The receptionist felt her composure cracking.

Amelia Sterling’s formidable entourage and sharp temper were too much. How could she possibly manage this situation?

"Miss Sterling, please wait. I will verify once more." With no other option, the receptionist reluctantly dialed the executive floor again.

Near the commotion, Evelyn found herself pulled along by her excited colleagues from the Fashion Design Department. The air buzzed with anticipation.

Curious staff had gathered, their murmurs creating a steady hum.

"It really is Miss Sterling! Why is she here?"

"Rumor says she's seeking the founder. Who knew they were acquainted?"

"Wait, does that imply she has actually met the founder?"

A new speculation started to spread. "Consider this—could our company's alliance with the Sterling Group be due to a personal connection between the founder and Miss Sterling?"

The unspoken suggestion was clear.

"That seems plausible. The Sterling family holds immense power. A union with the founder would be a strategic match."

"But isn't the founder said to be married?"

"Those are just rumors. Nothing is confirmed. It could easily be a smokescreen."

The gossip intensified.

Amelia, overhearing these comments, felt a surge of gratification.

As anticipated, the public saw her as the ideal partner for the head of Aethelgard Industries.

That woman from the banquet? She was insignificant in comparison.

The thought filled Amelia with deep satisfaction.

Her eyes casually swept the crowd—and then locked onto a familiar face. Her smug expression instantly froze.

There, amidst the spectators, stood Evelyn. Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief. Wasn't she supposed to be the founder's wife? What was she doing here?

Evelyn hadn't intended to get involved, but her colleagues' enthusiasm was infectious.

From a distance, she recognized Amelia at the front desk. Memories of the awkward encounter at the Sterling family banquet flooded back—how Amelia had deliberately tried to humiliate her.

Though Amelia had ultimately allowed her to pass, Evelyn had sensed a deep-seated animosity.

Even now, Amelia's presence felt threatening.

After a moment of observation, Evelyn decided to leave. "I have work to complete. I'm going back upstairs."

Her colleagues, absorbed in the drama, barely acknowledged her.

Evelyn didn't mind. She turned and walked away, unaware that Amelia had already spotted her.

By the time Amelia pushed through the crowd, Evelyn had vanished.

But Amelia was certain of what she had seen.

Evelyn's striking beauty and elegant poise were unforgettable.

The realization fueled Amelia's irritation.

So, Evelyn had used her looks to enchant Alexander and secure her position as his wife?

Employees from the Fashion Design Department nearby tensed as Amelia approached them, fearing they had inadvertently caused offense.

One brave soul stepped forward. "Miss Sterling, can we assist you with something?"

Amelia's face softened into a pleasant smile. "I noticed a woman with your group earlier. She looked familiar. Could you tell me her name?"