Work Can Wait

Evelyn’s colleagues quickly voiced their agreement. Watching them, she smiled, her expression sweet and unassuming. “I really must thank Genevieve for the suggestion. Without her reminder, I might never have considered this approach.”

Her words achieved the exact effect she intended. The group turned to Genevieve with newfound appreciation.

“Genevieve, thank you. Without you, we wouldn’t have this chance to contribute to Mrs. Sterling’s project.”

Genevieve’s face tightened. She never imagined so many of them would get to work on Beatrice’s project—everyone except her.

“You…” She had the urge to call them all opportunistic flatterers.

Frustration burned red-hot in her chest, but with no outlet, she could only turn away, her expression dark with suppressed anger.

Evelyn hadn’t been exaggerating. She had completed the design on schedule.

Even while hospitalized from her injuries, she never let Beatrice’s order slip her mind.

Before the kidnapping, she had already gathered the preliminary design materials, and ideas had flowed easily.

Confined to her hospital bed with little else to do, she used the time productively, sketching several drafts between treatments.

After a few days, she finally persuaded Alexander to allow her discharge. The moment she was free, she contacted Beatrice and finalized the design online.

Thus, upon returning to Aethelgard Industries, she could immediately begin crafting the final product without delay.

Many assumed Evelyn was merely a novice with little practical experience.

She didn’t disagree.

That was precisely why she took Genevieve’s advice and sought help from several colleagues.

Aethelgard Industries was a highly respected name in the industry. Its designers were among the finest.

During the production process, they generously shared valuable techniques with her.

In return, they gained the opportunity to contribute to Beatrice Sterling’s project—a prestigious addition to their professional portfolios.

And Evelyn, in turn, learned a great deal.

Even after a long and productive day, her enthusiasm remained undimmed.

Later, as she sat down for dinner at Serenity Oaks, her mind was still on the project, mentally reviewing design details.

A voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Alexander placed more food on her plate. “Eat. You just left the hospital. Your body is still weak. You need proper nutrition.”

Evelyn blinked, momentarily disoriented, then obediently picked up her fork and finished her meal.

“I’m done,” she said, wiping her mouth and standing.

Alexander’s gaze followed her. “Where are you going?”

She paused only briefly before answering honestly. “I just had some new inspiration. I want to go to my room and refine the design.”

“You’re working overtime?” He stared at her intently.

Evelyn shifted slightly, feeling uneasy under his gaze. “Well… it’s not exactly overtime. I’m just finishing up. It won’t take long.”

Alexander took a deep breath.

In the past, people had always told him to ease up, to stop working so hard and rest.

He never listened. He found their nagging irritating.

Now, for the first time, he truly understood what it felt like to worry about someone else.

But he still felt her situation was different from his.

He had always enjoyed robust health. A little extra work never affected him.

But she was different.

She had just survived a dangerous kidnapping. Her body was still healing from multiple injuries.

She hadn’t even stayed in the hospital long before rushing back to work.

The thought only amplified his concern. His tone brooked no argument. “After dinner, take a walk and then rest. The work can wait until tomorrow.”

Evelyn pressed her lips together. After a short hesitation, she agreed. “Alright. I’ll go rest in my room then.”

After all, her computer was in her room. It wouldn’t take much time to complete a little work.

Alexander studied her carefully, his suspicion growing at her quick acquiescence. “You agreed too easily,” he stated. “You’re planning to sneak in some work once you’re in your room, aren’t you?”

Evelyn hesitated, then sighed helplessly. “How can I convince you?”

She understood his concern came from a good place. That was why she didn’t feel annoyed.

Alexander thought for a moment before replying. “I’ll supervise you myself. From now on, you’ll move to the master bedroom. We’ll sleep together.”