Chapter 10
At that thought, Evelyn ignored Britney's provocation and pulled up an organized file on her computer, sending it to Britney via email.
"Here are the materials I've organized. You can review them first. As for the source files, it doesn't matter how much you argue—giving them to you now violates policy."
Britney shot her a look and left, leaving Evelyn at her desk, staring pensively at the design diagrams on her screen.
But stubbornly refusing to hand things over wasn't a long-term solution. Setting aside whether Matthew would pressure her, even Britney, the nominal project lead now, could throw obstacles in her path both overtly and covertly. Dragging this out might even lead to accusations of leaking company secrets.
Her lower abdomen throbbed with dull pain, reminding her there was an even more vulnerable life inside her that needed protection. She couldn't afford to act rashly right now. She had to think long-term.
She needed to settle this.
Evelyn closed her laptop, took a deep breath, and headed to Matthew's office.
The morning meeting had just ended. Matthew and a group of executives emerged from the conference room, running straight into Evelyn.
Matthew's gaze darkened.
Was she here to talk about her resignation?
Matthew gestured for the others to leave and entered his office with Evelyn.
This was their first face-to-face meeting since Matthew had left her apartment. The atmosphere carried a subtle awkwardness.
After a moment of silence, Evelyn got straight to the point.
"Mr. Perkins, Miss Fox is demanding I provide her with the core Sparkle designs directly. That doesn't comply with confidentiality protocols, and also," Evelyn paused, "it infringes on my design work."
"I want to confirm—is this your directive?"
Matthew kept his head down, but internally he felt a small wave of relief.
She wasn't here begging to leave. That meant everything still had room for maneuvering.
Matthew's posture relaxed slightly as he looked at Evelyn and spoke slowly.
"Protocols are rigid," his voice was emotionless. "Britney is the project lead now. She has the right to know all the details. Besides, you're the one who wanted to resign."
"And if I don't want to hand them over?" Evelyn's face was tight, her voice cold.
"Don't want to? Planning to take them to your next employer?" Matthew's lips curved slightly, his gaze penetrating. "Unless you withdraw your resignation."
Evelyn froze.
"You'll continue leading Sparkle through final delivery. I'll have Britney coordinate other resources to support you." Matthew's voice was steady, as if deciding on the most mundane business matter. "Project bonuses will still go to you. This way, your work is protected and the company can move the project forward smoothly. Win-win."
Win-win? Evelyn laughed bitterly to herself. It was just him weighing his options and temporarily securing her, the "tool" most familiar with the project.
And Britney probably wouldn't really give up that easily.
But this was indeed the most advantageous choice for her right now. At least the project control was back in her hands. Her hard work wouldn't be handed over to someone else, and personally delivering the project would buy her more time to prepare for leaving.
After a brief silence, Evelyn nodded. "Alright. I'll withdraw my resignation and see Sparkle through delivery. But," she looked up at Matthew, her expression calm yet distant, "our arrangement as lovers has already ended. I hope you're clear on that."
Matthew's hand on the sofa armrest tightened, his jaw tensing slightly. An inexplicable irritation wound through his chest.
Just like that, with the calmest tone, she drew the clearest boundary. Not long ago, she'd acted docile and soft around him. Now she wasn't hiding her detachment at all.
Matthew gave a cold laugh. Like he'd be short on women? Especially one constantly desperate to distance herself from him?
He suppressed the restlessness in his chest and nodded indifferently. "Fine."
"Thank you, Mr. Perkins." Evelyn inclined her head slightly, said nothing more, and left the office.
---
News of Evelyn withdrawing her resignation spread quickly. Britney entered Matthew's office looking aggrieved.
The door had good soundproofing—the specific conversation was inaudible—but that afternoon, HR issued a new announcement: Britney was appointed as Special Assistant to the CEO, overseeing the project department and reporting directly to Matthew.
The notice specifically mentioned that Britney would coordinate resources to support key technical projects including Sparkle. This clearly positioned Britney above Evelyn.
Evelyn read the email without expression. She'd expected as much. Matthew's methods of placating people were always direct. The people he favored always drowned in resources.
Fine. She thought quietly. She just needed to focus on technical delivery. Everything else, she could ignore.
---
In the following days, Evelyn poured all her energy into project delivery during work hours.
After work in the evenings, Evelyn researched overseas care facilities and contacted several to arrange video tours.
On the screen, the peaceful gardens and professional caregivers of foreign lands kindled a faint hope in her heart. If everything went smoothly, once the project bonus came through, combined with her savings, it would be enough to ensure her mother received excellent care.
Her determination to leave grew firmer with each quiet preparation.
One afternoon, Evelyn avoided the cafeteria crowds and ate her packed lunch in a corner of the break room. She'd barely taken a few bites when her phone rang—an unknown number.
"Long time no see, Evelyn." A lazy laugh came through the line. "Hope I'm not interrupting your lunch?"
Evelyn was somewhat surprised. "Zeal? What's up?"
"Can't reach out if there's nothing?" Zeal chuckled lightly, then his tone became more serious. "Actually, I heard Matthew had you take back the Sparkle project?"
Word traveled fast.
Evelyn made a noncommittal sound of agreement.
"Interested in a change of scenery?" Zeal got straight to the point. "I've got a newly established company that's short on hardcore design talent like you."
"You'd lead your own team. Projects and budget won't be worse than the Perkins Group. Same goes for position and compensation." He quoted a figure Evelyn couldn't easily refuse, then added, "You'd report directly to me. So, what do you think? Worth considering?"
The offer came suddenly, with shockingly generous terms.
Evelyn's hand holding her utensils paused. She knew Zeal's background wasn't simple, but she hadn't expected him to have this much pull—or to extend such a clear olive branch.
"Mr. Jennings," she chose her words carefully, "I really appreciate the recognition. However, I haven't finished my current project yet, and... I'm planning to leave the city afterward."
"You can finish Sparkle with peace of mind," Zeal's tone was confident. "Location isn't an issue. Timing isn't an issue. This position—I'll keep it open for you. So, what do you say? Think it over?"