Isabella hesitated for a moment before speaking. "She was wearing a company ID badge."

The woman at the reception desk had a sudden look of recognition. "Ah, you must mean Evelyn. She was here, but she left just a few minutes ago."

Keeping her composure, Isabella asked, "Does she work here as well?"

Given Evelyn's relationship with the founder of Aethelgard Industries, she probably held a senior position.

The woman's reply took Isabella by surprise. "Yes, Evelyn is the head of the Fashion Design Department."

This revelation startled Isabella. "Just a department head?"

The woman looked confused. "Is that... a problem?"

Isabella thought for a second before explaining. "I've known her for a while. She's incredibly talented. I just expected her to be in a more senior role."

The woman gave an awkward laugh. "Evelyn is still quite young, though. Becoming a department head at her age is actually a significant achievement."

Isabella, coming from a life of privilege, might not fully grasp how difficult career advancement was for ordinary people.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Isabella pressed further. "Is Evelyn from a prominent family?"

The woman's expression shifted subtly. "Not particularly. Most of our employees come from fairly average backgrounds."

The only notable exception was Genevieve from the wealthy Prescott family.

The woman was starting to wonder why Isabella was asking so many specific questions.

Ready to move on, Isabella politely thanked the woman and walked away.

It seemed no one at Aethelgard Industries knew that Evelyn was the founder's wife.

Even more shocking was that, despite this status, she only held a mid-level management position.

This led Isabella to one conclusion: perhaps the founder didn't truly love his wife.

The possibility solidified in her mind, becoming more convincing with each passing second.

As suspicion turned into certainty, a knowing smirk curled on Isabella's lips.

This could be her golden opportunity.

5:05 PM.

The thought of having the charismatic founder of Aethelgard Industries within her grasp sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

At that very moment, Alexander entered the conference room, preparing for an imminent video call with executives from the Sterling Group.

Before he could sit down, Sebastian hurried in, looking anxious. "We have a situation downstairs. The Sterling girl is causing a scene at reception, demanding to see you. The staff looks like they're about to break. Could you handle her?"

Annoyance was clear on Alexander's face. His response was blunt. "I have no interest in speaking to her."

Considering Amelia's behavior at the banquet, he was certain her visit today would only bring more trouble.

Sebastian continued cautiously. "She brought a team of bodyguards. Employees are starting to gather downstairs. If this continues, reporters might get wind of it. That would create unnecessary complications."

He then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Worse still, Amelia knows your true identity as the founder of Aethelgard. If she says something inappropriate publicly, and it reaches your wife's ears... things could spiral out of control."

Alexander's expression darkened considerably at the thought.

"I don't understand how the Sterlings—a family known for their manners and dignity—managed to raise such an entitled daughter. Since her brother can't control her, it seems I have to deal with it." With clear authority, Alexander instructed Sebastian, "Bring her up to my office immediately. Do it before my meeting starts."

Moments later, Alexander's assistant relayed the message to the reception desk.

"Miss Sterling, the founder has agreed to meet with you upstairs," the receptionist said, turning to Amelia with a polite smile.

Instantly, a wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd that had gathered.