"I'm only a designer at Aethelgard Industries. The founder intervened because he witnessed an injustice. It's not the scandal you're implying," Evelyn stated.

Nathanial narrowed his gaze. "Evelyn, stop pretending. It's pointless. If you weren't already acquainted with the founder, why would he issue a personal apology to you?"

He released a sharp, frustrated breath. "For years, massive deals and public scandals never prompted his involvement. Yet you, a mere designer, managed it? What gives you that kind of significance?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to retort, but after a moment's hesitation, she closed it. Arguing was futile.

Seeing her refusal to engage, Nathanial let out a dry, humorless laugh. "You likely haven't heard yet, but the official notice just came down. I've been terminated. My role as head of the Fashion Design Department is now vacant. And the new appointment? It's you."

He scoffed derisively and turned on his heel, striding away without a backward glance.

Evelyn stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide with shock.

What? She was replacing Nathanial?

The idea was so ludicrous she almost believed she'd misheard him.

Before she could fully process the information, her colleagues swarmed her, offering excited congratulations.

"Evelyn, congratulations!"

"We knew you'd be back, Evelyn. Someone with your talent was never going to stay away for long."

"You're definitely treating us to dinner tonight to celebrate!"

Their enthusiastic chatter only amplified her confusion.

She frowned. "What are you all talking about? I don't understand."

A colleague looked at her in surprise. "You haven't seen the company-wide email?"

Evelyn quickly pulled out her phone and accessed her inbox, realizing she must have missed a critical notification. At the very top was an official announcement.

Her breath caught. The promotion was real.

She was officially the new Head of the Fashion Design Department.

The confirmation struck her with full force, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Hadn't she joined Aethelgard Industries relatively recently?

She was still finding her footing. How could she possibly be leading the entire department?

Her mind whirled, struggling to reconcile the situation.

It felt surreal. She refreshed the email repeatedly, half-expecting it to be an error.

Perhaps it was a minor promotion.

But jumping from a junior designer directly to department head? The leap was astronomical.

Yet, no matter how many times she refreshed, the message remained unchanged.

"Look at her, she's too stunned to speak!"

"Evelyn, seriously, congratulations! You've endured so much; you truly deserve this."

Even with their assurances, it still didn't feel real.

"This is all happening too quickly," she murmured, almost to herself.

Her colleagues laughed warmly. "Evelyn, you're incredibly talented. If anyone is worthy of this position, it's you."

"Exactly, just embrace it. You have what it takes."

Evelyn allowed herself to relax slightly, a tentative smile touching her lips as she nodded. "I will try."

She made her way back to her desk and sank into her chair.

As department head, she would need to move her belongings into the manager's office.

The thought should have been exhilarating, but instead, a nagging question surfaced.

The President of Aethelgard Industries was Sebastian Hayes. And Sebastian was a close friend of Alexander Blackwood.

Was this promotion genuinely based on her merit? Or was it a favor granted by Sebastian, orchestrated for Alexander's sake?