Chapter 30

Tyler Laurier's words still hung in the air when a chorus of agreement erupted in the conference room.

"My department is in complete chaos too!"

"Three people's workload dumped on one—this is inhuman!"

"If this continues, the company will collapse!"

Evelyn Sullivan scanned the room with an impassive expression before her gaze settled on Sophia Reynolds.

"Bring me Tyler's department performance reports."

Tyler shot to his feet, face dark with anger.

"What's the meaning of this, Evelyn? Don't you trust me?"

She accepted the file, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

"Numbers don't lie."

Her fingers tapped lightly against the pages as she skimmed through the data.

"Five projects. Three expire in six months. Two are a year overdue."

Beads of sweat formed on Tyler's forehead.

"Those two are in the final stages! We're short-staffed—"

"That's no excuse."

Snapping the file shut, she fixed him with a razor-sharp glare.

"I want results by year-end. Otherwise, these departments will be dissolved."

The room fell deathly silent.

Tyler clenched his fists, voice trembling.

"Evelyn, this company isn't yours alone!"

"Then prove your worth with performance."

She rose, sweeping her gaze across the room.

"Every department faces quarterly evaluations. Miss the target—either replace the head or shut it down."

Her heels clicked sharply against the floor as she strode toward the exit.

Tyler watched her retreating figure, eyes glinting with malice.

Outside, Sophia hurried to catch up.

"Evelyn, wasn't that too harsh?"

"Business is war."

Evelyn stepped into the elevator without looking back.

In the following days, Evelyn practically lived at the office. Her interactions with Ethan Sullivan were reduced to brief encounters at the foyer.

On the eve of Sophia's birthday, Evelyn left early to pick up a custom gown.

Under the dazzling mall lights, she came face-to-face with Isabella Jackson and Margaret Sullivan.

Margaret scowled and blocked her path.

"Stop right there! Where are your manners?"

Evelyn paused.

"I have errands. Excuse me."

Margaret's face twisted in outrage.

"You ungrateful brat! Help me pick a dress!"

"Isabella can assist you."

Evelyn walked away without a backward glance as Margaret's furious shrieks followed her.

"What use is a daughter-in-law like this?"

Isabella's soothing voice floated after her. "Aunt Margaret, don't upset yourself. My sister just..."

The glass storefront reflected Evelyn's icy profile. She tightened her grip on the bag strap and disappeared into the crowd.