Chapter 51
When Evelyn arrived at the company, the company-wide email announcing her appointment as Vice President of Limbo Inc. had already been sent.
At the same time, another message went out: Matthew's mother Emma was retiring from the Perkins Group.
The news set the entire company buzzing.
"Evelyn's had one successful project after another lately—she's really made it!"
"We can't call her Evelyn anymore—we should call her Miss Arden!"
"Wonder if Mrs. Perkins's retirement has anything to do with Miss Arden?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Be careful Miss Arden and Mr. Perkins don't hear you."
Evelyn ignored it all and walked straight into the conference room.
Several Limbo Inc. executives were already waiting inside. She'd just sat down and was about to begin when the conference room door swung open.
A middle-aged man walked in without knocking or greeting anyone, just standing there. Evelyn recognized him—Walt from the Perkins Group's procurement department.
Walt was a distant relative of Emma's who'd married into the Perkins family and had always served Emma loyally.
"Miss Arden," he began, his tone condescending, "since when can an outsider take a core position at the Perkins Group?"
The Limbo Inc. executives exchanged glances but cautiously said nothing.
Walt continued, "You're meeting with them directly—did you ask the Perkins family for permission?"
He looked at Evelyn, sneering inwardly. Though Matthew had founded Limbo Inc. himself, previous appointments always involved some input from the Perkins Group.
This time Matthew had bypassed the Perkins family entirely. The appointment itself was minor, but... it meant Matthew's voice in the family was growing stronger, even showing signs of breaking free from their control.
Emma had sent him to put Evelyn in her place and remind Matthew.
Evelyn looked at him, her expression calm. "The appointment went through proper internal approval. It's legal and compliant," she said. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"Whether I have a problem doesn't matter," Walt stepped forward. "Disrespecting the Perkins family will leave you with nothing. Besides... how can anyone feel confident with you running a Perkins Group company? What does someone who slept her way to the top know about corporate management?"
Walt pressed harder with each statement, trying to embarrass Evelyn in front of everyone.
Evelyn smiled, showing none of the discomfort or anxiety Walt had hoped for. She moved closer to him.
"How exactly did I sleep my way up? Do you have evidence? Why don't you share it with everyone?"
"You!" Walt hadn't expected Evelyn to be so composed. His face flushed red. "I don't have evidence, but it's all over the Perkins Group. How could it be false?"
"Oh?" Her voice turned cold. "Without evidence, that's slander. And..." she continued slowly, "you seem very knowledgeable about Perkins family affairs. Someone might think your surname was Perkins."
Walt's expression changed, but Evelyn didn't wait for his response. "Matthew hasn't said anything—when is it your turn to point fingers here?"
She paused. "Is it because you've been a manager for so many years without any real achievements? Oh, that's not surprising... after all, you married into the family. I suppose all you've learned in these years is how to flatter women?"
Walt's face turned crimson. He was an in-law of a distant Perkins relative who'd married into the family, relying on that connection to get into the company and always serving Emma.
Everyone in the company knew this, but no one dared say it to his face. Now that Evelyn had exposed him publicly, he flew into a rage and raised his hand to strike her.
"Enough."
A cold voice came from the doorway. Matthew strode in and grabbed Walt's wrist.
"Walt," he looked at him, his gaze sharp as a knife, "are you questioning my decision?"
Cold sweat immediately broke out on Walt. "Mr. Perkins, I... I didn't mean that..."
Matthew ignored him. He looked at the people in the conference room and those watching from the doorway, his voice low but crystal clear.
"Evelyn's capabilities have been recognized by Mr. Jack and Ellen. Everyone has witnessed this."
He paused before continuing. "Does anyone think they're more professional than these two? Or have better judgment than me?"
The room fell silent. People nodded and murmured quietly, "No, no, Mr. Perkins is right."
Walt slunk away. Once the commotion died down, Evelyn returned to her office.
Matthew followed. "Are you angry?"
Evelyn shook her head. "Just a lackey," she said. "You know better than I do who's behind him."
Matthew was silent for a moment. "I've already removed my mother's position," he said. "I'll handle the aftermath gradually."
Evelyn nodded and said nothing more.
After Matthew left, she pulled out her phone and sent Kate a message: [Need you to dig up info on someone. Walt Taylor, distant Perkins relative. All the dirt, the more detailed the better. When you're done, send a copy to his wife.]
Kate replied instantly: [Got it. You stirring up trouble?]
Evelyn: [He provoked me first. Why should I just take it?]
Kate: [You can count on me! ]
Near the end of the workday, Evelyn's phone rang. It was Walt. She glanced at it but didn't answer.
The phone kept ringing. After waiting a bit, Evelyn finally picked up leisurely.
"Evelyn!" The voice on the other end was furious. "Did you send those files?!"
Evelyn said nothing.
"What are you trying to pull?! My wife wants a divorce now! I'm not done with you!"
Evelyn finally spoke, her voice slow. "Walt, some kind person just compiled your activities and showed them to your wife. How is that malicious?"
"You—!"
"Besides," she interrupted, "if you hadn't done anything wrong, why are you so worked up?"
"You!..."
Evelyn didn't bother with him further. She hung up and blocked his number.
On WhatsApp, Kate's message popped up: [This Walt guy—not only did he embezzle and cheat, he secretly transferred his wife's assets too. A scumbag like that deserves what he gets.]
Evelyn looked at the message, her lips curving into a smile. Her mood improved considerably.
When Matthew walked in, he caught her smiling and paused. "Good mood?"
Evelyn didn't answer.
"I've already fired Walt," Matthew said. "I hear things aren't peaceful at his home either. Saves me the trouble."
He looked at Evelyn. "Your hacker friend's work, I assume?"
Evelyn neither confirmed nor denied.
Matthew looked at her, his tone both indulgent and helpless. "You really do hold grudges."
Evelyn didn't respond, just gathered her things to leave.
Matthew walked over and stood in front of her. "There's a business dinner tonight to discuss the collaboration with Jack's side," he said. "Come with me."