Meeting Evelyn's intense, unwavering gaze, Alexander found himself powerless to refuse.

He hesitated, anchored by the weight of her stare, before finally relenting with a reluctant nod. "Alright. I trust you," he conceded, his voice a mixture of admiration and resignation.

Quickly, Alexander summoned his subordinate and issued a crisp order. "From this moment, you take your orders from Evelyn. Whatever she requires, you execute it without question."

"Understood, Mr. Blackwood," the subordinate responded promptly, his tone layered with deference.

Alexander turned back to Evelyn, his eyes searching hers for confirmation. "If you devise any strategies, inform him. He will arrange everything for you."

Evelyn paused, her mind seemingly navigating a labyrinth of thoughts before she addressed the subordinate. "There is nothing to handle right now. If something arises, you will be the first to know. Thank you."

"Mrs. Blackwood, it is my honor to serve you," the subordinate replied, his expression one of genuine pride mixed with awe. His brow then furrowed in concern. "With Patricia threatening to expose this, silence is not an option. If this escalates later, it will place you in a difficult position."

Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile, a flash of cunning in her eyes. "Let her make a fool of herself if she wishes. Having everyone watch will only work to our advantage," she stated firmly.

The subordinate blinked, taken aback by her audacity. He had not anticipated such a bold move from Evelyn.

Worry deepened on his features as he considered the potential fallout.

"But, Mrs. Blackwood, if this gets out of control, it could damage more than just your reputation," he cautioned, his voice heavy with warning.

"No need to worry. I've got this all figured out," Evelyn assured him with a dismissive wave, her confidence unshaken.

Alexander watched, his gaze sharpening as he noted the steadfast resolve etched on her face. With a slight arch of his eyebrow, he found himself swept up by her conviction, nodding in silent agreement.

He turned to his subordinate and commanded crisply, "Follow her lead."

The subordinate rubbed the back of his neck, his confusion growing. Alexander's methods often baffled him, and Evelyn's assertive stance added new layers to his perplexity.

Initially, he had assumed Evelyn was ordinary.

But now, seeing her stand unyielding and poised against the threat, she cast a new, intriguing shadow.

Where others might crumble, Evelyn stood her ground with a calm that mirrored Alexander's own.

The resemblance in their composure under pressure was uncanny.

A thought crossed his mind—was it true that partners grew to resemble each other over time?

Respecting Evelyn's decision, Alexander stepped back, giving her complete control.

Online, wild speculations about her swirled, each more sensational than the last.

Amid the growing storm, Charlotte stumbled upon the fervent discussions and contacted Evelyn in distress.

Without delay, Evelyn shared her carefully laid plans, soothing Charlotte with her confidence.

After hearing the strategy, Charlotte shook her head, a gesture of resignation mixed with admiration. "Evelyn, you've always been stubbornly independent. Never needing anyone to handle what you can do yourself."

With a sigh, Charlotte continued, "I thought Alexander might finally be the one to temper that fiery spirit of yours. But it seems even he has no control over you. Well, might as well embrace it. Once you deal with Patricia, everyone will see that you are not someone to be trifled with."

In the following days, Evelyn focused on rest and recovery. Fortunately, her sprain was minor, and by the next morning, she was back to her routine, striding into work with her usual vigor.

Yet the atmosphere at the company was palpably different. As she entered the building, she noticed the sidelong glances and hushed whispers that trailed her.

Not a hint of surprise showed on her face—she had been prepared for this.

The rumors, fueled by Patricia's vindictive efforts, had taken on a life of their own, painting her in colors far removed from reality.

It wasn't just acquaintances who viewed her differently; strangers seemed equally eager to indulge in the scandal.

Undeterred by the murmurs and pointed stares, Evelyn moved through the lobby with composed determination.

She was nearly at her desk when Genevieve appeared, blocking her path with a confrontational stance, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with scorn.

"Evelyn, you have some nerve. After everything that's exploded online, you still dare to show your face? You truly have no shame, do you?" Genevieve sneered, her voice dripping with derision.