Chapter 178

Chapter 178

"Miss Adam, we've been considering a city landscape reconstruction project since the beginning of the year, but we've been struggling to find the right team."

"I wonder if there's an opportunity to collaborate with you?"

A government official who looked to be in his thirties or forties handed over his business card. "Your proposal was truly breathtaking!"

"I honestly didn't expect that as a returnee with an overseas background, you could grasp the core of a domestic enterprise so precisely. Truly impressive!"

Evelyn accepted his card and responded one by one to the questions from the shareholders crowding around.

After quite a while, the crowd finally dispersed.

Evelyn let out a gentle breath.

She hadn't been back to the country in so long—these social situations still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

"Adam, I admire you so much! We fought a beautiful battle!" Mira looked at Evelyn with worshipful eyes.

Evelyn smiled. "The bid results aren't out yet."

"Some things—the ending is already decided~" Mira was so happy she even started humming.

The two were about to walk back to their team when the first two bidders also approached.

"Adam, I'm your fan!"

"I've been following your overseas investment cases. I never imagined you'd handle domestic traditional enterprise projects so skillfully too!"

The young man speaking was blushing. "Your proposal completely crushed the one we designed!"

"Not at all." Evelyn smiled. "Your proposal had some great design elements too. I made notes on several points."

"Really?" His eyes lit up.

He hadn't expected the legendary goddess to be so approachable and humble—and so beautiful!

"Can I add your contact?" The other person also spoke, face flushed.

Hearing this, Mira smoothly raised a QR code on her phone. "Just scan this."

The two hurriedly scanned the code and left looking thrilled.

Just then, Matthew walked up with unhappiness written all over his face.

"Everyone gets the afternoon off. Go wherever you want—the company will reimburse everything."

"Thank you, Adam~" Mira, following Evelyn's signal, immediately scurried away.

"What's wrong? Unhappy I won?" Evelyn teased Matthew.

"Why did you let them add your WhatsApp so easily?"

"They added you so smoothly. When I tried adding you countless times, you never accepted."

Matthew's tone was sour, like a whole vinegar jar.

Before Evelyn could answer, she received a flight reminder from Mira:

"Departing tomorrow at 2 PM."

Matthew saw it too and became even more sullen.

"You're leaving tomorrow? When are you coming back?"

Evelyn didn't answer. Instead, she blocked his body from getting closer. "We're in public. Keep some distance."

Matthew stopped, looking at her with resentful eyes.

Evelyn: ...

"Are you leaving with the Limbo Inc. people later?"

"I'm not leaving. I came to be with you."

"Fine, then I'm going."

"Where?" Matthew was displeased. Was she abandoning him again?

"Where do you think? To water your plants." Evelyn stopped teasing him and answered with a smile.

Matthew froze, then quickly followed.

Only the two of them were in the elevator.

Matthew leaned on her shoulder. Evelyn pushed him a few times but couldn't budge him, so she gave up.

"Honey, you were amazing just now."

Evelyn was speechless. This man really knew how to push his luck.

"When Sloane was presenting earlier, I noticed your team members' expressions seemed off. Was there a problem?"

"Nothing much." Evelyn's tone was flat. She didn't want to be someone who complained behind people's backs.

But just because she didn't say anything didn't mean someone wouldn't come running to tell.



Time rewinds to ten minutes ago.

When Sloane saw Matthew walking toward Evelyn, she nearly ground her teeth to dust.

Then she saw Adam frowning and whispering something to Matthew, making her heart sink even more.

She guessed Adam was probably complaining about her plagiarism.

She'd already lost—she absolutely couldn't let Matthew form a bad impression of her too!

Hatred flashed in Sloane's eyes as a plan formed.

She got off the elevator before Matthew and Evelyn and waited by the elevator entrance in the underground parking garage.

As soon as they exited the elevator, they saw Sloane waiting at the door.

Evelyn paused, instinctively looking at Matthew.

Matthew also frowned, his voice unconsciously deepening. "Sloane, is something wrong?"

Sloane looked at him, tears immediately falling.

"Matthew, I'm sorry..." Her voice trembled. She looked up at Evelyn with tear-filled eyes. "I did something wrong."

Evelyn said nothing, like watching a show that had nothing to do with her.

Matthew frowned. "What?"

"The proposal just now... I collaborated with an expert on it."

Sloane's voice was full of grievance. "I only just found out that proposal was one Zenith Enterprises Group had previously discarded."

"The person I collaborated with—I can't reach them at all... I'm really worried Miss Gray might misunderstand me."

Matthew turned to look at Evelyn. No wonder.

But such a major issue, and Evelyn hadn't told him.

Matthew was unhappy.

Seeing no reaction from him, Sloane panicked inside.

"Matthew, I really didn't mean to..." Her voice grew softer. "I just wanted to win this project so badly."

"I know Miss Gray is very capable, so this time I really prepared thoroughly."

"When that person showed me the proposal, I was immediately amazed, so..."

"I really didn't expect this to happen. I have no idea why Zenith Enterprises Group's proposal ended up in that person's hands..."

Evelyn understood and sneered inwardly.

Sloane was implying someone had set her up—or more bluntly, that Evelyn had set her up.

Three years had passed, and Sloane still only knew how to play innocent. No progress at all.

Or was she so confident Matthew would definitely believe her?

That she could make up any excuse and Matthew would buy it?

"Regardless of your intentions, the result is a major business incident." Matthew spoke coldly.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a bucket of cold water poured over Sloane's head.

She'd made mistakes at the company before, but Matthew had never spoken so harshly.

He'd always quietly handle things for her, never embarrassing her.

But today...

She bit her lip, eyes brimming with tears. "Did Miss Gray say something to you first?"

"She accused me of plagiarism, and you believed her?"

"She said nothing." Matthew glanced at Evelyn, speaking coolly.

"Yes, I'm also curious why she didn't tell me about such a big matter."

Sloane stopped talking, just silently shedding tears, curling herself into a pitiful ball.

Evelyn was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

"I didn't say anything because there was no need." She finally spoke, her gaze calm.

"I can handle things myself. I don't need to tattle to anyone."

She paused, her gaze shifting to Sloane.

"Besides, whether someone plagiarized—everyone knows in their hearts."

"I already won. I don't need to make a fuss."

Sloane's face alternated between white and green, unable to say a word.

"Let's go." Evelyn turned away, no longer looking at Sloane. "If we don't leave now, your precious plants are going to die of thirst."

Matthew froze, then quickly followed.

After a few steps, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Sloane.

"I'll have someone investigate this matter thoroughly. If it really was plagiarism, whoever's responsible will face consequences. The company won't tolerate it."

Sloane's whole body stiffened, as if nailed in place.

Matthew didn't look at her again. He turned and caught up with Evelyn, reaching for her hand.

Evelyn shook once but couldn't shake free. He gripped even tighter.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but ultimately stopped struggling.

The two walked hand in hand toward the car.

Sloane stood there watching their retreating figures, tears still on her face, but her pitiful appearance had vanished.

Her eyes were full of hatred.