Chapter 53: Close Call
"Then he'll be too busy saving his own ass to protect that mistress!"
Right, how could she have forgotten?
She had seen the old files labeled "Confidential," which held all of Omni Group's dirty secrets.
"Those files are locked in the top-floor archives," Evelyn remembered. "But... security is really tight."
"Can even the tightest security stop 'Mrs. Green'?"
Sophie raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. "You're still his legal wife. Going back to your husband's company to grab some 'personal items'? Who's going to stop you?"
They exchanged a look, immediately agreeing on a plan.
"Once the Director is more stable, before the final review. I'll go back to Omni Group. I'll copy those documents, every single one."
The next day, at the Omni Group tower.
As Evelyn and Sophie entered through the revolving door, the receptionist's eyes were judgmental.
"Madam, your leave hasn't ended yet. Is there an important matter you need to address by coming in now?"
"I'm here to pick up some personal belongings and files I left behind," Evelyn kept her voice steady. "In the Design Department."
Sophie added, "Yes, some very important manuscripts. Evelyn cherishes them."
They took the elevator directly to the Design Department.
The doors opened to the familiar noise and activity. The clatter of keyboards, the hum of printers, the hushed conversations—everything was the same as when she left, yet felt utterly distant.
Former colleagues who used to nod and smile now either pretended not to see her or cast complicated, pitying looks.
A harsh voice cut through the air.
"Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence. Isn't this our honored Mrs. Green?"
Lilian walked over, arms crossed, her sharp heels clicking with a deliberate sway.
"Such a rare visit. What's wrong? Did Damian dump you, and now you're thinking of stealing company property to sell off?"
A few staff members behind her let out stifled giggles.
Evelyn’s nails dug into her palm. She told herself, Don't bother with her. She's not worth it.
"Lilian, I'm just here for my own things." Evelyn’s voice was ice cold. "Did Damian tell you I wasn't allowed to touch anything without his permission? Are you sure you didn't just make that up?"
Lilian's expression briefly froze. Damian's actual instruction was just for her to work hard and avoid mistakes.
"Mr. Green absolutely gave those instructions!" Lilian raised her voice. "My sister, Sienna, is currently helping manage the company. Without her permission, you can't take so much as a piece of scrap paper!"
She emphasized "Sienna" deliberately, as if staking her claim.
Sophie snorted, about to retaliate, but Evelyn stopped her with a glance.
"I'm just getting my personal items." Evelyn walked around Lilian, heading straight for her old desk.
The spot had been completely cleared, leaving only a lonely cardboard box containing some of her design books and personal effects. It looked like abandoned junk.
Lilian followed her like a warden.
"Get your things and go. Stop cluttering up the place and bothering everyone's work."
Evelyn ignored her, bent down, and slowly began sorting through the box. She deliberately dropped a stack of heavy design annuals on the floor with a loud CRASH.
"Sorry, slippery hands."
Lilian impatiently urged, "Can you hurry up? You're so clumsy!"
Evelyn and Sophie exchanged a look. Sophie "accidentally" knocked over a water glass on a nearby desk, splashing coffee all over Lilian.
"Ah! Damn it, you'll pay for my dress!"
While Sophie tied up Lilian, Evelyn quickly slipped away to the filing cabinets at the far end of the office. She smoothly pulled out a thick folder, shielded the cabinet from the security camera with her body, and quickly opened it.
This was it.
Inside, she not only found the original sketches and revision records about the independent designer theft she'd seen before, but also things she hadn't expected: a large stack of bank statements and expense receipts.
The payee column listed Sienna's name.
Chanel couture dresses, Hermès Birkin bags, Cartier diamond bracelets... a record of massive expenses over several years.
The payment account was a reserve fund from an Omni Group affiliate.
Damian was using company money to pay for his mistress. This wasn't just poor morals; it was outright corporate fraud.
Behind her, Sophie was handling Lilian while urging her with a flick of her eyes.
Evelyn didn't waste another second. She quickly pulled out her phone, aimed at the most crucial financial records and design theft sheets, and snapped the pictures, her finger trembling on the shutter.
After taking the photos, she slid the files back into the folder. Just as she was about to replace it, Sophie, having cleverly disengaged from Lilian, walked over. "Got it? Let's leave."
They hadn't taken two steps when a high-pitched voice erupted behind them.
"Stop! What are you holding?!"
Lilian's suspicion had finally won out. She rushed over.
"I told you, my personal belongings," Evelyn said, turning to leave.
"Bullshit! Would your personal stuff be in the company's confidential archive?" Lilian reached out to grab it. "Let me see! Did you steal company secrets?"
"Let go!" Evelyn dodged.
"Guilty? Don't want me to see?" Lilian was relentless, her nails almost scratching Evelyn's arm.
Sophie immediately stepped in front of Evelyn. "Lilian, what the hell is your problem? Stop acting like a crazy dog!"
"Get away from me!"
During the struggle, a folder slipped from Evelyn's grasp.
SMACK! It hit the polished floor hard.
The clasp broke, and the papers scattered everywhere.
The air went dead silent.
All eyes focused on the documents scattered on the floor.
The top few sheets were the preliminary sketches for the 'Autumn/Winter Collection' that Evelyn had been working on. She had prepared them in advance to mislead anyone who looked.