I Could Lend A Hand

The entire office braced for an explosion.

They expected Nathanial to have Evelyn removed immediately.

But his expression was not one of anger.

It was concern.

The gossip about her had spread through the department like a virus.

He must have heard every word.

"I'm feeling much better now," Evelyn stated, her voice even.

Nathanial gave a slight nod. "Good. Then return to your station and take it easy." His tone was soft, almost cautious.

Once she was seated, a few colleagues drifted closer.

Their curiosity was a palpable force.

One finally voiced the question on everyone's mind. "Evelyn, why is Nathanial being so... considerate? We assumed—"

The sentence hung in the air, heavy with implication.

They weren't just questioning his behavior.

They were questioning why she was still employed.

Evelyn offered a faint, noncommittal smile.

She expertly deflected the unspoken inquiry. "I'm certain Nathanial has his rationale."

Seeing they would get nothing more, their excitement faded into clear disappointment.

They exchanged frustrated glances, their lips pursed at the missed opportunity for scandal.

Nearby, Genevieve watched, her fingernails digging into her palm.

Not only was Evelyn unharmed, but Nathanial had publicly shown her favor.

A slow, burning sense of injustice churned in Genevieve's chest.

A colleague sidled up to her, hesitating before speaking. "Genevieve, any idea why Nathanial is treating Evelyn that way?"

Genevieve's jaw tightened. "Why?" she snapped.

The colleague's eyes lit up with intrigue, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Rumor has it, Nathanial dined with Beatrice Sterling last night. She personally insisted Evelyn stay. That's why he didn't fire her. Think about it—a woman like Beatrice Sterling? Nathanial wouldn't dare contradict her."

Genevieve's breath caught, disbelief flashing across her features.

Evelyn, that fortunate wretch!

Even now, Beatrice was protecting her.

Genevieve inhaled sharply, her face contorting with fury.

Meanwhile, Evelyn brushed off the whispers and made her way to the conference room.

She was determined to focus and complete the final product with her team.

During her lunch break, Evelyn's thoughts returned to Beatrice's intervention.

She hadn't lied to Nathanial—since taking on Beatrice's project, all their interactions had been strictly professional.

Beatrice was always impeccably composed, neither friendly nor aloof.

Theirs was a standard designer-client relationship.

Had Beatrice intervened solely because she admired Evelyn's work?

It was a possibility...

Then, another name surfaced in her mind—Alexander.

Could Alexander have been involved? He had mentioned that Beatrice was an old friend of his mother's.

Evelyn turned the idea over, but the pieces didn't quite fit together.

Ultimately, she decided direct thanks were in order. "Mrs. Sterling, I truly appreciate you speaking on my behalf to Nathanial. Thank you for the opportunity to remain."

A full ten minutes passed before Beatrice replied. Her message was brief and detached. "I merely objected to changing designers at this critical juncture. Your work is competent. Otherwise, I wouldn't have intervened."

The wording was nearly identical to what Nathanial had told her.

Evelyn responded with professional courtesy. "Of course, Mrs. Sterling. I will ensure my work meets your expectations."

For the rest of the day, she ignored the vile rumors circulating online and channeled all her concentration into her work.

By the following morning, the gown was finally complete.

As per the agreement, she was to deliver it to Beatrice in person.

"When you see Mrs. Sterling, please convey my regards," Nathanial said, watching intently as Evelyn carefully packed the garment.

Evelyn nodded promptly. "Of course, Nathanial."

At that moment, Genevieve approached with a pleasant smile.

In front of Nathanial, she casually suggested, "Evelyn, it might be difficult managing alone. Why don't I accompany you? I could lend a hand."

Nathanial glanced at Genevieve and agreed. "That's thoughtful of you, Genevieve. Very well, you may go with her."

Marrying A Secret Billionaire: A Twist of Fate