glinted. So the lobby incident had spread. "Coincidental surname." Her tone was even. "The Vanity drafts were from my part-time work for the Rolands. Mr. Roland appreciated them." The cookies vanished instantly. "Ugh, just a fluke." "Wasted effort." The crowd dispersed, someone deliberately piling files on her desk. "Borrowing space~"  Evelyn eyed their empty workstation, lips quirking. "Must all be trash then." Crash— She dumped everything neatly into the bin. "My sketches!" "Are you insane?" Amid shrieks, the girl opposite stifled giggles. Adrienne's office door slammed open: "Keep it down!"  </body></html>