Evelyn's eyes snapped open, shock freezing her features.

There, surrounded by a throng of people, was Sebastian Hayes.

The same man from the recent street confrontation.

What an unbelievable twist of fate.

She fought to control her expression, forcing it into neutrality.

She tilted her head slightly, angling her body away to avoid his line of sight.

Running into him here was the last thing she had anticipated.

Watching the way the Aethelgard Industries executives bowed to him, all her doubts vanished. Sebastian was connected to the mysterious founder.

Accepting this bizarre truth was difficult. Her jaw tightened as she recalled their sharp exchange.

His casual arrogance had bordered on outright insolence...

The enigmatic founder of Aethelgard Industries had been her professional idol, the driving force behind her pursuit of design excellence.

Could her inspiration really be someone as insufferable as Sebastian?

As Evelyn wrestled with this, a group of executives approached Sebastian. "Mr. Hayes, if you'd come this way, please."

Sebastian gave a brief nod and followed them, completely unaware of Evelyn concealed in the shadows.

She watched them leave, releasing a quiet sigh. Her face was a canvas of complicated emotions.

Once they were gone, the murmurs in the interview waiting area resumed.

"See that man? That's Sebastian Hayes, the acting CEO of Aethelgard Industries. The founder never appears; Mr. Hayes represents him at all major functions."

"Mr. Hayes is incredibly handsome, and his presence is so commanding."

"It's fascinating that a man of his caliber works for such a secretive founder. That person must be truly extraordinary."

"I'd give anything to meet the mysterious founder."

"Be realistic. I've heard even senior executives haven't met him. Only Mr. Hayes knows the founder's identity. We'll probably never know."

"That's true. I just hope I can get into this company."

"Stay positive! Do your best."

Overhearing this, understanding washed over Evelyn.

Sebastian was merely the acting CEO, not the founder she had imagined.

Furthermore, he clearly enjoyed the founder's absolute trust.

Relief flooded through her.

Her initial shock made sense. After their unpleasant encounter, her opinion of Sebastian had plummeted. She had little tolerance for arrogant men.

Thankfully, he was not the founder.

This realization only deepened her curiosity about the founder's true identity.

Her dream was to join this company, prove her talent, and perhaps one day meet the genius behind it all.

Evelyn's thoughts were shattered by a voice dripping with scorn.

"Well, well. Is Aethelgard Industries so desperate they interview just anyone? Am I in the wrong place? The presence of certain individuals here really calls the company's standards into question."

The venomous tone made Evelyn frown.

She turned to see a woman staring at her with undisguised contempt.